Livestock Stocking Rate Calculator
Calculate your farm's livestock units (LU/Ha).
Livestock Stocking Rate Calculator UK
Instant LU/ha – NVZ & Grant Compliant
Calculate your farm’s total Livestock Units (LU) and stocking density (LU/ha) in seconds.
Official UK conversion rates – perfect for NVZ compliance, Countryside Stewardship, SFI & grant applications.
How to Use the Calculator
Enter your livestock numbers
One field per category – includes dairy, beef, sheep & calves
Add total farm & grazing area
Use your RPA maps or field measurements
Get instant results + PDF
Total LU, farm LU/ha, grazing LU/ha – ready for audits
Official UK Livestock Unit (LU) Conversion Rates 2025
| Livestock Category | Livestock Units (LU) per Head |
|---|---|
| Dairy Cows | 1.00 |
| Beef Cows / Breeding Bulls | 1.00 |
| Cattle over 2 years (dairy or beef) | 0.80 |
| Cattle 1–2 years | 0.60 |
| Calves under 1 year | 0.40 |
| Ewes & Rams | 0.15 |
| Lambs | 0.04 |
Source: DEFRA / RPA / Natural England – Standard values used in NVZ, SFI, CS and grant schemes
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between farm and grazing stocking rate?
Farm rate = total LU ÷ total farm area (including buildings). Grazing rate = total LU ÷ grazed area only. Most grants use grazing rate.
Can I use this for NVZ derogation applications?
Yes – the calculator uses the exact RPA values. Export the PDF as supporting evidence.
Do horses, goats or pigs count?
Not in standard LU tables. Horses = 1.0 LU, goats ≈ 0.12, pigs vary. Contact us for a custom version.