Calculate sustainable stocking rates for your pasture and herd management.
Forage & Pasture Data
lbs DM / Acre
Animal Profile
lbs
% BW / Day
Days
Stocking Capacity
0.56Animals / Acre
Sustainable Stocking Rate
Acres Per Animal1.8ac/head
Herd Capacity (per 100 ac)55Head
Stocking Rate Sensitivity
Sustainable stocking rate vs Pasture Utilization %.
About this calculator
The Golden Rule: Take Half, Leave Half
Effective grazing management relies on the 50% Utilization Rule. If you overgraze, the root systems of your forage die back, leading to soil erosion and poor regrowth next season. Leaving 50% of the leaf area ensures rapid recovery and soil health.
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Pro Tips
Rotational grazing (moving cattle every few days) drastically increases your pasture's yield.
Ensure cattle have constant access to clean, fresh water to maximize forage intake.
Plan your stocking rate for the 'summer slump' months, not the peak growth months.
Animal Unit (AU) is standardized as one 1,000 lb cow. A 1,400 lb cow is 1.4 AU.
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Fun Facts
"Animals don't just eat; they trample, dung, and lie on grass, which is why 100% utilization is impossible."
"Standardized AU assumes a 1,000 lb cow with or without a calf."
"Lactating cows eat about 3% of their body weight daily, while dry cows eat 2%."
"Proper stocking rates can prevent overgrazing and maintain high biodiversity in pastures."
