The dry conditions have lead to forest fires, some are the worst in half a century. In the Western region all states have pasture conditions below average. The next lowest is Wyoming with an index of 30.8, down 58 percent from last year s. Moving east into the North Central region conditions in general improve. However, Nebraska s pasture conditions are very low at 26.5, with Kansas, Wisconsin and South Dakota are below average.
Conditions are below average in Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.
Pasture conditions are the highest in the Northeastern region at 73, more than double the year before. The highest pasture conditions are in Maine at 83.3. Precipitation has been so plentiful in Maine that hay quality has been adversely affected. The low pasture conditions indicate less hay production and increase demand for hay in affected areas. Generally, the conditions adversely affecting pasture conditions also adversely impact hay production.