Will More Forage Pay? Economic Aspects of Using More Pasture and Forage on Farms: A Progress Report

Excerpts from the report: The hypothesis upon which this study rests is that it is desirable to shift more of our land resources to production of forage if producers can find ways to utilize the forage efficiently and profitably. Three major assumptions are made: (1) That surpluses of cash crops such as cotton, wheat, and corn may again prevail and that profitable alternative uses for some of the land now producing such crops will be needed; (2) that increased production of livestock and livestock products would be desirable from the standpoint of dietary deficiencies and consumers’ food preferences; and (3) that a shift to forage crops from the cash crops which may be in surplus will tend to retard erosion and help to maintain soil fertility. The analysis logically falls into three parts: (1) A review and appraisal of pertinent experimental data and inquiry into the experience of limited numbers of farmers and ranchers who have pioneered in forage production and utilization; (2) a more intensive appraisal of opportunities for profitable forage expansion and use in important farming systems in representative areas of the country; and (3) the aggregate effects of additional forage production and use on farms. This report deals with the first or reconnaissance phase and work is now going forward on the second.