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To start the month, the USDA reported 39% of pastures and rangelands across the nation were in poor to very poor condition.  Last week, that figure improved slightly to 37%, but according to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, pasture and rangeland conditions remain a huge concern. He noted in several states, especially in the West, range and pasture conditions are "really desperate."

In some states, almost all pastures are rated poor to very poor shape. For example, take the states with at least 70% of pastures in very poor to poor condition. 

"Northwestern states of Washington and Oregon. Also seeing very dire conditions as you move in to the southwest: Arizona at over 80% very poor to poor."

And there are many states with at least half pastures at very poor to poor  shape including California, Nevada,  Utah, and New Mexico.

And Rippey noted that's not all.

"Three Northern Plain states, Montana, and the Dakotas."

Rippey added that pasture conditions are improving in the south central plain states and southern corn belt as well. 

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