Do We Have Enough Land For Our Cattle?

Do we have enough land for our cattle? We've had a great grass growing season so far, but have temporarily run out of pasture. This prompted me to sit down and do the math on cattle pasture and hay consumption. What I found is eye-opening, and differs from conventional wisdom on cattle stocking rates. Join me as I share how to calculate cattle land requirements for pasture and hay, as well as the various options for adjusting your hay and pasture needs to meet your desired herd size.

Note:
-We do not offer farm tours
-We do not ship our farm's products
-We do not sell live animals

[AFFarms]

Well, I’ve been saying it for over a year +/-. This is one of the best farm channels on YouTube. A no BS approach to livestock farming. It’s also a space where products aren’t being pushed or “advertised.” Thank you.

[mightyminifarm]

I remember when I fenced a 3/4 acre behind our house for raising a beef cow people told me it couldn’t be done, that the cow would eat the grass down to the dirt. Well, it can be done, and we never see dirt. Yes, we do supplemental feed including lots of hay during the winter but I only take 1 cow through the winter each year. I buy a calf each Feb and I take a cow to butcher each November. Takes 2 years to grow a beef cow to slaughter weight but I’m still saving money over grocery cost and nothing beats growing your own food in my book.

[radarmike]

Its nice to watch a truly honest and faithful to proper farming and animal husbandry on a farming YouTube channel. Keep up. And we will keep learning an enjoying.

[thecollectoronthecorner]

When I first started in the cattle buisness a old timer told me. Figure out the carrying capacity of your place. stock it with half as many as that. And you will be about right. It was real good advice.

[papineaufamilyfarm]

My favorite farming channel to learn from. No BS, real world, no nonsense and straight forward information. Thank you and keep it up Pete!

[kathrynhelm]

And some of our young adults don’t think “math knowledge “ is necessary in their lives. A very interesting episode. Your farm looks so beautiful! ❤️

[anthonybarton]

Happy Independence day to Your Family and You.

[timboe]

Pete, I don't know how to Thank You! What you just did is valuable!

[ellisc.foleyjr]

Great explanation of feeding costs and analysis, As I have mentioned before I used to be a Hay dealer, and not all my customers were Horse stables. I have quite a few Dairy Farmers that needed good quality 2nd cut hay to get through. and believe me finding that kind and quality of hay in mid winter is no easy task even for a dealer. fact on the contrary. so I know what it is for both the farmer and the dealer to scramble mid winter /end of season needs. good sound advice Pete thanks for taking the time I'm sure you opened a lot of eyes with your info. thanks for sharing.

[joanifay]

I love the way you explained you use of hay and how to figure out the math behind you calculation. I love your videos keep up with your enjoyment of farming

[jimcour]

Very informative!! You are a well of knowledge and buffer that with common you so much and Happy fourth

[brian]

In farming, most everything seems to be a compromise between what you would like to do, and what you have to do ( reality ).

[frankgibson]

A very interesting way of looking at small farming regards N Ireland

[apostema]

Ever thought of buying even more bales now at $35 and selling them in the winter for +$100? Extra protection for yourself and potential profit when your neighbors need it.

[codylongsdorf]

Hey Pete, Love your videos. I'm a newer small herd beef producer and you've provided me with good info and things to think about. Happy 4th of July to you and your family and God Bless America!

[dougrobillard]

Another awesome Sunday video. Thanks for taking the time to break this important aspect of heard management down for us.

[davidrobertson]

Thanks Pete for taking us along on the ride to discover your farms capacity. You do the calculations and run up to that then adjust to find the sweet spot. AND THEN every season throws something at you that could not be ever be expecting. Thanks again for a carefully put together video and putting out your own situation for us all to see. Dave.

[codym]

I have similar acreage as you now. Spent most of my life running cattle, but decided to run hair sheep instead. Best decision I could've made for my operation.

[johnhyde]

I have a small farm in Cornwall, I am always out to get what hay I can on the farm.
I only have 35 acres, and a buy in stock, and have 18 cattle.
I restock this farm last year, got about 170 bales.
This year I keep moving them, over about 9 acres.
I have a John Deere 580 round baler, and do all the work myself here in the UK.

[wayupnort]

Knowing a man’s limitations is one of the secrets to life. You sir appear to know yours clearly and put a lot of thought into it. I enjoy your videos and your approach to maximizing what you have to work with! I grew up on a small farm in Northeast ND and I appreciate what you do! Have a great Sunday!