Aerial view of pastureland for stocking rate calculation

Weidebesatz-Rechner

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Jährliche Futterproduktion: 4,000 lbs Trockenmasse/Acre

KonservativModeratIntensiv

Ausgewogene Nutzung für typische kontinuierliche Weidesysteme.

Monatlicher Futterbedarf
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Tragfähigkeit
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Besatzdauer
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Acres pro Tier
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ViehtypDurchschn. GewichtAU-ÄquivalentMonatliches Futter
Rinder (Mutterkuh)1,000 lbs1780 lbs
Rinder (Masttiere)600 lbs0.7546 lbs
Schafe150 lbs0.2156 lbs
Ziegen120 lbs0.17133 lbs
Pferde1,100 lbs1.25975 lbs
Schweine (Weidehaltung)250 lbs0.4312 lbs

Tiereinheit (AU)-Äquivalente basieren auf einer Standardkuh von 1.000 lb als 1,0 AU.

FutterregionJahresertragAU pro Acre
Südosten USA (feucht)5,0000.27
Mittlerer Westen USA (Grasprärie)4,0000.21
Great Plains (Mischgrasland)2,5000.13
Arider Westen (Weideland)1,2000.06
Pazifischer Nordwesten4,5000.24
Nordosten USA3,5000.19

Futterträge sind regionale Durchschnittswerte — die tatsächliche Produktion variiert je nach Boden, Niederschlag und Managementpraktiken.

Understanding Stocking Rate

Stocking rate is the number of animals grazing a given area for a specific time. It's the most important management decision a livestock producer makes — overstock and you degrade pasture, understock and you leave money on the table.

The standard unit is the Animal Unit (AU): one 1,000-lb cow with calf consuming about 780 lbs of dry forage per month. Other livestock are expressed as fractions: sheep ≈ 0.2 AU, goats ≈ 0.17 AU, horses ≈ 1.25 AU.

Carrying Capacity by Region

RegionForage (lbs/acre)~Acres per Cow
Southeast US5,0002–3
Midwest (tall-grass)4,0002–4
Great Plains (mixed)2,5004–8
Arid West1,2008–15
Pacific NW4,5002–4

Rotational Grazing Basics

Dividing pasture into paddocks and rotating livestock through them allows each paddock rest time for regrowth. The “take half, leave half” rule (50% utilization) is the gold standard. With 8 paddocks grazed 3–4 days each, rest periods reach 21–28 days — enough for full recovery in most climates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cows can I run per acre?

It varies by region. In productive Southeast pasture (5,000 lbs forage/acre), about 1 cow per 2 acres. In the arid West (1,200 lbs/acre), you may need 8–10 acres per cow.

What is an Animal Unit Month (AUM)?

An AUM is the forage needed for one 1,000-lb cow with calf for one month — about 780 lbs of dry matter. Sheep are ~0.2 AU, horses ~1.25 AU.

What utilization rate should I use?

50% is the standard (“take half, leave half”). This maintains pasture health and root reserves. Going above 65% risks overgrazing.

How does rotational grazing improve capacity?

Rotational grazing can increase carrying capacity 25–50% vs. continuous grazing by allowing paddocks adequate rest for regrowth.

How many paddocks do I need?

Minimum 4, ideally 8–12. More paddocks = longer rest periods. With 8 paddocks grazed 3–4 days each, rest periods reach 21–28 days.

Measure Your Pasture by GPS

LandLens measures pasture area, paddock boundaries, and fence lines with GPS precision — right from your phone.

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