How much improved pasture does Gonzales CAD publish for five cattle animal units?

Gonzales CAD publishes cattle on improved pasture at 1 animal unit per 4-7 acres. Five animal units therefore correspond to 5 × 4 through 5 × 7 acres, or 20-35 acres, depending on pasture productivity.

How much native pasture is published for three cattle animal units in Gonzales County?

The cattle native-pasture range is 1 animal unit per 7-20 acres. Three animal units therefore correspond to 3 × 7 through 3 × 20 acres, or 21-60 acres.

How many hives are needed on 15 acres in Gonzales County?

The first 5 acres require 6 hives. The remaining 10 acres ÷ 2.5 acres per additional hive = 4 more hives, so a 15-acre tract requires 10 hives.

Can Gonzales County land switch to wildlife management?

Yes, if it was qualified for 1-d-1 or timberland appraisal on Jan. 1 of the preceding year. The applicant must list at least 3 wildlife-management practices, attach a TPWD-form management plan, and submit the annual report for an enrolled wildlife use.

Gonzales County, TX — Ag Exemption Requirements (2026)

Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: Gonzales Central Appraisal District official guidelines

Gonzales County lies east of San Antonio between the I-10 and U.S. 90 corridors, in the Post Oak Savannah and South Texas Plains transition where cattle, small ruminants, horses, hay, and crops are common. Gonzales Central Appraisal District's guide is useful for rural landowners because it publishes separate livestock stocking ranges by animal and pasture condition, as well as a precise apiary formula for 5-to-20-acre tracts.

Min. Acreage

0 ac

History Requirement

The land must be currently devoted principally to agricultural use, and the principal use of the land for 5 of the last 7 years must have been agricultural.

Application Window

January 1 – April 30

CAD Phone

830-672-2879

Grazing Intensity Standards

Pasture Type	Acres per Animal Unit	Confidence
Cattle — Improved Pasture	4 acres / AU	✓ Verified
Cattle — Native Pasture	7 acres / AU	✓ Verified
Sheep/Goats — Improved Pasture	3 acres / AU	✓ Verified
Sheep/Goats — Native Pasture	5 acres / AU	✓ Verified
Horses — Improved Pasture	3 acres / AU	✓ Verified
Horses — Native Pasture	5 acres / AU	✓ Verified

Beekeeping Intensity Standards

Acreage Range	Base Hives	Extra Hives/Acre (above base)	Confidence
5–20 acres	6	0.4	✓ Verified

Animal Unit Equivalencies

An animal unit (AU) is a standardized measure used to compare livestock of different sizes. One AU = one 1,000-lb cow. Your total stocking rate is calculated in AUs, then multiplied by the acres-per-AU standard for your pasture type. These values are published by the county.

Animal	Animal Units	Source
weaned calf or yearling	0.6	County-published
steer or heifer 1 to 2 years	1	County-published
mature cow with or without unweaned calf	1	County-published
bull 2 years and over	1.3	County-published
five weaned lambs to yearlings	0.6	County-published
five mature ewes with or without unweaned lambs	1	County-published
five rams	1.3	County-published
six weaned kids to yearlings	0.6	County-published
six mature does with or without unweaned kids	1	County-published
six bucks or muttons over 2 years	1.3	County-published
horse yearling	0.78	County-published
horse over 2 years	1	County-published
horse over 3 years	1.25	County-published

Wildlife Management Option

Gonzales County allows wildlife management as a qualifying use. Landowners must implement at least 3 of the seven recognized wildlife management practices defined by Texas Parks and Wildlife. An annual wildlife management plan report is required.

The agricultural guide directs applicants to Gonzales County Wildlife Management Guidelines. The CAD hosts a Wildlife Management Plan and Wildlife Annual Report; Form 50-129 requires at least three wildlife-management practices, a TPWD-form management plan, and confirmation that the land was qualified for 1-d-1 or timberland appraisal on Jan. 1 of the previous year.