The latest data from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reveals a widespread decline in pasture conditions across major U.S. cattle-producing states as persistent drought grips much of the country.

Missouri experienced the sharpest drop, with an 11-point decrease in pastureland rated good to excellent, now at just 54%. Simultaneously, the share of pastures rated very poor to poor rose by 5 points, now totaling 16%, according to the USDA Crop Progress Report released Monday.

While Texas and Oklahoma saw minimal changes, the quality trends offer a mixed outlook. Oklahoma improved by 2 percentage points, with 65% of pastures now rated positively. Conversely, Texas pastures rated very poor to poor increased by 3 points to 27%, despite stable good-to-excellent ratings.

With fall approaching, agronomists are encouraging producers to strategically reseed pastures to mitigate ongoing drought effects.

"This is the time to replant cool-season annual forages like annual ryegrass and small grains for fall grazing or hay production," said Mike Trammel, Extension Agronomy Specialist at Oklahoma State University.

He emphasized that successful establishment hinges on controlling existing warm-season grasses and ensuring strong seed-to-soil contact. Soil testing and tailored fertilization based on results are key, he added. "Consulting an agronomist can significantly improve forage outcomes during reseeding," Trammel advised.

Areas hardest hit by yearlong drought, such as Nebraska and Kansas, showed only minor improvements. Nebraska inched up 1 point in good-to-excellent ratings, now at 46%, but also saw a 2-point rise in very poor-to-poor conditions, now 21%. Kansas pasture quality fell 3 points to 59%, with poor ratings rising slightly to 14%.

Southwestern states continue to report the worst pasture conditions in the U.S. Nevada holds steady with 90% of its pasture rated very poor to poor, while Arizona saw a 12-point increase in poor ratings, now at 86%. Montana also struggles, with just 12% rated good to excellent and 53% rated very poor to poor, a 12-point deterioration.

Nationally, pasture ratings show a gradual decline:

• 13% very poor

• 22% poor

• 29% fair

• 28% good

• 8% excellent

Compared to last week, the share of poor and very poor conditions rose by 4 percentage points, while top-quality pasture ratings slipped.

The deteriorating pasture landscape could significantly affect feed availability and cost, directly impacting livestock weight gain, reproduction, and overall health.

As input costs for supplemental feed rise and forage yields remain low, cattle producers are being urged to implement precision pasture management and consult with extension services to optimize resources amid the ongoing drought.