Rest Period Calculator
A worksheet for working out the rest period a paddock needs between grazings, based on growth rate, season and species, for rotational grazers. Work through it top to bottom, using your own records, and revisit it when conditions change.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
WorksheetForages, Pasture & GrazingFree PDF
What you fill in
- Paddock and forage species
- Growing season conditions
- Observed regrowth rate
- Height at turn-in
- Height needed to graze again
- Estimated rest period
- Adjustment for drought or flood
- Planned move date
How to use this worksheet
Work down the lines and fill in what you know. Leave a line blank if you need to look something up, then come back and finish it.
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 eXtension and USDA NRCS.
For more in this area, see the beef cattle guides. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Ranch Loan Calculator, and farming farm stories.