Rent is often charged using either a per- head per-month basis or a per-acre per- season basis (Miller, 1997). A typical range is $4 to $8 per month per adult-cow equivalent. A livestock owner can estimate pasture rent per unit of livestock on a monthly basis using this data: On an per-acre basis, a typical charge will be $20 to $40 per open acre for a high-quality, improved, permanent pasture that has been limed and fertilized and seeded with Fescue, orchard grass, timothy, red clover, etc. For unimproved permanent pasture, a typical charge might be $10 to $20 per open acre for unfertilized bluegrass. Excessive weeds and/or a healthy stand of broomsedge would suggest that rent might be adjusted down from the $10 to $20 per acre figure.
A. Average animal weight expressed in 1,000 pounds
B. Hay price per ton
C. Pasture quality factor:
0.12 = unimproved poor condition
0.15 = fair to good permanent pasture
0.18 = very good permanent pasture
0.20 = excellent meadow (grass/legume)
0.22 = lush legume pasture.
A x B x C = estimated pasture charge per livestock unit per month.
For example:
| 1,000# | Hay/T | Factor | Rent/ Head/ Month | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000# cow/ 200# calf | 1.20 | x $40 | x 0.15 | $7.20 |
| 1,200# diary cow | 1.20 | $60 | 0.20 | 14.40 |
| 120 # ewe/ 40# lamb | 0.16 | $40 | 0.12 | 0.76 |