Technical Abstract: Forage breeding began in the early part of the 20th century. Cultivars of legumes and grasses were developed with improved establishment capability, persistence, high forage yields, and good insect and disease resistance. Limited animal evaluation was involved in the development of the initial cultivars. Breeding and genetics research on developing improved forages continues on these essential traits but in addition, research on improving the quality of forages for utilization by livestock is now an essential component of forage breeding. The past and current forage breeding research was and continues to be supported by numerous genetic studies on the inheritance and breeding of specific traits. Molecular breeding technologies are beginning to be applied to forage species. Forage breeders continue to develop cultivars with improved economic value for use by farmers in livestock production systems.