Better Grazing Decisions Start with Data: Using the Rangeland Analysis Platform
Ever wondered how your pasture has performed over the last 10 years? Or how drought really affected your forage? There’s a tool for that, and we’ve got a step-by-step walkthrough video to help you get started.
The Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) is a free, user-friendly online tool that uses satellite data to monitor vegetation production across the U.S. Our Director recently did a full walkthrough of the RAP Production Explorer, and it’s packed with practical tips for producers, planners, and anyone managing grazing lands.
Why Use the RAP Production Explorer?
The Production Explorer is one of RAP’s most powerful tools. It lets you:
- Digitize your pasture or load a shapefile
- View average annual forage production over time
- See the impact of drought years like 2011 and 2020
- Compare satellite estimates with field clippings
- Build a custom stocking rate report based on forage availability
As our David said, "You can’t go back in time and clip grass from a past year — but RAP gives you the next best thing."
What You'll Learn in the Video
In the walkthrough, you’ll see how to:
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Draw your pasture using satellite imagery
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Select a 10-year window of production data
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Calculate average and annual production (lbs/acre)
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Estimate a stocking rate based on your own cow size, grazing days, and pasture access
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Download reports to save or share with your conservation planner or NRCS advisor
You’ll also get real examples — like how 2011’s drought dropped pasture production by over 1,000 lbs per acre compared to normal years!
Who Should Use This?
If you're a:
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Rancher wanting to plan next season’s grazing
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Planner working with landowners
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Student or educator needing real-world land data
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Conservationist tracking changes over time
…this tool was made for you.
And the best part? It’s all free and backed by ground-truthed data. No more guessing.
Ready to Explore Your Land’s Story?
Try the RAP Tool at: https://rangelands.app/
Let data work for you and make smarter, more resilient grazing decisions for years to come!