Pasture for Organic 

Ruminant Livestock:

Understanding and Implementing 

the National Organic Program (NOP) 

Pasture Rule

By Lee Rinehart and Ann Baier

National Center for Appropriate 

Technology (NCAT)

Agriculture Specialists

May 2011

Contents Th e National Organic Program (NOP) regulations establishing parameters for pasture 

grazing of ruminant livestock became law on June 17, 2010 (USDA, 2010d). Existing certifi ed organic operations must be in compliance by June 17, 2011, while operations certifi ed 

aft er June 17, 2010, must be in compliance before attaining certifi cation. 

Th is publication off ers a summary of several key provisions within the NOP regulations 

(see Appendix 3) as they pertain to pasture management, access to pasture, feed, and grazing intake by ruminant livestock—collectively, referred to as the “Pasture Rule”. It also 

assists producers in implementing the provisions of the rule. It includes tools for calculating dry matter intake (DMI) and conducting grazing management. 

Introduction

This publication provides a thorough picture of what organic producers are required to 

do to maintain compliance with the Pasture Rule. When applying the new requirements to their current farming practices, many producers with well-developed pasture 

resources fi nd that their operations are already compliant or quite close to compliance. All 

organic ruminant livestock producers, whether certifi ed or transitioning, need to understand the new recordkeeping requirements. Keeping good records is essential for producers to achieve and document compliance, so this publication also discusses recordkeeping 

practices and resources to assist producers in developing a pasture management plan.

Th e central components of the Pasture Rule relate to grazing and pasture management. 

Ruminant animals must graze pasture during the grazing season for their geographic 

region, which must be at least 120 days per year. Over the course of the grazing season, the 

animals must obtain an average of at least 30 percent dry matter intake by grazing. Additionally, animals must have year-round access to outdoors, and roughages used for bedding 

must be certifi ed organic. Temporary confi nement is allowed for some management and 

health care procedures, as well as during inclement weather and to reduce risk to soil and 

water quality. Lactation is not an acceptable reason for confi nement. In addition, producers must have a pasture management plan and manage pasture as a crop to meet the feed 

requirements for grazing animals and to protect soil and water quality.

National Scope of Organic Ruminant 

Livestock Operations

Th e National Organic Program regulates organic ruminant farms and ranches across the 

United States. (Operations outside the United States pursuing NOP organic certifi cation 

must comply with the Pasture Rule the same as U.S. operations.) Given the variation in 

climate and agricultural productivity across the country, there are necessarily large variations in the types of animal operations the National Organic Program covers. Organic 

Introduction ...........................................1

National Scope of Organic 

Ruminant Livestock 

Operations ..............................................1

Organic System Plan (OSP) 

and Recordkeeping 

Requirements .......................................2

Recordkeeping Resources for 

Organic Livestock Producers .......3

The Pasture 

Management Plan..............................4

Assessing Pasture Condition .......5

Calculating Forage Dry Matter 

Availability and Determining Carrying Capacity .............6

Irrigated and Improved 

Pasture in Temperate

Regions .............................................6

Native Rangeland .......................9

NOP Regulations for Organic 

Ruminant Livestock; Calculating 

Dry Matter Demand (DMD) 

and Dry Matter Intake (DMI) ......13

Dry Matter Demand ...............14

Dry Matter Intake......................15

Dry Matter Content 

of Feeds ..........................................15

Simple Hand Method to 

Estimate Dry Matter Intake 

(DMI) on Pasture ................................16

Calculating DMI with 

Downloadable Online 

Spreadsheets .......................................18

Calculating Dry Matter 

Intake on Rangeland ......................19

Summary .............................................. 20

References ............................................ 20

Appendix 1: Dry Matter Intake 

(DMI) Calculation Worksheets 

A and B ................................................... 22

Appendix 2: Grazing Days/

Season Record ................................... 26

Appendix 3: USDA NOP 

Regulations Pertaining to 

Ruminant Feed and Pasture 

Management...................................... 27
Page 2 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

ruminant farms include sheep and goat farms, dairy farms, and beef cattle farms and 

ranches, and any other ruminants raised organically for meat, milk or fi ber (i.e. bison, 

llamas, deer, etc.). Aside from these diff erences, there are also variations in pasture productivity. For example, dairy and beef farms in New England, the mid-Atlantic, the upper 

Midwest, the deep South, the Pacifi c Northwest, and some parts of the West are characterized by adequate precipitation that fosters the use of intensive grazing systems such as rotational grazing. Beef cattle and small ruminant ranches in the semi-arid western regions 

of the United States are typifi ed by less precipitation, shallower soils, and slower nutrient 

cycling on pastures. Grazing operations in these regions range from rotational systems to 

continuous grazing on rangeland. 

It is important to note that the NOP Pasture Rule was developed to encompass all types of 

operations and regions of production. Whether a dairy grazier in Pennsylvania or a beef 

rancher in Arizona, this publication will help producers maintain compliance with the 

Pasture Rule.

Organic System Plan (OSP) and 

Recordkeeping Requirements

Under the NOP regulations, every certifi ed organic livestock farm or handling operation 

must submit an Organic System Plan (OSP) when applying for certifi cation and update that 

plan annually (or more frequently if operational changes are made). A well-prepared plan 

and detailed records make inspections much easier, and allow the producer to conduct a 

yearly audit of his or her plan and make changes where necessary. Th e NOP regulations 

outline the specifi c requirements for a complete OSP. In addition, the publication Organic 

System Plan (OSP) Templates for Certifi ers discusses OSP requirements in detail through 

a form that is used by many certifi ers. Th is publication focuses only on the OSP requirements as they pertain to the Pasture Rule.

Th e following need to be described or addressed in the Organic System Plan:

• Management of pasture to provide suffi cient forage quality and quantity to graze 

throughout the grazing season

• Description of all feeds (including pasture) and supplements for each type and class 

of animal, including source, percentage and amounts fed, and changes to rations

• A grazing season specifi c to the geographical region, of a minimum 120 days 

(breaks from grazing are permitted during the grazing season; the grazing season 

may be non-continuous)

• Dry matter intake of at least 30 percent from vegetation rooted in pasture or residual forage (forage cut and left in the pasture for grazing) during the grazing season 

• Method for calculating dry matter demand and dry matter intake for feeds and 

pasture

• Sources of values for animal daily dry matter demand and dry matter content of 

feeds fed
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 3

Length of Grazing Season

The grazing season must be at least 120 days long within each 1-year period. Organic producers 

should strive to maximize the number of days their animals are on pasture. The intent of the Pasture 

Rule is to ensure that organic ruminant operations are pasture-based systems, as well as to increase 

pasture productivity and pasture quality over time. 

The grazing season should be determined by the producer and verifi ed by a certifying agent on the 

basis of site-specifi c conditions and the typical grazing season timeframes for the region in which 

the farm is located. The expected grazing season must be documented in the Organic System Plan. 

Certifi ers will review the OSP and verify that the planned grazing season is adequate. In any given 

year, however, the actual length and timing of the grazing season could vary from the grazing season described in the OSP. For instance, if producers within a region are generally able to graze by 

the fi rst of May and the grazing season normally ends in mid-October, then the planned grazing 

season described in the OSP would be 168 days for a farm in that vicinity. During a year in which 

spring arrives early, however, a producer may let the livestock out to pasture in mid-April. The next 

year could bring a late spring during which wet soil conditions may keep the animals off pasture 

until mid-May. Although the actual grazing start dates are variable given the environmental conditions of a specifi c year, the OSP could continue to describe the start of the grazing season as May 1. 

The dates of the actual grazing season will be recorded in the producer’s records (see Appendix 2 

for a sample form). Organic inspectors will review the records of the actual grazing season on-site 

so that the certifi er can determine compliance with the requirement to provide pasture for grazing 

throughout the grazing season.

Remember, the grazing season need not be continuous. For example, a producer might get 90 

days of grazing from April to July, then remove animals from pastures during a 2-week summerslump period. Grazing could then resume in late July or August for 60 to 90 days until frost. It is 

important to remember that grazing conditions are very site specifi c. In addition, the grazing season may be extended through various strategies, such as stockpiling forage in place on pasture for 

winter grazing. Specifi cally, this strategy might be successful in the Midwest with fescue pastures, 

in the Northern Plains and Intermountain West with forages such as Altai wildrye, and in the humid 

South with bermudagrass.

Recordkeeping Resources for Organic 

Livestock Producers

Recordkeeping is a critical component of organic production, and the new Pasture Rule 

requires that organic livestock producers maintain feed and pasture records. Records demonstrate implementation of the pasture management plan. Th ey can also help producers 

learn from tracking their own observations and practices systematically, and improve their 

production systems. A good resource for recordkeeping is the publication Organic Livestock 

Documentation Forms, available online at www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/livestockforms.html

or by calling 800-346-9140. Appendix 2 provides an excerpt from this publication.

Slaughter Stock Production Exemption

Ruminant livestock that are raised for slaughter must be maintained on pasture during the fi nishing 

period when that period overlaps with the grazing season. However, slaughter stock are exempt 

from the 30% dry matter intake from grazing pasture requirement during the fi nishing period. 

The fi nishing period may be a maximum of 120 days or one-fi fth of the animal’s life, whichever is 

shorter. Outdoor access must be provided during the fi nishing phase, and feedlots or yards must 

be of ample size to allow adequate animal movement without crowding and without competition 

for food. In summary, dry matter intake from pasture does not have to be calculated for ruminant 

slaughter stock during the fi nishing period. And, when the fi nishing period coincides with the grazing season, slaughter stock must have pasture access.
Page 4 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

The Pasture Management Plan

Organic ruminant livestock producers must include a pasture management plan with their 

OSP. Th e plan should document the management practices used to provide quality forage for the grazing season. Maintaining suffi cient quality and quantity of pasture to graze 

throughout the grazing season can be accomplished by understanding how much forage 

is available, how much forage the livestock will consume, and matching the two to use 

the pasture resource most effi ciently. Some simple measurements and calculations, pasture maps, and a record of days grazing each pasture are all that is needed. Certifi ers may 

accept an estimate of available forage in lieu of calculations. However, taking forage measurements and documenting forage supply and demand will help producers to determine 

pasture or paddock size and length of grazing period. Good management and a pasture 

management plan can improve pasture productivity and utilization.

Th e Pasture Management Plan (part of the Organic System Plan) should describe the following practices:

• Types of pasture: plant species, perennial pastures, annual pastures, etc.

• Pasture management practices to maintain pasture quality and at least 30% dry 

matter intake (DMI) from grazing

• Length of grazing season

• Grazing system used: rotational, high-density, rest-rotation, etc.

• Locations and types of fences, shade, and water

• Soil fertility plan

• How forages and forage crops are seeded

• Erosion control practices used to protect soil and water quality

Grazing Management Resources for Planned Grazing

The Grazing Systems Planning Guide developed by the University of Minnesota Extension Service 

is a good resource for developing a grazing system plan. It is available online at www.extension.

umn.edu/distribution/livestocksystems/DI7606.html or by calling 800-876-8636. 

Other resources to help develop a grazing system:

Temperate and Introduced Pastures

Pastures for Profi t: A Guide to Rotational Grazing, University of Wisconsin Extension

http://learningstore.uwex.edu/%2FPastures-for-Profi t-A-Guide-to-RotationalGrazing-P96.aspx

University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Rotational Grazing Guide

www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/id/id143/id143.htm

University of Vermont Pasture Network

www.uvm.edu/~pasture/

Dairy & Livestock Resources, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont

http://nofavt.org/programs/tech-assistance-education-dairy-farming/dairy-livestock-resources

Rangeland and Pasture

Grazing Lands Technical Publications, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Grazing Lands Technology Institute

www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/publications/index.html

Pasture and Grazing Technical Information & Tools, Michigan NRCS

www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/grazing.html

Includes excellent resources for writing a pasture management plan.

continued on page 5
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 5

Holistic Management International

www.holisticmanagement.org

Educational workshops and tools, including publications and worksheets for holistic ranch management and grazing planning.

The following ATTRA publications are particularly useful in designing grazing systems:

Rotational Grazing IP086

Paddock Design, Fencing and Water Systems for Controlled Grazing IP152

Assessing Pasture Condition

Organic livestock producers strive for continual improvement of their pastures. Under 

organic management, producers should notice pastures becoming not only more productive but also more resilient to fl uctuating environmental situations. 

Producers can realize continuous pasture improvement by implementing a grazing system 

that rations out forage according to animal requirements, allows for full plant recovery, and 

minimizes forage waste (Murphy, 1995). Th e elements of a sustainable grazing system are:

• timing of grazing (corresponding to plant physiological stage)

• intensity of grazing (duration on the pasture)

• assessment of residue or plant height aft er grazing

• allowing for plant recovery time aft er grazing

• adaptive management of grazing practices, depending on pasture recovery rates 

(i.e., grazing time on a pasture may increase during less-productive times of the 

year to allow for more plant recovery time aft er grazing)

Th e goal of organic pasture management should be the continual improvement of the following ecological characteristics, which can easily be assessed by observing pasture growth 

and plant recovery throughout the grazing season and over several years of organic management:

• High leaf-area index—an increase in the leaf-to-land-area ratio in the pasture; this 

is a measure of the amount of vegetative plant cover as a proportion of the overall 

area of a given part of the pasture.

• High plant density/close plant spacing—related to leaf-area index; soil structure 

improves and forage plants become healthier; tillering is encouraged through 

grazing management, and bare soil is reduced.

• High plant diversity and pasture complexity—more plant species begin to occupy 

the pasture; pasture species complexity allows for greater resilience from environmental pressures.

• Plant growth throughout growing season—plants stay vegetative longer and 

become more competitive, producing a pasture of higher quality for a longer grazing season.

• Decrease in unproductive plants (over-mature, stunted, weeds) —grazing selectivity is decreased, especially through high-density grazing, and plants are grazed 

before they become unpalatable.

• More perennial plants—plant succession tends toward perennial plants with 

deeper root systems; this allows for better soil conditions and fosters vegetative 

reproduction in some forage-plant species.
Page 6 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

Resources for Assessing Pasture Health and Productivity

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) publication Guide to Pasture Condition 

Scoring (Cosgrove et al., 2001) lists several key indicators for assessing pasture health and resiliency. 

Some of the indicators to observe and track include: percent desirable plants, plant residue, plant 

diversity and vigor, insect and disease pressure, percent legumes in the pasture, and soil fertility and 

compaction. Producers can use these indicators to assess how well they are managing their pastures.

The Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring has an accompanying Score Card that producers can use to 

evaluate their pastures. These materials are available from local USDA NRCS Service Centers, or can 

be downloaded from the NRCS website at www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/publications/index.html.

The Jornada Experimental Range, a USDA-Agricultural Research Service activity in Las Cruces, 

New Mexico, off ers detailed publications on rangeland monitoring and health assessment. These 

materials are available for download at http://usda-ars.nmsu.edu/monit_assess/monitoring.php.

Calculating Forage Dry Matter Availability 

and Determining Carrying Capacity

Th e term “pasture” encompasses many diff erent types of forage-based systems that support 

grazing by livestock. Th ese span extensive, native range to seeded, fertilized and irrigated 

“improved” pasture. 

Determining how much forage is available (forage yield available for grazing) in a particular pasture is crucial to meeting the needs of grazing animals. Calculating forage dry matter availability helps allocate forage resources for the duration of the grazing season and 

aids producers in complying with recordkeeping requirements. According to the Pasture 

Rule, producers must manage pasture as a crop and submit a pasture management plan. 

Th is plan includes documentation of the management practices used to provide pasture 

of a suffi cient quality and quantity for livestock throughout the grazing season in order to 

obtain, at minimum, an average of 30% dry matter intake from pasture.

Forage yield determinations fi rst start with observation. Weekly or daily pasture walks 

can bring trouble spots to the producer’s attention. Diff erences in soil types and animal 

behavior (such as congregating in one area) oft en result in wide variations in forage yield 

and utilization across any given pasture. Awareness of trouble spots helps to direct management practices to those areas and enables producers to assess more accurately the actual 

forage yield across the pasture.

Irrigated and Improved Pasture in Temperate Regions

Th e factors to consider in determining forage yield for temperate pasture include forage 

height, density, maturity, and plant species composition. A forage stand should be dense, 

not overly mature, of appropriate height before grazing, and diverse in plant species. Producers who walk their pastures consistently have a keen eye for the health of the forage 

stand and learn to estimate forage yield by repeated observation. Walking pastures enables 

producers to encounter less-productive areas (and trampled areas) that are candidates for 

pasture improvement.

An easy way to measure forage yield is with a pas ture ruler. A pasture ruler is placed on 

end at ground level, with forage height measured in inches. Each inch of forage height 

equals anywhere from 100 to 400 pounds per acre of dry matter, depending on the location, 

soil moisture, season of use, forage species, etc. Table 1 lists estimated pounds of forage 

available per inch for various temperate forages. Multiple measurements throughout the 

pasture should be recorded and averaged because not all areas of the pasture may grow or 
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 7

produce at the same rate and density. Th is method works well in the eastern and southern 

United States, and on irrigated pastures in the West, where soil moisture allows dense, vegetative forage stands. Th e pasture ruler method should be calibrated for local con ditions by 

clipping and weighing forage samples (see below) to determine forage yield on a per-acre 

basis. Th is combination will help improve accuracy in measuring forage yield with a ruler. 

Table 1: Pounds of forage available per inch 

(dry matter, eastern and southern United States)

Forage species Dry matter pounds/acre/inch

Average Range

Alfalfa and grass mixes 225 75-400

Arrowleaf clover 200 100-300

Bermudagrass 260 150-500

Caucasian bluestem 180 75-350

Crimson clover 200 100-300

Kentucky bluegrass 160 100-175

Native warm season grasses 100 50-250

Orchardgrass 180 75-300

Orchardgrass + clover 200 100-300

Red clover 220 100-300

Annual ryegrass 250 75-400

Oats, wheat, rye 150 75-250

Tall fescue 210 100-350

Tall fescue + clover 190 80-325

Source: Ball et al., 2006

Clip and Weigh Forage Yield Measurement

To determine annual plant productivity, a producer clips all the current year’s forage 

from within a 1.92 square foot quadrat and weighs the sample in grams. Th e quadrat is 

constructed from PVC pipe and measures 11.5 inches by 22 inches. Th e quadrat is thrown 

randomly on the ground, and all the current year’s forage inside the quadrat is harvested 

with shears or scissors. Th is sampling procedure is repeated at least 10 times to get a 

representative sample of the area.

Th e weights of the samples (grams) are summed and multiplied by the percent dry matter 

of the forage that was harvested. Fresh vegetative forage in most improved pastures has a 

moisture content of 75 to 85%. Generally, the more mature a forage is, the less the moisture content. Th e dry matter forage weight is then multiplied by a conversion factor – in 

this case, the conversion factor is 50 for a 1.92 sq.ft . quadrat. Multiplying the dry weights 

of the forage in grams by 50 results in lb/ac yield, which is the forage dry matter yield for 

the site sampled. 

More information on conducting a clip-and-weigh forage assessment is widely available 

from Cooperative Extension services, as well as from ATTRA by calling 800-346-9140. 

Also, local NRCS staff or Cooperative Extension Agents usually have estimates of forage 

yield for specifi c locations. 
Page 8 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

Determining Paddock Size and Carrying Capacity

A paddock is a pasture subdivision in a rotational grazing system. Animals are moved 

periodically from paddock to paddock to ensure the availability of high-quality forage 

for the grazing animals while maintaining forage productivity. To best allocate forage 

resources, either the size of the paddock for a given number of animals—or conversely, the 

number of animals for a given paddock size—must be determined. Before determining 

paddock size, it is important to determine the amount of forage that is available for grazing 

in the paddock. Determining forage yield on a pound-per-acre/inch basis has already been 

introduced, and this is used to calculate grazable forage. Grazable forage is the forage that 

will be grazed, leaving a predetermined forage residue height aft er grazing. 

Once a determination of dry matter yield per acre/inch has been made, the height of the 

aft er-grazing residue is subtracted from the total forage height. Th en, the forage yield in 

pounds per acre/inch is multiplied by the diff erence in forage height to give the amount of 

forage available for grazing in pounds per acre. Th is is accomplished with the following 

formula:

Total forage height – Forage residue = Grazable forage height 

Grazable forage height x Pounds per acre/inch = Grazable forage in pounds 

per acre (on a dry matter basis)

Producers need to determine how to use this forage. Th ings to know include (1) the daily 

forage dry matter demand (in lbs) of grazing livestock, (2) the number of days grazing each 

pasture or paddock, and (3) the size of the pasture or paddock needed for a given number 

of animals. To determine the daily forage dry matter demand (in lbs) of grazing livestock, 

use the following formula:

Number of animals x Average animal weight x Percent dry matter intake (or 

a forage utilization measure) = Daily forage demand (lbs) of grazing livestock

Note: Percent dry matter intake is expressed as a percent of animal body weight, which 

is a utilization value. For example, lactating dairy cattle consume between 2.5% and 4% 

of their body weight per day. Some producers choose to include in this utilization value 

an account of forage wasted through trampling, etc. (usually about 0.5% of animal body 

weight). Th erefore, forage utilization may include more than dry matter intake, to account 

for wasted forage. 

Determine the number of days animals can graze a paddock by using the following formula:

Grazable forage in pounds per acre (dry matter) ÷ Daily forage demand (lbs) 

of grazing livestock = Number of days grazing each paddock

Th e fi nal thing a producer needs to do is determine the size of a pasture or paddock for a 

given number of animals. Use the following formula:

(Daily forage demand (lbs) of grazing livestock x Days in the grazing period) ÷ 

Grazable forage in pounds per acre (DM) = Paddock size in acres

Resources that include worksheets for measuring forage availability and determining livestock forage demand are listed in the Assessing Pasture Condition section above.
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 9

Paddock size and grazing period example: 1,150 lb lactating cows

Assumptions:

50 lactating cows, average weight 1,150 pounds

3.5% daily dry matter intake (as a percentage of body weight)

Average forage height at the beginning of grazing – 10 inches

After-grazing forage residue height – 2 inches

Average pounds of forage per acre/inch – 250 pounds (dry matter)

Grazable forage height 

10 inches – 2 inches = 8 inches

Grazable forage in pounds per acre (dry matter)

8 inches x 250 lb/acre/inch = 2,000 pounds

Daily forage demand of grazing livestock (dry matter)

50 x 1,150 lb x .035 = 2,012 lbs/day

Number of days grazing each paddock 

2,000 lb ÷ 2,012 lb = 1 day

Paddock size in acres 

2,012 lb x 1 ÷ 2,000 = 1 acre

Leaving adequate forage residue aft er grazing is vital to obtain suffi cient forage re-growth, 

both vegetative and root growth, prior to the next grazing event. For more information, 

see the ATTRA publication Rotational Grazing available online at www.attra.ncat.org/

attra-pub/livestockforms.html or by calling 800-346-9140.

Optimum Post-Grazing Residue Heights for Selected Forages

Cool-season perennial bunchgrasses – 3 inches

Warm-season perennial bunchgrasses – 6 inches

Warm-season annual grasses – 8 inches

Cool-season annual grasses, including cereals – 3 inches

White Clover – 1 inch

Other Clovers – 3 inches

Tall Fescue – 2 inches

Bermudagrass – 1 inch

Kentucky Bluegrass – 1 inch

Source: Ball et al., 2006

Native Rangeland

Th e per-acre/inch forage yield assessments (as noted above) are seldom used on arid and 

semi-arid rangeland. Instead, rangeland managers rely on such criteria as plant species 

composition, frequency of key species, forage productivity (annual yield), and percentage 

of cover to get an overall assessment of the health of the whole rangeland ecosystem. Th is 

rangeland health assessment is useful for determining yield and livestock carrying capacity 

on rangeland. For detailed informational resources on rangeland health assessment and 

yield determination, see the accompanying box on Rangeland Resources.

Rangeland Resources

Rangeland Health and Planned Grazing Field Guide

http://quiviracoalition.org/Detailed/QC_Publications/Field_Guides/Rangeland_Health_and..._83.html 

An introduction to planned grazing on arid and semi-arid rangelands.

USDA-NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook

www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/publications/nrph.html

How to Measure Forage Production For the Astute Producer, Texas USDA-NRCS

www.texasglci.org/docs/forage.pdf 
Page 10 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

Native rangeland annual productivity values can be obtained from the USDA Natural 

Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey. Each county in the United States has been 

historically mapped according to soil type and native plant composition. Annual productivity values for each plant are also listed, including data for periods of below average annual precipitation, normal periods, and periods of high annual precipitation. It is 

important to remember that these values are for the native plant population historically 

associated with these sites. Native vegetation on many rangeland sites across the western 

United States has been replaced by introduced species such as crested wheatgrass or Oldworld bluestem that may yield more dry matter than the native plants. In addition, introduced noxious weeds such as knapweed and downy brome (cheatgrass) may also be present, which will further reduce the accuracy of the soil survey annual yield values.

Local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service centers can assist producers with 

interpreting soil surveys. Th e entire soil survey is also available online. Entitled the Web 

Soil Survey, it is a database of soils and soil characteristics that allows users to enter their 

location to pull up a map of their area. A particular ranch can be located, and soil and 

plant data can then be extracted from tables. Th e Web Soil Survey is available online at 

http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm.

If the soil survey is not available, or if introduced grasses are prominent, forage productivity on rangeland can be measured very eff ectively by the clip-and-weigh method as introduced above, using a 1.92 sq. ft . quadrat. Aft er the weights of the samples in grams are 

summed and multiplied by the percent dry matter and the conversion factor (50), the forage dry matter annual yield for the site sampled is obtained. Table 2 shows common dry 

matter values for various range forages, whereas Table 3 depicts the calculations used to 

arrive at annual dry matter yield.

For best results, forage samples should be taken in the late summer from ungrazed exclosures to most accurately determine annual dry matter yield on rangeland.

Table 2: Percent Dry Matter for Rangeland Forages

Plants Before 

heading Headed out Seed ripe Leaves dry Dormant

Cool-season 

grasses

35 45 60 85 95

Warm-season 

grasses

Tall grasses

Mid grasses

Short grasses

30

40

45

45

55

60

60

65

80

85

90

90

95

95

95

Forbs

Leafy

Fibrous

20

30

40

50

60

75

90

90

100

100

Source: adapted from Mosley, Mark. Texas NRCS.
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 11

Table 3: Calculating Annual Forage Yield (lb/ac)

Forage Samples, grams

Forage 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Sum Conv.

factor %DM lb/acyield

Grama 2 1 0 0 2 2 1 0 3 2 13 50 55% 357

Bluestem 10 12 12 10 14 15 13 13 11 15 125 50 45% 2,812

Total 3,169

Source: adapted from Mosley, Mark. Texas NRCS.

Determining Carrying Capacity on Rangeland by Forage Yield

Determining carrying capacity, or how many animals you can graze on a pasture, is a matter of measuring or estimating annual plant productivity and matching it to the dry matter 

intake of the grazing animal. 

Tables 4, 5, and 6 are used to calculate annual carrying capacity. Table 4 is helpful in fi guring projected yearly intake of forage by grazing livestock. Th e average weight is multiplied 

by daily intake as a percentage of body weight (BW). Th en, the daily intake is multiplied 

by 365 to get the projected yearly demand for forage intake.

Table 4: Calculating Annual Animal Intake (example)

Animal wt % intake (BW) Daily intake Yearly intake

1,100 lb angus cows 2.5% 27.5 lb 10,037 lb

Once yearly forage demand is calculated, Table 6 is used to calculate the pasture carrying 

capacity. Information from Table 3 (calculating annual forage yield, above) is transferred 

to Table 6 in the Yield (lb/ac) fi eld. A utilization value is used to represent the amount of 

forage actually grazed. On rangeland, a “take half, leave half” rule is oft en used to allow 

adequate forage residue for forage regrowth. Research has shown that when forage leaf 

removal exceeds 50%, a signifi cant percentage of root growth stops (see Table 5). In addition, many range practitioners suggest leaving an additional 25% of the forage to account 

for trampling, wildlife use, and natural plant death.

Table 5: Correlation between grazing and root growth

Percent leaf removal Percent root growth stopped

10% 0%

20% 0%

30% 0%

40% 0%

50% 2-4%

60% 50%

70% 78%

80% 100%

90% 100%

Source: Gadzia and Sayre, 2009
Page 12 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

Th e carrying capacity example in Table 6 uses a 25% forage utilization rate. Assuming 

2,000 acres of grazing with an average 3,169 pounds per acre dry matter yield, the grazable 

acreage and number of livestock the ranch will support are easily calculated.

Table 6: Calculating Annual Pasture Carrying Capacity (example)

Pasture

Yield 

(lb/ac)

(Table 3)

Acres Total yield

pounds DM

% 

utilization

Grazable 

forage

lbs. DM

Livestock demand

pounds DM

(Table 4)

Number of 

livestock

1 3,169 2,000 6,338,000 25% (0.25) 1,584,500 10,037 157

Source: adapted from Mosley, Mark. Texas NRCS.

Calculating Carrying Capacity on Rangeland with Animal Days per 

Acre (ADA)

Animal days per acre (ADA) is a subjective measure of how long a pasture or paddock will 

supply forage to a given number of animals. It is an estimate of how many days an acre 

will support one animal, or how many days a given number of acres will support a herd of 

a given size. Th e ADA method is useful if a producer has a good idea of how much land 

area an animal will need for grazing for 1 day. In fact, it can be a very good method once 

the producer, through observation and monitoring, becomes more accurate at estimating the amount of area needed for one animal for 1 day. Th e ADA method can be used to 

estimate carrying capacity for pastures during the growing season or for grazing winter 

stockpiled forage. 

Th e ADA method is useful in planning grazing, but, as was stated above, is only as good 

as the initial estimate of animal daily forage needs. Producers need to take into consideration: (1) yield estimates for the forage; and (2) forage stubble height aft er grazing 

when determining the area needed for one animal for 1 day (yield measurements derived 

from Table 3 may be appropriate). Th e ADA method is especially useful for estimating 

the number of days grazing for stockpiled forage or for strip-grazed systems where the 

animals graze along a front and do not return to previously grazed pasture until plants 

have recovered fully.

To calculate animal days per acre, an area is fi rst paced off that represents the amount of 

land an animal needs for 1 day. For example, suppose a producer knows that an animal 

needs an area of 20 yards by 20 yards of forage to provide enough dry matter intake for 1 

day. 20 yards X 20 yards = 400 square yards. 

Next, divide 4,840 (number of square yards in an acre) by 400 square yards to get 12.1 stock 

days per acre (SDA). Th is means that 1 acre will support one animal for 12.1 days. SDA is 

multiplied by the total number of acres in the pasture to arrive at the number of stock days 

in the pasture (SD). To continue the example, 12.1 SDA X 2,000 acres = 24,200 stock days 

for the pasture.

To get an estimate of the number of days a herd can graze the pasture, divide SD by the 

number of animals in the herd. In the example, 24,200 SD ÷ 157 animals = 154. So, in this 

example a producer could graze 157 animals on 2,000 acres for 154 days.
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 13

NOP Regulations for Organic Ruminant 

Livestock; Calculating Dry Matter Demand 

(DMD) and Dry Matter Intake (DMI)

Th e NOP requirements for ruminant grazing and feed from pasture rely heavily on calculations of dry matter demand (DMD) and intake to verify compliance with the standards 

requiring organic ruminants to consume at least 30% of their dry matter intake (DMI) 

from grazing. Th ese concepts may not be familiar to all producers, but can readily be calculated using a series of simple formulas. Organic standards do not require any specifi c 

method of calculation. Th e producer can choose and explain the method used to determine 

DMD and DMI, which will then be verifi ed by the certifying agent. 

Th e NOP regulations specify that the ruminant livestock producer must describe, for each 

type and class of animal, the total feed ration (all types of feed used on-farm including 

pasture, feed purchased, feed produced, the percentages of each type of feed in the total 

ration, and a list of all feed supplements and additives). Th e producer must also document 

the amount of each feed type actually fed. Furthermore, the producer must document any 

changes made to this plan and provide the method used for calculating dry matter demand 

and dry matter intake. 

For some types of livestock operations, such as those raising animals that graze pasture 

throughout the grazing season and receive no feed supplements or additives (i.e., grass-fed 

or grass-fi nished), a straightforward description of their practices and ”rations” may suffi ce 

as providing a method for calculating dry matter intake. 

Many livestock producers, however, provide some type of supplemental feed (for example, 

hay) during the grazing season and will therefore need to provide more detail on their 

method for calculating dry matter demand. Th e section below provides detailed steps for 

one method of calculating dry matter demand that allows for documenting compliance 

with the Pasture Rule.

Organic producers fi rst estimate the DMD that each group of animals (e.g., lactating, dry, 

heifers) needs to consume each day. Th en, producers document the ration for each group of 

animals, showing the dry matter intake (DMI) and percentage of each type of feed in the 

ration designed to meet the needs of each group of animals. 

An initial DMI should be calculated for each group at the beginning of the grazing season, 

and an additional calculation made whenever a change in the feed ration occurs. Feed 

rations may change due to the animals’ nutritional needs (as animals grow, move through 

a lactation cycle, etc.) or due to changes in pasture availability. For instance, pasture availability is oft en much higher in the early summer than it is during spring transition when 

grasses are just beginning to grow. Whereas animals may obtain less than 30 percent of 

their daily dry matter intake from pasture in early spring, intake increases to well over 30 

percent on quality pasture during the summer. Producers will likely feed much less nonpasture feed when pasture is more available. Th erefore, DMI should be recalculated when 

feed rations change. Producers need to demonstrate an average intake value over the entire 

grazing season.

Even though dry matter intake needs to be calculated over the whole grazing season, the 

grazing season itself does not have to be continuous. Th e producer will be able to exclude 

time periods when inclement weather or climate conditions may cause the grazing season 

to be discontinuous (e.g., storm events, poor growing conditions). Producers must document when climatic conditions warrant a break in the grazing season.
Page 14 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

Dry Matter Demand

Livestock need to consume a certain amount of nutrients from feedstuff s each day (measured in pounds per day) to maintain health and production (growth or lactation). Th e 

amount of feedstuff s livestock need is referred to as dry matter demand (DMD). Predicting 

or estimating DMD is further explained in Step 1 of the section Simple Hand Method to 

Estimate Dry Matter Intake (DMI) below. Th rough some combination of grazing on pasture and consuming supplemental feed, animals consume enough nutrients (expressed as 

dry matter intake) to meet their requirements (expressed as dry matter demand). 

Estimating Dry Matter Demand from Published Tables

The NOP website (fi rst three sources below) provides resources for calculating dry matter demand 

(DMD) and dry matter intake (DMI) including DMD tables for Beef, Dairy Cows and Dairy Goats. 

Organic certifi ers and educational organizations, including Cooperative Extension, also provide 

explanations and examples of ways to estimate DMD and calculate DMI for diff erent types of ruminant livestock (two sources listed). Producers may choose DMD references that best fi t the characteristics of each type and class of ruminant livestock they manage, and describe their methods 

for calculating DMI. The factors that infl uence actual DMD include forage quality, weather, animal 

condition, genetics, health, and activity.

USDA Dairy Cattle DMD tables

www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfi le?dDocName=STELPRDC5082662&acct=noprulemaking

USDA Beef Cattle DMD tables

www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfi le?dDocName=STELPRDC5082663&acct=noprulemaking

USDA National Organic Program, Dry Matter Demand Tables For Classes of Dairy Goats

www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfi le?dDocName=STELPRDC5087914&acct=noprulemaking

Sheep 201: Flock nutritional requirements

www.sheep101.info/201/nutritionreq.html

Includes tables for nutritional requirements for various classes of sheep. DMI% values on these 

tables are equivalent to daily dry matter demand.

Langston University

Goat Ration Balancer and Nutrient Requirement Calculator

www.luresext.edu/goats/research/nutritionmodule1.htm

Calculates rations as well as daily dry matter demand.

The NOP does not specify allowed or required information sources; it only requires that the producer 

indicate in the OSP what methods are used to determine (estimate and calculate) DMD and DMI. 

Dry matter intake is oft en expressed as a percentage of live animal body weight. Table 7 

lists the intake ranges for various species and classes of ruminant livestock. Producers 

should use published tables to get a more accurate value for their livestock.
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 15

Table 7: Dry Matter Demand (DMD) by Percentage of Body Weight for Ruminant Groups

Ruminant group % body weight

(DMD = % x animal body weight)

Beef cattle, lactating 2.0 – 2.5 **

Beef cattle, growing and fi nishing slaughter stock 2.25 – 3.35 **

Dairy heifers 2.5 *

Dairy cows, dry (small and large breed) 1.8 *

Dairy steers See beef slaughter stock

Goats, weaned, slaughter or replacement stock 2.25 *

Goats, brood or lactating 4.0 *

Sheep, weaned, slaughter or replacement stock 3.3 *

Sheep, brood or lactating stock 3.65 *

Sources: (**) DMD tables on the NOP website; (*) Pennsylvania Certifi ed Organic, 2010

Dry Matter Intake

Nutrients in feedstuff s are measured according to their percent dry matter. Feedstuff s differ in the amount of moisture they contain. Fresh pasture has high water content and has 

a lower percentage of dry matter than an equivalent weight of drier feed, such as hay or 

grain. For example, dry hay is around 15-20% moisture, corn about 15% moisture, and 

fresh forages up to 90% moisture. By reducing all feedstuff s to their percent dry matter, 

feedstuff s can be compared regardless of their moisture content. Th is makes it much easier 

to determine dry matter intake (DMI) and develop rations that include feeds from diff erent 

sources—grazing and/or supplemental feeds (USDA, 2010a).

Dry Matter Content of Feeds

Dry matter content of feedstuff s can be estimated two diff erent ways. Th e fi rst (and the 

easiest) is to use published reference tables that list the percent dry matter in various dry 

(hay and grain), fresh (pasture) and ensiled feeds. Published tables for feed dry matter 

content are easily obtained from university Extension services. Th e NOP website also 

recommends several resources for estimating feed dry matter composition (see text box 

Resources for Estimating Dry Matter Composition of Feeds).

Resources for Estimating Dry Matter Composition of Feeds

National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirements for Domestic Animals

Beef Cattle 7th revised edition, 2000 

www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9791

Dairy Cattle 7th revised edition, 2001

www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9825

Small Ruminants (sheep and goats), 2000

www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11654

Feed Composition Tables from Beef Magazine, March 2010 (updated annually):

http://beefmagazine.com/nutrition/feed-composition-tables/feed-composition-value-cattle--0301/

index1.html

continued on page 16
Page 16 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

United States-Canadian Tables of Feed Composition:

Nutritional Data for United States and Canadian Feeds, Third Revision

www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1713

Dairy One Feed Composition Library

www.dairyone.com/Forage/FeedComp/disclaimer.asp

On-line Interactive Feed Library, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

www.noble.org/Ag/FeedLib/Disclaimer.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fAg%2fFeedLib%2fIndex.aspx

Percent Dry Matter in Common Feedstuff s:

Feed Percentage Dry Matter

Grain 89 

Dry hay 90

Grain Silage 25-35

Haylage/Baleage 35-60

Source: USDA. 2010b.

Simple Hand Method to Estimate Dry Matter 

Intake (DMI) on Pasture

Calculating dry matter intake on pasture is relatively simple. Th e following formulas determine dry matter intake on pasture by the “substitution method.” Basically, the amount of 

non-pasture feeds (hay, grains, etc.) fed per day is subtracted from the daily dry matter 

demand of the animals. Th e resulting value is inferred as the daily intake of pasture dry 

matter. Steps 1 through 4 should be used for each ration period during the grazing season. 

Step 5 is used to average the pasture DMI for all of the ration periods that occur during the 

grazing season. Two DMI worksheets with examples that use the following procedures are 

included in Appendix 1.

NOTE: A ration period is defi ned by a certain set of feed ration—type and amount of feeds 

fed—in addition to grazing. DMI must be calculated for each ration period during the 

grazing season for each type and class of ruminant livestock. Ration periods may change 

over the course of the grazing season based on forage availability and/or quality. A rule 

of thumb is to calculate a new DMI on pasture each time feed rations change during the 

grazing season.

Step 1: Predict Dry Matter Demand (DMD) (in pounds)

Dry Matter Demand (lbs) = Body Weight (lbs) x (DMI % Body Weight Value/100 lb)

Example: 

Dairy cattle consume approximately 2.0% to 4.0% of their body weight in dry matter per 

day, depending on their stage of production (milk production and % milk fat). Lactating 

dairy cows weighing an average of 1,200 lbs consume approximately 3.0% of their body 

weight in dry matter intake daily. Th us, the dry matter demand is approximately 36 lbs of 

dry matter per day for that class of animal. 

Dry Matter Demand (lbs) = 1,200 x (3.0/100) = 36 lbs
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 17

Step 2: Determine Dry Matter Intake from Feed Sources 

Other than Pasture 

Example:

Assume 1,200-lb lactating cows are eating a ration of hay and grain in addition to pasture. 

Th e dry matter contents of feed sources other than pasture are expressed below in the following example:

Dry matter content of hay: 90%

Dry matter content of corn grain: 89%

5 lbs hay per day x (90/100) = 4.5 lbs Dry Matter (DM) 

11 lbs corn grain per day x (89/100) = 9.79 lbs DM

4.5 + 9.79 = 14.29 lbs per day total intake of dry matter from non-pasture feed sources

Step 3: Determine Dry Matter Intake from Pasture

Estimated DMD per animal (lbs) – Total lbs dry matter intake from feed sources other 

than pasture = Estimated pasture DMI

Example:

Estimated dry matter intake for 1,200 lb lactating cows is 36 lbs – 14.29 lbs from feed 

sources other than pasture = 21.71 lbs per day pasture DMI

Step 4: Calculate the Percent Dry Matter Intake from Pasture for the Grazing/Ration Period

Percent DMI from pasture = (Estimated lbs DMI from pasture ÷ estimated DMD (lbs)) x 100

Example:

Percent DMI from pasture = (21.71 ÷ 36) x 100 = 60.31% 

Th e 30% minimum DMI on pasture requirement for this grazing/ration period is satisfi ed.

Step 5: Calculate a Weighted Average of the Dry 

Matter Intake Values for all Grazing/Ration Periods in 

the Grazing Season

Aft er calculating the DMI on pasture for all grazing/ration periods in the grazing season, 

an average for the entire grazing season should be calculated. For this step, the producer 

needs to know:

• Number of days in each grazing/ration period

• DMI from pasture for each grazing/ration period (from Steps 1 through 4)

• Total days in the grazing season

Continue with the example from Step 4, assuming 60.31% DMI from pasture for the summer grazing/ration period that was 110 days in length. Also assume the following values 

for spring and fall grazing: 

Spring grazing: 20% DMI for 30 days 

Fall grazing: 30% DMI for 30 days 

To calculate average DMI from pasture for the entire grazing season, fi rst multiply the % 

DMI for each grazing/ration period by the number of days in that period, then divide the 

sum of those numbers by the total number of days in the grazing season (all grazing/ration 

periods), and multiply by 100 to convert this number to a percentage. Th e result of this 
Page 18 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

calculation is an average percent DMI from pasture for all grazing/ration periods in the 

grazing season for this year. 

Spring grazing: 20% DMI X 30 days = 6 

Summer grazing: 60.31% DMI X 110 days = 63.34

Fall grazing: 30% DMI X 30 days = 9 

Sum: 6 + 63.34 + 9= 78.34. Divide: 78.34 ÷ 170 = .46 Multiply: .46 x 100 = 46% average DMI from pasture for this grazing season. 

As shown above, sum the fi gures for each grazing ration period (6 + 63.34 + 9 = 78.34), 

divide by (÷) the total days in the grazing season (170), and multiply the result by 100 to 

arrive at 46% DMI for the grazing season. Th is calculation shows that the operation meets 

the requirement of >30% DMI from pasture for this grazing season. 

NOTE: Th is example was developed assuming three grazing/ration periods: spring, summer, and fall. Th ese periods will likely vary from region to region and farm to farm. It is 

important to calculate DMI for each grazing/ration period based on the pasture availability 

and amount of non-pasture feeds actually fed. A rule of thumb is to calculate a new DMI 

on pasture each time a ration changes signifi cantly.

DMI worksheets with examples that use these procedures are included in Appendix 1.

Calculating DMI with Downloadable Online Spreadsheets

Pennsylvania Certifi ed Organic and California Certifi ed Organic Farmers are two USDAaccredited certifying agencies that have developed very similar, useful two-part spreadsheets that can be downloaded from their websites at www.paorganic.org/ or www.ccof.

org, respectively. A Bee Organic off ers a compact Ruminant DMI Calculation Worksheet 

at www.abeeorganic.com. Th ese Excel spreadsheets can be used to record feed rations and 

calculate DMI for each type and class of ruminant animal for each grazing/ration period. 

Aft er calculating the DMI for each grazing/ration period, the Average DMI Calculation 

for Grazing Season spreadsheet may be used to calculate the average DMI from pasture for 

each type/class of ruminant animal for the entire grazing season. 

Th e University of Wisconsin Extension Forage Team has developed an online spreadsheet 

that calculates DMI on pasture with a few simple inputs (Cooper and Cosgrove, no date). 

Th is Excel spreadsheet is available at www.uwrf.edu/grazing/DMI.xls.

Although it is designed for dairy cows and regional feeds, this Excel spreadsheet could be 

adapted for diff erent animal species or feed types. Th e inputs needed for the program are 

feeding and production records:

• Daily milk production per cow in pounds

• Percent milk fat

• Cow weight in pounds

• Grain fed per day in pounds

• Hay fed per day in pounds

• Haylage fed per day in pounds

• Corn silage fed per day in pounds

Th ere are some default values for feed DM and energy levels, or producers can input their 

own values. Using the information supplied by a producer, the program will calculate forage DMI and total feed DMI per animal per day. Percent DMI from pasture can be derived 

by dividing forage DMI by total feed DMI.
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 19

Calculating Dry Matter Intake on Rangeland

Most rangeland-based livestock operations do not feed as many concentrated feeds as do 

dairy farms. Beef cattle operations, especially cow-calf and stocker operations, are grassbased by defi nition and concentrated feeds, when fed, are usually fed as supplements. Hay 

is fed quite oft en in the winter, though many operations provide no supplemental feeds at 

all during the grazing season. For these operations, calculating dry matter intake on pasture may be a little easier than it is for the dairy grazier who feeds concentrates during the 

winter and even some during the grazing season. 

Th e following example illustrates how a rangeland manager might calculate dry matter 

intake for a herd of organic beef cows on native range in late summer. 

Step 1: Predict Dry Matter Demand (DMD) (in pounds)

Dry Matter Demand (lbs) = Body Weight (lbs) x (DMI % Body Weight Value/100 lb)

Example: 

Beef cattle consume approximately 2.5% of their body weight in dry matter per day. 

Assuming 1,200 lb Angus-cross cows, the dry matter demand is approximately 30 lbs of 

dry matter per day. 

Dry Matter Demand (lbs) = 1,200 x (2.5/100) = 30 lbs

Step 2: Determine Dry Matter Intake from Feed Sources 

Other than Pasture 

Example:

Assume 1,200 lb beef cows are eating 1 pound per day of cottonseed meal and 10 pounds 

of hay in addition to pasture. Th e dry matter content of the cottonseed meal is 92% and 

the 85% for the hay.

1 lb cottonseed meal per day x (92÷100) = 0.92 lbs DM per day 

10 lbs hay per day x (85÷100) = 8.5 lbs DM per day

0.92 + 8.5 = 9.42 lbs total intake of dry matter from non-pasture feed sources.

Step 3: Determine Dry Matter Intake from Pasture

Estimated DMD per animal (lbs) – Total lbs dry matter intake from feed sources other 

than pasture = Estimated DMI from pasture.

Example: 

Estimated dry matter intake for 1,200 lb. beef cows is 30 lbs – 9.42 lbs from feed sources 

other than pasture = 20.58 lbs per day DMI from pasture.

Step 4: Calculate the Percent Dry Matter Intake from

Pasture for the Grazing/Ration Period

Percent DMI from pasture = (Estimated lbs DMI from pasture ÷ estimated DMD (lbs)) x 100

Example:

Percent DMI from pasture = (20.58 ÷ 30) x 100 = 68.6% 

Th us the 30% minimum DMI on pasture requirement for this grazing/ration period is 

satisfi ed.
Page 20 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

Summary

Recordkeeping is crucial for maintaining compliance with NOP regulations. Producers 

need to show organic certifi cates and purchase records for all organic feed and roughages 

for bedding, keep track of feed rations fed, and describe their pasture management plan 

in detail. DMI calculations and DMD references must be documented. Pastures must be 

identifi ed and pasture access recorded for each day animals are on pasture during the grazing season. Forage supply and allocation calculations are not specifi cally required but may 

help producers to better manage pasture, thus ensuring success in obtaining at least 30 percent dry matter intake while on pasture for a grazing season of at least 120 days per year.

If assistance is needed in calculating dry matter intake or developing a pasture management plan, producers are welcome to contact the ATTRA information service either 

through the website (www.attra.ncat.org) or through the helpline at 800-346-9140. 

Th ere are many excellent national and regional resources to assist organic livestock producers, including the following:

National Organic Program Handbook 

www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/NOPProgramHandbook

or call 202-720-3252

Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES)

www.mosesorganic.org/productioninfo.html

Th e Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group

www.ssawg.org/organicfarmer.html

eOrganic – Organic Dairy Production System Topics

Organic resource directory hosted at Oregon State University.

www.extension.org/article/18624

Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance

www.nodpa.com

Rodale Institute New Farm website

www.newfarm.org

Holistic Management International

www.holisticmanagement.org

Tools, publications, and worksheets for holistic ranch management and grazing planning.

How To Go Organic, Pasture Management and Grazing

www.howtogoorganic.com/index.php?page=pasture-management

Extensive resource listing of websites and publications on organic pasture and forage 

management.

Other sources of assistance include local county Extension agents and USDA-NRCS 

conservationists, grazing specialists, or rangeland management specialists.

References

Ball, D., C. Hoveland and G. Lacefi eld. 2006. Forage Crop Pocket Guide. Norcross GA: 

International Plant Nutrition Institute. 332 p.

Blanchet, K., H. Moechnig, and J. DeJong-Hughes. 2003. Grazing Systems Planning Guide. 

University of Minnesota Extension Service.

www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/livestocksystems/DI7606.html

Cooper, D. and D. Cosgrove. No date. Pasture Forage Intake Calculator for Dairy Cows. 

Th e University of Wisconsin Extension. 

www.uwrf.edu/grazing/DMI.xls
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 21

Cosgrove, Dennis, Dan Undersander, and James Cropper. 2001. Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring. USDA NRCS, Grazing Lands Technology Institute.

www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/publications/index.html

e-Organic author: Behar, Harriet. 2010. An Overview of the Access to Pasture Rule on 

Organic Dairy Farms. 

www.extension.org/article/28875

eOrganic authors: Harriet Behar, Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service 

(MOSES); Cindy Daley, California State University, Chico; Heather Darby, University of 

Vermont Extension; Sarah Flack, Sarah Flack Consulting; Ed Maltby, Northeast Organic 

Dairy Producers Alliance; Lisa McCrory, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance. 

How to Comply with the Pasture Rule on Your Organic Dairy Farm: A 10 Step Summary

October 20, 2010 

www.extension.org/article/30340

Gadzia, Kirk and Nathan Sayre. 2009. Rangeland Health and Planned Grazing Field 

Guide. Th e Quivira Coalition.

http://quiviracoalition.org/Detailed/QC_Publications/Field_Guides/Rangeland_Health_

and..._83.html

Moseley, Mark. No date. How to Measure Forage Production For the Astute Producer. 

Natural Resources Conservation Service, San Antonio, TX.

www.texasglci.org/docs/forage.pdf

Murphy, Bill. 1995. “Pasture Management to Sustain Agriculture,” Pages 321-347 in Agroecology: Th e Science of Sustainable Agriculture, second edition, edited by Miguel A. Altieri. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.

Pennsylvania Certifi ed Organic. 2010. Access to Pasture Rule Guidance Document. 

www.paorganic.org

USDA. 2010a. Pasture Rule – FAQs. www.ams.usda.gov/NOP

USDA. 2010b. Calculating Dry Matter Intake from Pasture. www.ams.usda.gov/NOP

USDA. 2010c. National Organic Program Final Rule – Access to Pasture: A side-by-side 

comparison between the original, proposed and fi nal rule.

www.ams.usda.gov/NOP

USDA. 2010d. National Organic Program Final Rule. 

USDA. 2010e. National Organic Program Dry Matter Demand Tables For Classes of Dairy 

Cattle. USDA. March 29, 2010. 

www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfi le?dDocName...noprulemaking

www.ams.usda/nop, 202-720-3252 

USDA.2010f. National Organic Program Dry Matter Demand Tables for Classes of Beef 

Cattle.USDA. 

www.pdfchaser.com/pdf/dmd-tables-beef.html

www.ams.usda/nop, 202-720-3252

USDA. 2010g. National Organic Program Dry Matter Demand Table Dairy Goats 

Dec 1, 2010.

www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfi le?dDocName...acct=noprulemaking

www.ams.usda/nop, 202-720-3252

www.ams.usda.gov/NOP (select “NOP regulations” from the menu on the right side of the 

page, then select “Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) (Standards)” from the list 

in the center of the page)
Page 22 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

Appendix 1A and 1B: Dry Matter Intake (DMI) 

Calculation Worksheets

Grazing Season Ration Period Dry Matter Intake 

Calculation Worksheet A (Example): 

DMI from Non-Pasture Feed Sources and from Grazing

Instructions: Use this form to document Dry Matter Intake (DMI) during the grazing season. Use separate 

worksheets for each type and class of livestock. Complete one Worksheet A for each distinct grazing/ration 

period (each time the feed ration changes during the grazing season). Th en use Worksheet B to calculate the 

average DMI from pasture over the entire grazing season. 

Please note: While these worksheets provide one way to document your compliance with organic standards, 

these are not required forms; you may provide another method for calculating DMD and DMI.

Dry Matter Demand: Th e DMD for a given type and class of animals will likely change during the course of 

the grazing season because animals grow and milk production changes over time. Each calculation should use 

a DMD value based on your best estimate of average weight/productivity during each ration period.

Dry Matter Content: Feed sources may vary in moisture contents, especially for fresh and ensiled feeds. 

Please provide the source and accuracy of each material’s dry matter content, and explain any signifi cant 

variation from reference values. 

Operation Name

Example

Date and Year

January 1, 2011

Ration Name/Type

Early lactation corn, hay, pasture

Livestock Type (species, breed, average weight):

Early-lactating Holstein cows, 1,200 lb

Time period this ration is fed (during grazing 

season ONLY)

Season:  Winter  Spring  Summer  Fall 

Number of Days: 30

Class of Animal

 Calf / Lamb / Kid  Heifer / Young Stock

 Lactating  Dry

 Breeding  Slaughter

 Other (specify):

Number of 

Animals: 30

Dry Matter Demand 

(in lbs): 34 lbs/day

Source of DMD values:

NOP Dairy tables for large-breed milk cows

Source of Feed Dry Matter values:

NRC Nutrient Required for Dairy Cattle

Feed type

(list all other than pasture)

Average weight 

(lbs) fed per 

animal per day x

Dry Matter Content 

of feed source as % = DMI Fed (in lbs)

Corn 18 x .89 = 16.02

Hay 15 x .90 = 13.5

x =

x =

Total DMI fed from non-pasture (sum of DMI lbs of each type) 29.52

Dry Matter 

Demand (lbs) - Total 

DM fed = DMI from 

pasture

÷ Dry Matter 

Demand = DMI ratio x 100 = % DMI from 

Pasture

34 - 29.52 = 4.48 ÷ 34 = .13 x 100 = 13%

X X
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 23

Grazing Season Ration Period Dry Matter Intake

Calculation Worksheet A: 

DMI from Non-Pasture Feed Sources and from Grazing

Instructions: Use this form to document Dry Matter Intake (DMI) during the grazing season. Use separate 

worksheets for each type and class of livestock. Complete one Worksheet A for each distinct grazing/ration 

period (each time the feed ration changes during the grazing season). Th en use Worksheet B to calculate the 

average DMI from pasture over the entire grazing season. 

Please note: While these worksheets provide one way to document your compliance with organic standards, 

these are not required forms; you may provide another method for calculating DMD and DMI.

Dry Matter Demand: Th e DMD for a given type and class of animals will likely change during the course of 

the grazing season because animals grow and milk production changes over time. Each calculation should use 

a DMD value based on your best estimate of average weight/productivity during each ration period.

Dry Matter Content: Feed sources may vary in moisture contents, especially for fresh and ensiled feeds. 

Please provide the source and accuracy of each material’s dry matter content, and explain any signifi cant 

variation from reference values. 

Operation Name Date and Year

Ration Name/Type Livestock Type (species, breed, average weight):

Time period this ration is fed (during grazing 

season ONLY)

Season:  Winter  Spring  Summer  Fall 

Number of Days: 

Class of Animal

 Calf / Lamb / Kid  Heifer / Young Stock

 Lactating  Dry

 Breeding  Slaughter

 Other (specify):

Number of 

Animals: 

Dry Matter Demand 

(in lbs): 

Source of DMD values:

Source of Feed Dry Matter values:

Feed type

(list all other than pasture)

Average weight 

(lbs) fed per 

animal per day x

Dry Matter Content 

of feed source as % = DMI Fed (in lbs)

x =

x =

x =

x =

Total DMI fed from non-pasture (sum of DMI lbs of each type)

Dry Matter 

Demand (lbs) - Total 

DM fed = DMI from 

pasture

÷ Dry Matter 

Demand = DMI ratio x 100 = % DMI from 

Pasture

-= ÷ = x 100 =
Page 24 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

Grazing Season Ration Period Dry Matter Intake (DMI) Calculation for

Organic Ruminant Livestock

Worksheet B (Example): 

Calculating the Average DMI from Pasture for the Grazing Season

Instructions: Use this Worksheet B to calculate the average DMI from grazing for each type and class of animal over the entire grazing season. Use all completed Grazing/Ration Period DMI Calculation Worksheet 

A’s for a type and class of animal to provide input into this worksheet. Please note: While these worksheets 

provide one way to document your compliance with organic standards, they are not required forms; you may 

provide another method for calculating DMD and DMI.

Using your completed Worksheets A, enter the ration dates, number of days fed, and % DMI from pasture 

for each distinct feed ration period during the grazing season in the table below. To calculate the weighted 

average DMI from pasture for the entire grazing season, multiply the % DMI for each grazing/ration period 

by the number of days in that period, then divide the sum of those numbers by the total number of days in 

the grazing season (all grazing/ration periods), and multiply by 100 to convert this number to a percentage. 

Ration Name/Type/ID Dates Fed # of 

Days Fed x

Daily DMI from 

Pasture 

(from DMI worksheet)

= DMI from Pasture 

during period

Spring transition

April 10 –

May 10 30 x .13 = 3.9

Summer grazing

May 11 – 

Sept 30 110 x .70 = 77

Fall grazing

Oct 1 – 

Nov 1 30 x .25 = 7.5

Totals 170 88.4

Total DMI from Pasture ÷ Total Days in Grazing Season 

(x 100 to convert to percent) = Grazing Season Average % DMI

88.4 ÷ 170 (x 100) = 52.0%

Note: Th e spring transition number above is from the example Worksheet A. Th e summer and fall grazing/

ration period examples above are assumed. Th ese calculations would be documented on two additional Worksheet A’s. Producers need to complete a separate Worksheet A for each distinct ration period (each time rations 

change) during the grazing season in order to calculate the DMI from pasture to input into this worksheet. 

Th ese are only examples. Individual farms will likely have diff erent grazing season ration periods depending 

on feeds fed and pasture availability.

Operation Name / Year:

Example 

Class of Animal

 Calf / Lamb / Kid  Heifer / Young Stock

 Lactating  Dry

 Breeding  Slaughter

 Other (specify):

Total # Days in Grazing Season (from table below = 

Total # of Days Fed during the Grazing Season): 

170

# Animals in Group:

30

X
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 25

Grazing Season Ration Period Dry Matter Intake (DMI) Calculation for

Organic Ruminant Livestock 

Worksheet B: 

Calculating the Average DMI from Pasture for the Grazing Season

Instructions: Use this Worksheet B to calculate the average DMI from grazing for each type and class of animal over the entire grazing season. Use all completed Grazing/Ration Period DMI Calculation Worksheet 

A’s for a type and class of animal to provide input into this worksheet. Please note: While these worksheets 

provide one way to document your compliance with organic standards, they are not required forms; you may 

provide another method for calculating DMD and DMI.

Using your completed Worksheets A, enter the ration dates, number of days fed, and % DMI from pasture 

for each distinct feed ration period during the grazing season in the table below. To calculate the weighted 

average DMI from pasture for the entire grazing season, multiply the % DMI for each grazing/ration period 

by the number of days in that period, then divide the sum of those numbers by the total number of days in 

the grazing season (all grazing/ration periods), and multiply by 100 to convert this number to a percentage. 

Operation Name / Year: Class of Animal

 Calf / Lamb / Kid  Heifer / Young Stock

 Lactating  Dry

 Breeding  Slaughter

 Other (specify):

Total # Days in Grazing Season (from table below = 

Total # of Days Fed during the Grazing Season): 

# Animals in Group:

Ration Name/Type/ID Dates Fed # of 

Days Fed x

Daily DMI from 

Pasture 

(from DMI worksheet)

= DMI from Pasture 

during period

x =

x =

x =

Totals

Total DMI from Pasture ÷ Total Days in Grazing Season 

(x 100 to convert to percent) = Grazing Season Average % DMI

÷ =
Page 26 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock Grazing Days / Grazing Season Use this form to record the days livestock graze on pasture each month; total number of days in grazing season. Operation/Location Livestock Type Year Jan 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Feb 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Mar 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Apr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 May 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jun 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Jul 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Aug 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Sept 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Oct 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Nov 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Appendix 2: Grazing Days / Season Record
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 27

Appendix 3: USDA NOP regulations 

Pertaining to Ruminant Feed and Pasture 

Management

Th e following paragraphs are verbatim excerpts from NOP standards. Th e full text of the 

NOP standards can be found on the United States Department of Agriculture website, Code 

of Federal Regulations Part 205 National Organic Program: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/

text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=38b80f0015e532cedc5bf9ec3734920a&rgn=div5&view=text&nod

e=7:3.1.1.9.32&idno=7. Producers may also wish to read the ATTRA publication entitled 

Organic Standards for Livestock Production for a larger set of excerpts that cover most aspects 

of livestock production. 

§ 205.237 Livestock feed.

(b) Th e producer of an organic operation must not:

(8) Prevent, withhold, restrain, or otherwise restrict ruminant animals from actively 

obtaining feed grazed from pasture during the grazing season, except for conditions 

as described under § 205.239(b) and (c).

(c) During the grazing season, producers shall:

(1) Provide not more than an average of 70 percent of a ruminant’s dry matter 

demand from dry matter fed (dry matter fed does not include dry matter grazed 

from residual forage or vegetation rooted in pasture). Th is shall be calculated as an 

average over the entire grazing season for each type and class of animal. Ruminant 

animals must be grazed throughout the entire grazing season for the geographical 

region, which shall be not less than 120 days per calendar year. Due to weather, season, and/or climate, the grazing season may or may not be continuous.

(2) Provide pasture of a suffi cient quality and quantity to graze throughout the grazing season and to provide all ruminants under the organic system plan with an average of not less than 30 percent of their dry matter intake from grazing throughout 

the grazing season: Except, Th at,

(i) Ruminant animals denied pasture in accordance with § 205.239(b)(1) 

through (8), and § 205.239(c)(1) through (3), shall be provided with an 

average of not less than 30 percent of their dry matter intake from grazing 

throughout the periods that they are on pasture during the grazing season;

(ii) Breeding bulls shall be exempt from the 30 percent dry matter intake from 

grazing requirement of this section and management on pasture requirement 

of § 205.239(c)(2); Provided, Th at, any animal maintained under this exemption shall not be sold, labeled, used, or represented as organic slaughter stock.

(d) Ruminant livestock producers shall:

(1) Describe the total feed ration for each type and class of animal. Th e description 

must include:

(i) All feed produced on-farm;

(ii) All feed purchased from off -farm sources;

(iii) Th e percentage of each feed type, including pasture, in the total ration; 

and

(iv) A list of all feed supplements and additives.
Page 28 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

(2) Document the amount of each type of feed actually fed to each type and class 

of animal.

(3) Document changes that are made to all rations throughout the year in response 

to seasonal grazing changes.

(4) Provide the method for calculating dry matter demand and dry matter intake.

§ 205.238 Livestock health care practice standard.

(a) Th e producer must establish and maintain preventive livestock health care practices, 

including:

(2) Provision of a feed ration suffi cient to meet nutritional requirements, including 

vitamins, minerals, protein and/or amino acids, fatty acids, energy sources, and 

fi ber (ruminants);

(3) Establishment of appropriate housing, pasture conditions, and sanitation practices to minimize the occurrence and spread of diseases and parasites;

(4) Provision of conditions which allow for exercise, freedom of movement, and 

reduction of stress appropriate to the species.

§ 205.239 Livestock living conditions.

(a) Th e producer of an organic livestock operation must establish and maintain year-round 

livestock living conditions which accommodate the health and natural behavior of animals, including:

(1) Year-round access for all animals to the outdoors, shade, shelter, exercise areas, 

fresh air, clean water for drinking, and direct sunlight, suitable to the species, its 

stage of life, the climate, and the environment: Except, that, animals may be temporarily denied access to the outdoors in accordance with §§ 205.239(b) and (c). Yards, 

feeding pads, and feedlots may be used to provide ruminants with access to the outdoors during the non-grazing season and supplemental feeding during the grazing 

season. Yards, feeding pads, and feedlots shall be large enough to allow all ruminant 

livestock occupying the yard, feeding pad, or feedlot to feed simultaneously without 

crowding and without competition for food. Continuous total confi nement of any 

animal indoors is prohibited. Continuous total confi nement of ruminants in yards, 

feeding pads, and feedlots is prohibited.

(2) For all ruminants, management on pasture and daily grazing throughout the 

grazing season(s) to meet the requirements of § 205.237, except as provided for in 

paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.

(3) Appropriate clean, dry bedding. When roughages are used as bedding, they shall 

have been organically produced in accordance with this part by an operation certifi ed under this part, except as provided in § 205.236(a)(2)(i), and, if applicable, 

organically handled by operations certifi ed to the NOP.

(4) Shelter designed to allow for:

(i) Natural maintenance, comfort behaviors, and opportunity to exercise;

(ii) Temperature level, ventilation, and air circulation suitable to the species; 

and

(iii) Reduction of potential for livestock injury;

(5) Th e use of yards, feeding pads, feedlots and laneways that shall be well-drained, 

kept in good condition (including frequent removal of wastes), and managed to 
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 29

prevent runoff of wastes and contaminated waters to adjoining or nearby surface 

water and across property boundaries.

(b) Th e producer of an organic livestock operation may provide temporary confi nement or 

shelter for an animal because of:

(1) Inclement weather;

(2) Th e animal’s stage of life: Except, that lactation is not a stage of life that would 

exempt ruminants from any of the mandates set forth in this regulation;

(3) Conditions under which the health, safety, or well-being of the animal could be 

jeopardized;

(4) Risk to soil or water quality;

(5) Preventive healthcare procedures or for the treatment of illness or injury (neither 

the various life stages nor lactation is an illness or injury);

(6) Sorting or shipping animals and livestock sales: Provided, that, the animals shall 

be maintained under continuous organic management, including organic feed, 

throughout the extent of their allowed confi nement;

(7) Breeding: Except, that, bred animals shall not be denied access to the outdoors 

and, once bred, ruminants shall not be denied access to pasture during the grazing 

season; or

(8) 4–H, Future Farmers of America and other youth projects, for no more than 

one week prior to a fair or other demonstration, through the event and up to 24 

hours aft er the animals have arrived home at the conclusion of the event. Th ese animals must have been maintained under continuous organic management, including 

organic feed, during the extent of their allowed confi nement for the event.

(c) Th e producer of an organic livestock operation may, in addition to the times permitted 

under § 205.239(b), temporarily deny a ruminant animal pasture or outdoor access under 

the following conditions:

(1) One week at the end of a lactation for dry off (for denial of access to pasture 

only), three weeks prior to parturition (birthing), parturition, and up to one week 

aft er parturition;

(2) In the case of newborn dairy cattle for up to six months, aft er which they must 

be on pasture during the grazing season and may no longer be individually housed: 

Provided, Th at, an animal shall not be confi ned or tethered in a way that prevents 

the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending its limbs, and moving 

about freely;

(3) In the case of fi ber bearing animals, for short periods for shearing; and

(4) In the case of dairy animals, for short periods daily for milking. Milking must 

be scheduled in a manner to ensure suffi cient grazing time to provide each animal 

with an average of at least 30 percent DMI from grazing throughout the grazing 

season. Milking frequencies or duration practices cannot be used to deny dairy animals pasture.

(d) Ruminant slaughter stock, typically grain fi nished, shall be maintained on pasture for 

each day that the fi nishing period corresponds with the grazing season for the geographical 

location: Except, that, yards, feeding pads, or feedlots may be used to provide fi nish feeding rations. During the fi nishing period, ruminant slaughter stock shall be exempt from 

the minimum 30 percent DMI requirement from grazing. Yards, feeding pads, or feedlots 
Page 30 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock

used to provide fi nish feeding rations shall be large enough to allow all ruminant slaughter 

stock occupying the yard, feeding pad, or feed lot to feed simultaneously without crowding 

and without competition for food. Th e fi nishing period shall not exceed one-fi ft h (1/5) of 

the animal’s total life or 120 days, whichever is shorter.

(e) Th e producer of an organic livestock operation must manage manure in a manner that 

does not contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, heavy metals, or pathogenic organisms and optimizes recycling of nutrients and must manage pastures 

and other outdoor access areas in a manner that does not put soil or water quality at risk.

§ 205.240 Pasture practice standard.

Th e producer of an organic livestock operation must, for all ruminant livestock on the 

operation, demonstrate through auditable records in the organic system plan, a functioning management plan for pasture.

(a) Pasture must be managed as a crop in full compliance with §§ 205.202, 205.203(d) and 

(e), 205.204, and 205.206(b) through (f). Land used for the production of annual crops for 

ruminant grazing must be managed in full compliance with §§ 205.202 through 205.206. 

Irrigation shall be used, as needed, to promote pasture growth when the operation has irrigation available for use on pasture.

(b) Producers must provide pasture in compliance with § 205.239(a)(2) and manage pasture 

to comply with the requirements of: § 205.237(c)(2), to annually provide a minimum of 30 

percent of a ruminant’s dry matter intake (DMI), on average, over the course of the grazing 

season(s); § 205.238(a)(3), to minimize the occurrence and spread of diseases and parasites; 

and § 205.239(e) to refrain from putting soil or water quality at risk.

(c) A pasture plan must be included in the producer’s organic system plan, and be updated 

annually in accordance with § 205.406(a). Th e producer may resubmit the previous year’s 

pasture plan when no change has occurred in the plan. Th e pasture plan may consist of 

a pasture/rangeland plan developed in cooperation with a Federal, State, or local conservation offi ce: Provided, that, the submitted plan addresses all of the requirements of § 

205.240(c)(1) through (8). When a change to an approved pasture plan is contemplated, 

which may aff ect the operation’s compliance with the Act or the regulations in this part, 

the producer shall seek the certifying agent’s agreement on the change prior to implementation. Th e pasture plan shall include a description of the:

(1) Types of pasture provided to ensure that the feed requirements of § 205.237 are 

being met.

(2) Cultural and management practices to be used to ensure pasture of a suffi cient 

quality and quantity is available to graze throughout the grazing season and to provide all ruminants under the organic system plan, except exempted classes identifi ed in § 205.239(c)(1) through (3), with an average of not less than 30 percent of 

their dry matter intake from grazing throughout the grazing season.

(3) Grazing season for the livestock operation’s regional location.

(4) Location and size of pastures, including maps giving each pasture its own 

identifi cation.

(5) Th e types of grazing methods to be used in the pasture system.

(6) Location and types of fences, except for temporary fences, and the location and 

source of shade and the location and source of water.

(7) Soil fertility and seeding systems.

(8) Erosion control and protection of natural wetlands and riparian areas practices.
Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule Page 31
Page 32 www.ams.usda.gov/nop Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock:

For more information, please contact the 

USDA National Organic Program:

 U.S. Department of Agriculture

Agricultural Marketing Service

National Organic Program

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Stop 0268, Room 2640-S

Washington, DC 20250-0235

Tel. 202-720-3252

Fax 202-205-7808

www.ams.usda.gov/NOP