Sampling Instructions

Supplies needed include: a square frame that is 20 inches by 20 inches (50 cm by 50 cm) OR a circle frame that is 400 square inches, scissors to cut grass, paper bags, markers to identify location associated with each bag, a way to dry the samples and a scale (a kitchen scale works).

The goal is to take enough samples to capture the variation in the pasture (e.g. low spots with higher productivity and bare spots on top of hills with lower productivity). This will ensure samples are obtained that are representative of production across the entire field. The number of samples taken will vary with the size of the field and how uniform or uneven grass production is.

This calculator is based on a sample taken from 400 square inches (or 2500 square centimeters).

Step 2: Dry, Sort, Weigh & Record

Grass clippings can be dried in a food dehydrator, or at room temperature over several days (do not use the microwave!). Make sure to keep sample bags contained and identified. Weigh each bag for the total from each sample and enter into the yellow cells below. Sort the litter from the green material – tweezers make this job easier but either way it is tedious. Enter the weight of the green material only in the yellow cells below (litter weight is calculated and does not need to be weighed separately).

Note the percentage of litter cover. The amount of litter left on the land can make a big difference in the performance of the pasture. Litter includes ungrazed residue from the previous year’s growth, residue from bale grazing, fallen stems, leaf material and other partially decomposed material. Litter helps to conserve moisture by reducing evaporation, improving infiltration and cooling the soil surface.

The carrying capacity or total Animal Unit Month(s) for the field sampled is calculated below.

Step 3: Calculate Available Forage

The forage supply has been calculated using information from Step 2.

The utilization rate determines how much forage is used or lost to grazing, trampling, insects and wildlife. This helps determine how much forage material should be left behind to maintain future production. Utilizing pasture at a rate that exceeds the plant communities’ ability to recover can lead to lower forage production and encourage less palatable/productive forage plants to invade the pasture, including weeds. Choose a realistic utilization rate that will ensure adequate pasture recovery following grazing.

Recommended utilization rates for native pastures vary from 25-50%. For tame pastures, recommended utilization rates range from 50-75% depending on fertility. If the pasture is forested or brushed, adjust acres to reflect available grazing rather than the total acres in the field. Alternatively, the utilization rate for forested or brushy pasture can be reduced to 25% using the entire pasture size.

Enter pasture information in yellow cells.

Step 4: Calculate the number of pairs or yearlings that can graze

Different classes, or sizes, of cattle consume different amounts of forage, with bigger animals eating more available forage. Use the chart below to find an Animal Unit Equivalent (AUE) similar to your grazing animals and enter in the yellow cells.

The carrying capacity for the field sampled is calculated below.