Interactive Tools

Some Notes On Using This Calculator:

Utilization rates vary greatly between your choice of using chaff-only or straw and chaff crop-residue grazing. Lower utilization rates (20 to 35%) are typical for chaff-only grazing versus high utilization rates (65 to 90%) for straw and chaff grazing. 

Low utilization rates for chaff-only systems is to ensure enough residue still remains behind on the soil surface, and animals aren’t eating up so much that there’s nothing behind and they’re consuming dirt. 

High utilization rates for straw and chaff grazing is for similar reasons for swath grazing and corn grazing; having animals consume as much of what’s on the field as possible but still leave sufficient behind to protect the soil and be incorporated to decompose in the spring. 

The table below is based on studies done in different soil zones in Alberta and the corresponding amounts of straw and chaff produced from the harvest of the main grain, pulse, and oilseed crops below. If you live anywhere outside of Alberta, you may wish to contact your local extension agent to see if they have similar results for your state or province.

The number of paddocks are named as “potential” because they are likely formed as strips in a strip grazing design as opposed to paddocks built in a checkerboard or even wagonwheel design. They give you an idea of how many you will need over the intended grazing session. In the calculator, however, they help with determining paddock size needed for your herd or flock.