Despite hurricanes in the Atlantic, the first week of October showed signs of gradual decline for pasture and rangelands in the country.
The national averages are sitting at 46% very poor to poor. That is up 3% compared to last week.
Meanwhile, just 25% are rating good to excellent. The biggest declines are being seen out west.
According to USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey, “The biggest story right now is some of the declining pasture and rangeland conditions, notably across the western half of the country, from the plains westward. Leading the way this week for the western U.S. is Washington state, 76% very poor to poor. Other states at or above 50% across the western half of the country this week include Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Texas, and Arizona.”
With many facing less than ideal conditions it may be surprising to learn just how many are not taking advantage of tools that are available to help.
The Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Rainfall Index is a crop insurance product that goes under-used in Illinois specifically. Just 6% of eligible acres were insured this year.
That is much lower than rates west of the Mississippi.
It protects producers against lower-than-average rainfall which could decrease forage production.
