NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD News) — Pasture conditions have improved in several regions, but forage stress remains worse than last year and continues limiting cattle herd expansion. Mississippi State University livestock economist Dr. Josh Maples says moisture shortages remain a major constraint.
In the Southeast, pasture rated poor or very poor improved from about 36 percent in early May to 26 percent in early July. That remains far above last year’s 6 percent and the five-year average near 15 percent.
Texas and Oklahoma improved from roughly 38 percent poor or very poor to 29 percent. Conditions remain worse than last year but are close to the regional five-year average of 26 percent.
The Great Plains remain the most stressed region, with about 40 percent rated poor or very poor. Western conditions are comparatively better, running below both last year and the five-year average.
Limited forage reduces carrying capacity, slows heifer retention, and raises supplemental feed costs. Southern producers are also dealing with pasture mealybugs damaging bermudagrass and other forage.
