Pasture Update

Pasture Update

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
"Given the extreme wetness over the last year it should be no surprise that the vast majority of the nation's pastures and rangelands are very lush and green, even as we move into mid-June." That was USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey.

"As of the 16th, we are looking at a near record amount of good to excellent ratings, 71 percent nationwide. Just 6 percent of the nation's pastures and rangelands rated in very poor to poor condition."

He says this is a near record level of good to excellent ratings.

"Looking at the last quarter century of data the top pasture and rangeland conditions were observed in mid-June of 1995 and that's actually the only time we've seen higher conditions."

2019 is pretty much tied with 2010 for second place. "Looking at 1995 and 2010 as your two comparisons for mid-June. There have never been any higher pasture and rangeland conditions at any time of year."

And the latest top soil moisture numbers for the week ending June 16.

"We're looking at still more than one fifth of the country, 21 percent reporting surplus top soil moisture seeing seasonal drying along the Pacific Coast. And then we have some drought and dryness stretching along the Canadian border from Washington into North Dakota.

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