Forage and grazing lands first resided within several divisions of CSSA and focused on establishment and management for yield and persistence. In the 1950's introductions were evaluated and evolved as major contributors. Breeders were improving yield, adaptation, and disease resistance. Release of ‘Ranger' and ‘Vernal' greatly improved dependability of alfalfa and stimulated the role of private industry. In the 1960's low N prices stimulated heated debates on use of legumes, which was resolved mainly by high energy prices and improved legume management to assure stands. Knowledge on plant morphology and physiology helped overcome weaknesses in adaptation by use of specific management. New methods to measure digestibility, first in vivo, then in vitro, and then NIR spectroscopy in the 1970's, led to expanded efforts in breeding and management with notable successes in bermudagrass and switchgrass. The large round baler revolutionized hay packaging and storage in the 1970's, and new technologies for more consistent silage and haylage quality helped reduce labor needs. Understanding antiquality features in several species and the role of endophytes in tall fescue in 1970's and 1980's opened new ways to improve animal performance. In the 1990's technologies on grazing methods, pasture systems, electric fencing, and watering systems led to more use of pastures, an extended grazing season, less need for stored feed, and fewer problems with animal health and manure management. Pasturing also contributed to increased plant biodiversity. Yield of most species has been increased some, but yearly animal performance has been improved, especially for species and systems that extend the grazing season. Forages are now grown specifically for wildlife habitat, alley crops, riparian areas, and biofuels. Biotechnology is contributing to understanding plant adaptation and growth processes, and is being used for herbicide tolerance, improving disease and pest resistance, improving quality, and reducing the hazard of bloat.