Turn rangeland into recurring income — $2 to $90 per acre per year.
Grazing leases are the workhorse of US ranchland income. Priced per AUM (one cow-calf for one month), they're how owners of marginal cropland, brushland, and Western rangeland generate steady cash without farming.
How it works
- 1Determine carrying capacity
Stocking density varies wildly: 0.05 AUM/acre in Nevada to 2.5 AUM/acre in Florida pasture. Your county Extension agent or NRCS conservation planner can give a site-specific estimate.
- 2Find a rancher
Local cattle producers, county Extension, or commercial brokers (Tillable, AcreTrader) all help match. Many leases are word-of-mouth via the local livestock association.
- 3Choose a structure
Per-AUM (most flexible), per-acre flat (most predictable), or revenue-share on weight gain (rare). Most contracts run 1-5 years with renewal.
- 4Set ground rules
Spell out stocking density, water responsibilities, fence maintenance, weed control, and entry rights for inspections.
Deal structures
Tenant pays $18-$45 per AUM/month based on regional rates and pasture quality.
Simpler bookkeeping; common in improved Southeast pasture at $15-$60/ac/yr.
Grazing co-exists with wind royalties, agrivoltaics, and hunting lease — multiple income streams on the same surface.
Frequently asked
Animal-unit-month — the forage consumed by one mature cow with her calf in one month. Standard pricing unit for US grazing leases.
BLM federal rates run ~$1.35/AUM (heavily subsidized). Private leases run $18-$45/AUM in the West, $20-$50 in the Plains, $18-$35 in the Southeast.
Negotiable. Tenant usually maintains existing water infrastructure (wells, troughs); landowner provides existing infrastructure. New wells/fencing are negotiated upfront.
Yes — most grazing leases reserve hunting rights to the landowner, who can keep them or sublease as a separate hunting lease for $5-$60/ac/yr.
Free, instant assessment — and matched providers in your state.