Forage became a critical source of human food with the killing and eating of the first grazing animal. Today, forage grasses provide most of the nutrition for cattle, sheep, goats, horses and mules. They also protect and improve our soils, contribute to clean water and air, play a major role in decelerating releases of carbon into the environment, account for about 25% of the total value of U.S> agriculture, occupy about 50% of the total land area of the U.S. and provide recreation, wildlife habitat and esthetic value. In addition, large seeded grasses that include the grain crops, corn, rice, wheat, barley, rye, oat, sorghum and millets supply about three-fourths of the energy and about half of the protein consumed by humans. As Dr. Burton stated many years ago, without question, forages really are the most important plants on Earth. Purchase Forage-Livestock Quotes and Concepts books for $5 each by contacting ukforageextension@uky.edu.