A:   Stocking rates can vary significantly based on the condition and productivity of pasture lands. A suggested initial stocking rate for good condition pasture in your area would be about 5 to 7 acres per cow-calf pair for a 5-month grazing season. In other terms, this would mean 3 to 4 pairs for your 20 acres. This is a good place to start and changes in animal numbers could be made based on the level of use observed during that first season. Year to year differences in rainfall are of course, also very important. It is also important to plan for the length of time grazing will occur. For example, if grazing will last 10 months per year, then adjustments should be made according. Moderate stocking rates combined with rotational grazing should maintain or increase the vigor and productivity of the grasses in the pastures.