Pasture and range conditions in the United States have worsened significantly over the past week, according to the most recent USDA NASS weekly Crop Progress report. Key states such as Colorado and Montana saw the largest drops in "good-to-excellent" pasture ratings, losing 11 and 9 points respectively. In Colorado, only 36% of pastures are now rated as good to excellent, while Montana lags at 9% - both states also saw large increases in the "very-poor to poor" category (Colorado at 34%, Montana at 61%).

Other states including Missouri, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma also recorded 1-5-point declines in good-to-excellent ratings. Missouri, once robust, is now at 31% in good to excellent, with 35% of its pastures very poor to poor. Wyoming declines even more severely: good-to-excellent pastures at just 20%; very poor to poor up to 54%.

In the Midwest, Iowa retains a relatively strong position - about 60% of its pasture is still good to excellent - but Illinois plunged to only 16%, while Wisconsin, despite some decline, remains at 63% in higher categories.

Meanwhile, parts of the Southwest are seeing signs of improvement. Utah stands out with a 12-point increase in good-to-excellent pasture condition, now at 41%, and a 17-point drop in very poor to poor to only 14%. Arizona also showed modest gains: good-to-excellent improved by 3 points; very poor to poor reduced slightly. Nevada, however, remains severely distressed, with 90% of its pastures rated very poor to poor.

Meteorologist John Baranick from DTN notes that showers are expected to continue across the Central and Southern Plains, then shift eastward. While this moisture may delay corn and soybean harvest, it is viewed as a positive signal for winter wheat establishment and pasture recovery. Drought conditions may improve, especially if scattered rains persist through the end of the week in the Midwest. Drier weather forecasted for the weekend and early next week could then allow harvest operations to resume.

From a policy and farm management perspective, these changes are significant. Forage shortages have direct implications on livestock feed costs, crop-livestock systems, and the risk exposure of ranchers to drought. Ensuring that crop insurance, co-op support, and USDA drought relief programs are tuned to this variability will be critical.

Overall, the national pasture and rangeland condition ratings (for all 48 contiguous states) show:

• Very poor: 13%

• Poor: 23%

• Fair: 30%

• Good: 26%

• Excellent: 8%

These figures reflect a net drop in the good/excellent category compared to the previous week.