How Does Stocking Rate Relate to Carrying Capacity? The long-term carrying capacity of rangeland refers to the average stocking rate a given amount of land can support for several years without damage to that resource. Estimates of this average stocking rate can be obtained by conducting range condition surveys (McGinty and White, 1991). Stocking rate refers to the actual number of animals grazed, which may not match forage production. If livestock numbers are based primarily on the average carrying capacity, the range will be overgrazed in dry years and undergrazed during wet years. To achieve maximum production and profit, livestock numbers must be matched to current and projected forage levels, not to an average carrying capacity . Authors: Larry D. White, Allan McGinty