The stocking rate of beef steers grazing on mixed-grass prairies affects their performance and the economics of the land. Researchers studied how different stocking rates impacted the weight gain of steers and the economic returns of the land. They found that as the stocking rate increased, the average daily weight gain of the steers decreased, but the weight gain per hectare of land increased. This means that more steers can be raised on the land, leading to higher economic returns. In favorable weather conditions, higher stocking rates can be more profitable than the recommended rate.