Interested in establishing an equitable pasture lease rate?

This calculator estimates cost contributions from each party - the land owner and the livestock owner - and uses them to establish lease rates in per acre, per head (or per pair), or share of gain terms. This tool is an online version of a spreadsheet developed by Drs. Ray Massey and Matt Stockton as a part of the AgLease101 website. This version uses default values from a sample cow-calf operation in Montana.  Adjust the values in the input boxes on each tab to fit your operation.  The Contributions Approach to Pasture Leasing Montguide can help. 

The Landowner Cost Estimate and The Livestock Owner Cost Estimate tabs tally the contributions of the landowner livestock owner, respectively.   Each sheet is linked -- so values you enter in one sheet will be used in calculations in the others.  The Landowner's Contribution is the minimum rental rate that would cover the landowner's costs. The Livestock Owner Net Return on the Livestock Owner Cost Estimate tab shows the maximum the livestock owner would pay without losing money from the lease.  The Implied Rental Rates on the Share of Gain calculate rates based on the return from selling animals and the contributions of each party.  These calculated rates for the land owner and livestock owner can be used as starting points in the lease rate negotiation. For more information and guidance, see the AgLease101 guide on pasture lease agreements.