Stocking Rate Calculator
Estimate pasture carrying capacity from forage dry matter, utilization, animal units, and grazing months.
Planning estimate only. Soil, rainfall, forage species, and grazing history change real capacity. Verify with local extension or an agronomist.
How carrying capacity is calculated
Total forage dry matter is acres times yield. Available forage is total forage times utilization. Animal-unit months are available forage divided by 780 lb dry matter, then head count divides AUMs by AUE and grazing months.
Sources
Forage and AUM formulas: Beef Cattle Research Council carrying-capacity guidance. Animal unit definitions: USDA NRCS and Oregon State Extension. Grazed forage utilization: OMAFRA forage production guidance.