Despite Dry, Hot Weather Idaho Pastures Look Good

It’s a tale of two countries when it comes to pasture and rangeland conditions across the U.S.  The latest numbers from the USDA show the eastern half of the country benefited from a wet May and early June.

“43% of the nation's rangeland and pastures rated good to excellent, up one percentage point from last week," noted USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey.  "31% rated very poor to poor. That is down to points from the previous week.”

Pasture Conditions In Idaho Continue To Hold

Most of those positive numbers are found in states like Missouri, Kentucky, Alabama, Ohio and North Carolina, all reported good to excellent numbers near or above 80%.  Out here in the west, things are a little dryer, resulting in declining numbers.

“But still hanging on pretty good in states like California and Idaho," Rippey said.  "For example, Idaho coming in this week, 74% good to excellent.  But with the heat and the dryness, we have seen some declines and we'll keep an eye on the trend in the west.” 

Some of the poorest rangeland conditions have been reported out here in the west, including Montana, Wyoming and New Mexico.

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