Carrying Capacity Worksheet
A worksheet for estimating carrying capacity of a pasture from forage yield, grazing efficiency and animal needs, used by ranchers setting stocking numbers.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
WorksheetForages, Pasture & GrazingFree PDF
What you fill in
- Pasture name and area
- Forage type and condition
- Estimated forage production
- Share left for the soil
- Animal class and forage needs
- Length of grazing period
- Calculated carrying capacity
- Notes on adjustments
How to use this worksheet
Fill it out in pencil first, check the numbers against your records, then ink it. Make a fresh copy for each field, pen or enterprise.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with USDA NRCS and eXtension.
For more in this area, see the cow-calf and ranch know-how. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Ranch Rodeo Events Add Calf Chase While Carrying Coffee; Real Ranchers Sweep Medals, and farming farm stories.