Washington, Oregon With Some Of They Driest Pastureland In The U.S.

Really, no surprises, as USDA is reporting a spike in very-poor to poor pasture and rangeland conditions across the country.

“The national number on August 10th, rising to 30%, up from last week's 26%," said USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey.  "Meanwhile, pastures and rangelands rated good to excellent, falling to 39%, down from last week's 44%.”

Rippey noted the most of the poorest pasture conditions are found out in the west, with five states, including both Oregon and Washington, with over 40% of pasture and rangeland conditions reported as very-poor to poor.

“We are seeing some of those lower pasture conditions starting to creep eastward from the West.”

• 44% of Washington pasture and rangelands are classified as very-poor to poor
• While 42% of Oregon’s rangelands fall in that category
• Meanwhile 34% of Idaho’s pastureland is considered very-poor to poor. 

Where are the good pasturelands?  You’ll need to go to the Midwest and the east, where several states, including Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina and Florida, have at last 80% of their rangeland considered good to excellent.

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