Max # of cows per acre in N Central Florida

[beppington]

Earlier this year I bought a wild/ natural 40-acre parcel of semi-low to low land that currently has anywhere from grass to whatever grows in sometimes swampy areas (blackberry bushes, saplings).

We haven't had any sort of flooding since the '04 hurricane season, therefore even the lowest areas have no surface water right now.

The entire parcel grows vegetation very well.

I believe I could bush hog the entire thing down to grass if needed. I have already bush hogged over a mile of trails around the perimeter & one out toward the middle, & bush hogging it is not a problem.

So ... how many cows could I put on it?

Thank you ...

Edit: Pic of overgrown area. This is what the 40 looks like, except the trails I've bush hogged of course:

 

[sweettractors]

Here in Ky, The University figures 1 cow/calf unit per acre. That acre has to be properly fertilized, limed and maintained. Ken Sweet

 

[MMagis]

What kind of cows? Though you don’t have to worry about winter down there, you do have to worry about summer dryness. In some ways that’s worse than winter up here. I’m sure someone will know better, but I suspect 1/acre is going to be all you want. 40 cows is a lot of work.
Edit: I did a little reading online. Seems 1 cow/acre is about it for well managed land.

 

[sweettractors]

What kind of cows? Though you don稚 have to worry about winter down there, you do have to worry about summer dryness. In some ways that痴 worse than winter up here. I知 sure someone will know better, but I suspect 1/acre is going to be all you want. 40 cows is a lot of work.

I always figure what it take for pasture for the cows and how much I need to set aside for hay production for winter. In Florida, winter feed/pasture should be no problem. However, it never hurts to have some hay for weeks or months when the pasture plays out because of cold or hot. Lots of Santa Gertruda's in that type climate. They can sand the heat and a little cold weather also and don't have pinkeye problems. Ken Sweet

 

[maybar]

Try 5 Longhorns for a year for a test and keep us informed how things are going. It's always easier to add more than to sell at a loss because of poor grazing conditions.

 

[beppington]

Well, I'm more likely going to let somebody else put their cows on the land. Not sure I myself really want to own any cows, yet (if ever).

I was trying to get an idea of how many might "fit".

I know a local guy that has his cows on 7 different peoples' fields. Nice feller. I'm thinking about seeing if he wants to put some on mine.

 

[sweettractors]

Well, I'm more likely going to let somebody else put their cows on the land. Not sure I myself really want to own any cows, yet (if ever).

I was trying to get an idea of how many might "fit".

I know a local guy that has his cows on 7 different peoples' fields. Nice feller. I'm thinking about seeing if he wants to put some on mine.

Going rate around here is $5 per head per month. Ken Sweet

 

[beppington]

I actually didn't have in mind charging him, Ken, just enjoying the agriculture exemption tax benefit & getting the wild weeds under control. Maybe I should ask for "rent"?

 

[sweettractors]

I actually didn't have in mind charging him, Ken, just enjoying the agriculture exemption tax benefit & getting the wild weeds under control. Maybe I should ask for "rent"?

I am not sure about this, However, It may be good to show some income from a Schedule F when filing taxes. All expenses and no income may not work for long. Good you want to help your neighbor, not many would offer that. :thumbsup: Ken Sweet

 

[LostInTheWoods]

I actually didn't have in mind charging him, Ken, just enjoying the agriculture exemption tax benefit & getting the wild weeds under control. Maybe I should ask for "rent"?

As far as the IRS is concerned, you usually have to at least demonstrate an intent to make a profit (the creative part comes in whether or not you actually do make a profit on paper)...so letting someone have his cows grazing on your land for free might not cut it with "The Man".