During dry times like we’re currently experiencing, it’s beneficial to be especially mindful of stocking rates and their implications on range/pastureland. The following resource is a great tool to help understand what various livestock and wildlife species requirements are and how that relates back to animal units (AU).
When you look at daily and annual forage intake, it really puts things into perspective. For the longest time, we’ve assumed that 1 AU was equal to a 1,000 pound cow and her calf. As you know, we don’t have many 1,000 pound cows anymore. Most are probably closer to 1,300 pounds and up. If you don’t know on average what your cows weigh, use a sale ticket from a local auction barn or find access to a set of scales. An individual’s ability to make adjustments and stock pastures accordingly goes a long way toward being a responsible, good land steward.