Pasture conditions across the nation are at record low levels for the third week in a row. (Stephanie Ho and USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey)

There are more pastures in the country rated in poor, rather than good, condition. (Stephanie Ho and USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey)

USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, says the western half of the country tends to dominate in terms of poor pasture conditions.

USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, says the country's best pastures are in the eastern part of the country.

Notable topsoil moisture shortages remain in the western half of the country. (Stephanie Ho and USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey)

USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, has a look at where the worst topsoil moisture shortages are in the nation this week.

USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, has a detailed look at which states in the country have topsoil moisture surpluses.

One expert says 2021 is shaping up to be the second rough year in a row for the beef cattle industry. (Gary Crawford and USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer) **Broadcasters, Use this story prior to USDA's Cattle on Feed report to be released this Friday, May 21st at 3pm EDT. This story mentions that...

Seth Meyer, USDA Chief Economist with a litany of problems that the beef cattle industry has been facing in the last two years.

Growing Western drought has some cattle producers considering a reduction of stocking rates to assure proper forage and feed. (Rod Bain and Aaron Berger of University of Nebraska Extension.)