ABSTRACT
Every rancher has to decide the stocking rate for his pasture--how many animals for how long. If he makes the wrong decision, the problem will be compounded by continuing indecision or unsound decisions. Some important proper-use factors are the species of livestock and wildlife to be grazed, the proper distribution of grazing, and the grazing method employed, but a key concern is setting and adjusting the stocking rate as determined by carrying capacity. Experience and research have helped the grazing-land manager estimate and/or calculate the carrying capacity of either range or tame pasture for making better stocking-rate decisions and adjustments. The safe-starting stocking rates derived by the Soil Conservation Service are fairly conservative so as to avoid recommendations that might cause trouble. Stocking-rate calculations are exactly the same situation as calculating a feed ration. They are used to decide on a reasonable course of action to be followed by continuous close observation of results.
