Stop Guessing: New Texas Cattle Stocking Rate Calculator Launched

One of the most expensive mistakes a Texas landowner can make is overstocking a ranch.

Put too many head on a property, and you destroy your forage, degrade the soil, and force yourself into a cycle of expensive supplemental feeding. Put too few, and you leave revenue on the table.

The problem is that “rule of thumb” math does not work in Texas. A 200-acre tract in Bowie County (East Texas) operates on a completely different biological model than 200 acres in Brewster County (Trans-Pecos).

To solve this, we have released a new proprietary tool: the Texas Cattle Stocking Rate Calculator.

Click Here to Try the Calculator Now

Why We Built This Tool

Most online calculators use a flat national average for grazing math. This is useless in Texas, where rainfall gradients range from 50+ inches in the east to less than 12 inches in the west.

Our tool is engineered specifically for Texas land. It pulls data based on Texas A&M AgriLife Extension regions to give you a realistic baseline for carrying capacity.

Key Features

1. County-Specific Data

You don’t need to look up rainfall charts. Simply select your county from the dropdown menu. The calculator automatically adjusts the “Acres Per Cow” base rate to match your specific region—whether you are in the Piney Woods, the Hill Country, or the Rolling Plains.

2. Land Type Segmentation

Not all acres are created equal. A ranch that is 80% thick timber cannot support the same herd size as a ranch that is 80% improved coastal bermuda.

Our calculator allows you to input acreage for:

• Open Pasture: Calculated at 100% grazing capacity.
• Wooded/Brush: Automatically discounted to 33% capacity to reflect reduced forage production.

This granular breakdown prevents you from overestimating the value of “junk” acres.

3. Stocking Intensity Slider

Risk management is a personal choice. The Stocking Intensity Slider allows you to adjust your strategy:

• Aggressive: Increases density for maximum potential revenue, assuming you manage forage intensively.
• Standard: Uses the regional average.
• Conservative: Reduces density for drought safety and wildlife preservation.

4. Revenue Estimator

The tool instantly projects potential annual revenue based on your herd size and current calf market prices. It applies a realistic 85% calf crop ratio, ensuring your financial projections aren’t based on a perfect world scenario.

How to Use It

1. Navigate to the Cattle Stocking Calculator.
2. Select your County: This sets the baseline biological limit for the land.
3. Input Your Acres: Break down the property by Open Pasture vs. Wooded areas.
4. Set Your Intensity: Decide if you want to run a heavy or light operation.
5. Review the Numbers: Get an instant read on Animal Units (AU) and estimated gross revenue.

Use Data, Not Guesses

Buying a cattle ranch is a significant capital deployment. Your ROI depends on the land’s ability to produce beef. Don’t rely on a seller’s word regarding carrying capacity; verify it with regional data.

Run the numbers on your property here.