Forages include both native (157 million acres) and introduced (111 million acres) pastures in Texas that provide about 70% of the nutrients consumed by livestock. Forage crops are the foundation on which the Texas livestock industry is built. Currently, cash receipts are more than $7 billion for cattle, $3 billion for wildlife, and more than $700 million in hay to Texas ranches. Forages also enhance water quality, serve as sinks for the disposal of agricultural and municipal wastes, are renewable sources of energy, provide food and habitat for wildlife, and are used to revegetate disturbed lands and public right-a-ways.
Forage species in Texas are as diverse as the soils and climates found across the state. Research is conducted at Beeville, College Station, Dallas, Kingsville, Overton, Stephenville, and Uvalde to address ecosystem variations. The Texas AgriLife Research forage research team includes expertise in plant breeding, management, and forage utilization. Additionally, forage specialists with the Texas AgriLife Extension conduct numerous demonstrations across the state to evaluate new forages and management practices at the producer level. This collection represents the current research and extension information on grasses and legumes to enhance economic growth and animal production for Texas producers.
