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Do I NEED all the lot space that I have on my small farm?

Last Updated: November 25, 2008 Related resource areas: Animal Manure Management


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Many times more lot space is used than needed. There is a direct relationship between pollution risk and the size of the lot area. Nutrient runoff risk is not related to the number of animals in an open lot area as much as the size of the area.

The larger the lot space then the higher potential to contribute nutrients to runoff water that eventually could leave the property. A proper balance must be struck between having adequate space for the animals yet minimizing the area that generates polluted runoff.

Use the table below to estimate the amount of lot space needed for animals.


Amount of lot space needed per animal in 25-35 in rainfall areas
Type of Animal (lbs) Earthen Lots (sq ft) Paved Lots (sq ft)
Beef
cow-calf 500 75
calf (600) 250 50
feeder (600-1000) 350 60
Dairy
Calf (250) 200 30
(250-400) 300 35
(400-600) 400 40
(600-800) 500 45
(800-1,000) 600 50
Sheep
Rams (180-300) 40 16
Ewes (150-200) 40 16
Feeder lambs (3-130) 30 10
Swine
Nursery pigs (30-75 75 8
Finish pigs (75-275) 150 15
Gestating Sow 200 20
Boar 200 40
Horses
Horse (1,000) 500 NA
Horse (1,400) 750 NA

Table source: LPES Curriculum, Open Lot Runoff Management

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