Source summary
What this article covered
Current Conditions Overview
Pasture and rangeland conditions across the country are generally drier than last year, with significant portions rated poor or very poor. The Southeast has seen some improvement, but overall conditions remain concerning.
Regional Insights
In the Southeast, the percentage of poor-rated pasture has decreased, but it still lags far behind last year's figures. The Southern Plains and Great Plains are also facing challenges, with the latter being the most affected region.
Impact on Livestock
The ongoing poor conditions are likely to hinder cattle herd expansion, as producers struggle with forage availability. This could lead to a tighter market for livestock.
Invasive Species Challenge
Producers are also dealing with the pasture mealybug, which is damaging key forage crops like bermudagrass, further complicating the situation for livestock operators.
Key takeaways
5 things worth knowing
- 01
Pasture conditions are drier than last year, affecting forage quality.
- 02
Southeast pasture ratings improved but remain significantly worse than last year.
- 03
Southern Plains show similar trends, with poor ratings above the five-year average.
- 04
Great Plains are the most stressed region, impacting cattle operations.
- 05
Invasive pests like the pasture mealybug are further complicating forage health.
Source figures at a glance
At a glance
What the article covered, in 4 signals
Pasture
26% rated poor
Southeast
Improvement from 36% in May, but still below last year.
Pasture
29% rated poor
Southern Plains
Improved from 38% in May, above five-year average.
Pasture
40% rated poor
Great Plains
Most stressed region, down from over 50% in May.
Pests
Invasive threat
Pasture mealybug
Damaging bermudagrass and other forages.
Questions & answers
Quick answers
What are the current pasture conditions in the Southeast?
Pasture conditions in the Southeast improved to 26% rated poor or very poor, down from 36% in May, but still significantly worse than last year.
How do current conditions compare to previous years?
Current pasture ratings are above the five-year average and much worse than last year, when only about 6% were rated poor.
What is the impact of the pasture mealybug?
The pasture mealybug is damaging bermudagrass and other forages, complicating the forage health situation for producers.
How might these conditions affect cattle operations?
Poor pasture conditions are likely to hinder cattle herd expansion due to limited forage availability.
What regions are most affected by poor pasture conditions?
The Great Plains are currently the most stressed region, with 40% rated poor, followed by the Southern Plains and Southeast.