Stocking Rate Calculator
Calculate livestock stocking rate using pasture acreage and total animal units.
Inputs
How It Works
Stocking Rate = Total Animal Units ÷ Acres
Acres per AU = Acres ÷ Total Animal Units
Proper stocking rate prevents overgrazing and maintains pasture health.
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FAQ
What is stocking rate?
Stocking rate measures the number of animal units grazing per acre over a given time period.
Why is stocking rate important?
Proper stocking rates protect forage productivity, reduce erosion risk, and improve livestock performance.
What happens if stocking rate is too high?
Excessive stocking can lead to overgrazing, soil compaction, reduced forage regrowth, and long-term pasture damage.
Understanding Stocking Rate in Grazing Systems
Stocking rate is one of the most critical management decisions in grazing operations. It defines how many animal units graze a specific number of acres during a defined period. Proper stocking rate management ensures sustainable forage utilization while supporting optimal livestock performance.
When stocking rate is too high, forage demand exceeds pasture growth, leading to overgrazing and long-term productivity loss. Conversely, excessively low stocking rates may reduce pasture utilization efficiency. Balancing animal demand with forage supply is essential for sustainable grazing systems.
Using a stocking rate calculator allows producers to quickly determine animal units per acre and acres required per animal unit. When combined with animal unit and carrying capacity calculations, stocking rate provides a complete framework for responsible grazing management and long-term pasture health.