Drought conditions are tightening their grip across the U.S., with new USDA data showing a week-over-week drop in pasture and range quality-particularly in key cow-calf states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Utah.

According to the latest USDA NASS Crop Progress report, pasture and range conditions continue to erode, following a broader trend that, while not as extreme as last year, has now become persistent. Warm, dry weather across the Central and Southern Plains is limiting fall grass growth, further stressing livestock producers heading into the winter.

Texas saw a 6-point drop in its good-to-excellent pasture category, now sitting at just 26%, while very poor-to-poor conditions increased to 32%, up 4 points. Oklahoma, meanwhile, reported a 3-point decrease in good-to-excellent ratings (now at 55%)-though its very poor-to-poor category improved slightly, falling to 10%.

Other sharp declines in pasture conditions were seen in Utah (-11 points), Iowa (-7 points), and Colorado (-5 points), with producers across these states reporting early signs of winter feed stress.

The Southwest remains a major drought hotspot. Nevada and Arizona top the list with 90% and 88% of pastures rated very poor-to-poor, respectively. In the Northern Plains and Midwest, Montana (60%), Wyoming (51%), and Illinois (51%) are also reporting majority-poor conditions.

In the Southeast, Alabama Extension at Auburn University reports that 95% of the state is experiencing some level of dryness or drought. For local cattle producers like Jack Robertson, based in east-central Alabama, the impact is direct and costly. "Drought also delays the planting of winter grazing, and if you have to supplement feed, you are paying more than it would have cost to grow the forage," Robertson said. "In the long run, droughts cost you more money and time for less beef production."

According to DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick, the Central and Southern Plains will remain warm and dry this week-good for fieldwork, but not for fall forage development. Some relief could come midweek, with a cold front pushing into the Northern Plains, bringing light showers and cooler air into the weekend. The Delta region, however, is expected to remain hot and dry.

Nationally, USDA's latest ratings show that only 32% of pasture and range land is rated good to excellent, down slightly from last week and still well below optimal heading into the fall. Compared to last year, when only 26% fell into these top categories, current figures look better-but the week-over-week deterioration signals increasing stress on forage systems.

As winter approaches, livestock producers are being forced to reevaluate hay inventories, supplemental feed plans, and winter pasture strategy. For many, input costs are climbing, while pasture recovery lags behind.