What this tool does
Map paddocks, enter forage and herd assumptions, arrange a rotation sequence, and generate projected graze/rest dates.
Use this tool when
- Building a temporary grazing rotation.
- Estimating graze days by paddock capacity.
- Testing a target rest period.
- Reordering paddocks and reviewing projected entry/exit dates.
Before you begin
Gather the project information you already know. Leave Optional or Advanced fields alone until you need them, and review every editable assumption before relying on the result.
Recommended workflow
1. Map paddocks
Draw and name editable paddock polygons; add water points, gates, temporary fence, and a herd start marker as needed.
2. Enter herd demand
Set head count, livestock class, average weight, and daily dry-matter intake percentage.
3. Configure paddocks
Enter forage production, utilization, residual/reserve, recovery target, availability, and notes for each paddock.
4. Choose planning mode
Use equal days, capacity-based grazing days, target rest-period planning, or a manual sequence.
5. Arrange the sequence
Drag/reorder paddocks and choose a start date.
6. Review the schedule
Inspect entry/exit dates, graze days, rest interval, capacity bars, and warnings.
Key results
- Available forage per paddock.
- Herd daily forage demand.
- Estimated graze days per paddock.
- Total grazing days.
- Cycle length.
- Projected rest interval.
- Acres per move.
- Entry/exit schedule and recovery warnings.
Save, export, and share
For meaningful work, use Save Project to create a .ra file before leaving. Use Export for reports/data and Share for email or copied summaries. The exact export formats available depend on the tool.
Important planning note
Projected graze/rest dates depend on user-entered forage and recovery assumptions and are not guarantees of forage regrowth. Field observation and local agronomic guidance should govern actual moves.
Related help
- About RanchAssist
.raProject Files - Export and Share Overview
- Understanding Rotational Grazing Planner Results and Calculations
- Troubleshooting Rotational Grazing Planner
