Homestead Pasture Rotation Calculator
Created by: Ethan Brooks
Last updated:
Plan your rotational grazing system. Enter pasture size, animal type, and herd size to get paddock dimensions, rotation schedules, and stocking rate analysis for sustainable grazing management.
Homestead Pasture Rotation Calculator
HomesteadingPlan paddock sizes and rotation schedules for rotational grazing.
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What is a Homesteading Pasture Rotation Calculator?
A homesteading pasture rotation calculator helps you design a managed rotational grazing system for your livestock. Managed rotational grazing transforms pasture management from continuous grazing to a system that mimics natural herd movement. Animals graze intensively for short periods, then pastures rest and regrow, increasing forage production by 30-50%.
Understanding Stocking Rates
Stocking rate describes how many animals can sustainably graze an area. It's measured in Animal Units (AU) per acre. A typical improved pasture supports 0.5-1.5 AU per acre annually, depending on rainfall, soil fertility, and management intensity. Rotational grazing allows higher stocking rates than continuous grazing.
Paddock Design Principles
Square or nearly square paddocks are most efficient for fencing and water access. Each paddock needs a water source within 800 feet of all grazing areas. Shade should be distributed across paddocks or provided in lanes. More, smaller paddocks generally improve pasture performance but require more infrastructure.
Seasonal Adjustments
Grass growth varies dramatically by season. Spring flush may produce 50% of annual forage in cool-season pastures. Summer growth slows, especially in heat and drought. Adjust grazing pressure by hay feeding, temporary fencing, or reducing stock to match forage availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rotational grazing and why does it matter?
Rotational grazing divides pastures into paddocks that animals graze for short periods (1-7 days) before moving to the next. This allows grass to recover, improves pasture health, increases carrying capacity by 25-50%, reduces parasites, and provides more consistent forage quality.
How long should I let pasture rest between grazings?
Rest periods depend on grass type and season. Cool season grasses need 21-45 days, with shorter rests in spring and longer in summer heat. Warm season grasses recover faster in summer (21-28 days) but need longer rest in cooler weather. Never graze below 3 inches.
How many paddocks do I need for rotational grazing?
The minimum is 3-4 paddocks, but 8-12 paddocks allow for better pasture recovery and flexibility. More paddocks enable shorter grazing periods and longer rest, improving grass regrowth. For intensive management, some farms use 30+ paddocks with daily moves.
What is an Animal Unit (AU)?
An Animal Unit equals one 1,000-pound beef cow with calf. It's a standard measure to compare forage needs across species. A sheep is about 0.2 AU, a horse 1.25 AU, and dairy cattle 1.4 AU. This helps calculate stocking rates regardless of what animals you raise.
How do I know if my pasture is overgrazed?
Signs of overgrazing include grass shorter than 3 inches, bare soil patches, increased weeds, animal weight loss, and slow regrowth. If grass doesn't recover to 6-8 inches before the next grazing, rest periods are too short or stocking rate is too high.
Sources and References
- USDA NRCS, "Prescribed Grazing Management"
- American Grassfed Association, "Rotational Grazing Standards"
- University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, "Rotational Grazing Guide"