USDA Issues Final Pasture Report of 2018

How did the final pasture report of the year shape up?

It was a tale of two halves.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey said exactly half of the nation's rangeland and pastures were rated in good to excellent condition, with just  20% very poor to poor, which he said were nice round numbers to end the season.

"The best rangeland and pastures at this point, and for a long time now have been across the Central and Eastern parts of the United States.  it's really remarkable to come to the time of the year and see number like we see in states like Nebraska, 78 percent rated good to excellent."

Rippey said other states with good pastures include Oklahoma, Alabama, Kentucky, Virginia and Maryland.  But, out here, we just can't shake this year's drought.

"Top of the list is Oregon, 71% very poor to poor."

Other states on the dry side include Utah and California.