As of Aug. 11, most of the top 10 beef cow-calf states are seeing strong pasture and range conditions, according to the USDA NASS.
Florida leads with 87% rated good to excellent, followed closely by Missouri at 85% and North Dakota at 67%. Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado follow with 63%, 58%, and 50% respectively.
In contrast, the Southwest remains in severe drought. Nevada has 90% of its pasture and range rated very poor to poor, and Arizona reports 81% in those categories. Montana is also struggling, with 56% rated very poor to poor and only 13% good to excellent. Oklahoma State University Extension specialists noted that poor weather earlier in the season delayed hay baling, but improved conditions later led to strong yields.
Photo Credit: DTN, Progressive Farmer
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