The number of cows you can keep per acre varies widely depending on pasture quality, climate, and grazing management. Here are key points to consider:

• On average pasture, you can keep between 0.5 and 1.1 cows per acre. Rotational grazing can increase this by up to 30% compared to traditional grazing

• A common rule of thumb is about 1 acre per cow, or 1.5 to 2 acres per cow-calf pair to feed them for a year

• In excellent pasture conditions with irrigation and good rainfall, a 1000 lb cow with calf may need as little as 0.27 acres, while in poor pasture with low precipitation it may require up to 8 acres

• Stocking rates can range from about 1 cow per acre on high-quality pasture with good rainfall to 1 cow per 2-5 acres on moderate or poorer pasture

• Intensive grazing practices, such as rotational grazing or sectioning pastures, can increase the number of cows per acre

In summary, a practical estimate is roughly 1 cow per acre on good pasture, but this can vary from about 0.1 to 2 acres per cow depending on many factors including forage availability, pasture health, and climate. Proper grazing management is essential to avoid overgrazing and maintain pasture productivity