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Enter the number of cows, the pasture quality and the grazing season in days. The calculator multiplies the acres per cow per year for that quality by the season fraction, scales it to the herd or flock, and splits it into 7 rotation paddocks, with a hectares conversion. Results are planning estimates: local rainfall, soil and grass species change real carrying capacity a lot.
A beef cow needs about 1.50 acres per year on good pasture, 3.00 acres on average pasture and 5.00 acres on poor pasture in this calculator. Ten cows on average pasture for a full 365 day season need 30.00 acres, which is 3.00 acres per cow, 4.29 acres per paddock in a 7 paddock rotation, and 12.14 hectares. Twenty cows on good pasture for 180 days need 14.79 acres, because a half season needs about half the yearly area. This cattle stocking rate calculator uses cattle pasture acres per year and the cattle grazing season to set the rate.
One animal unit is roughly one 1000 lb cow with or without a calf, eating about 25 lb of forage per day. Larger cows count as more than one unit, and smaller animals count as less, so convert mixed herds to animal units before comparing with published stocking rates. Local extension stocking rates beat national tables, because rainfall and soil decide how much grass actually grows.
Splitting pasture into 7 paddocks gives each paddock about 6 rest days for every grazing day in a weekly rotation, which helps grass regrow and keeps animals on fresh growth. Measure net grazeable area only: subtract ponds, yards, shelter belts and lanes, because stock cannot eat those. Move animals when grass is grazed down to the residual height for your grass type, not when the ground is bare.
Grass does not grow evenly through the year: spring growth can be several times summer growth, and drought can stop growth entirely. Keep hay backup for dry spells and winter, and destock early rather than overgrazing, because overgrazed pasture recovers slowly and weeds take over. Record grazing days and rainfall each season to build your own carrying capacity figures.
About 1.50 acres per year on good pasture, 3.00 acres on average pasture and 5.00 acres on poor pasture in this calculator. Ten cows on average pasture for a full year need 30.00 acres.
About 0.67 cows per acre on average pasture for a full year (1 cow per 3 acres), or about 1 cow per 1.50 acres on good pasture.
Roughly one 1000 lb cow with or without a calf, eating about 25 lb of forage per day. Larger cows count as more than one unit.
Seven paddocks is a common starting rotation in this calculator, giving each paddock rest while animals graze fresh growth in turn.
Yes, a lot. Poor pasture needs more than three times the area of good pasture per cow in this calculator (5.00 acres against 1.50 acres per year).
Keep hay backup, destock early, and never graze pasture to bare ground. Overgrazed pasture recovers slowly and weeds take over.
Net grazeable area only. Subtract ponds, yards, shelter belts and lanes, because stock cannot eat those.
Daily dry matter, as fed feed and herd totals from cow weight and stage.
Daily and weekly water, trough reserve and gallons for a cattle herd.
Indoor, outdoor and total pen area plus square pen sides for cows.
Daily, gross and saleable milk plus per cow totals for a cow herd.
Estimated due date, calving window, days remaining and progress for cow.
Acres needed, acres per horse, paddock size and hectares for horse pasture.