An Economic Analysis of Ryegrass and Soybean Forage Production in Northeast Texas

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Date of Award

Spring 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the economic feasibility of integrating soybean forage into a no-till annual ryegrass production system in Texas. The research was conducted over five seasons (2019-2023) at the Texas A&M System University farm using a randomized complete block design. The experiment evaluated the effects of various herbicide treatments, ryegrass clipping timings (grazing simulation and hay production), and soybean harvest strategies (grain and forage) on profitability. Annual ryegrass provided effective weed suppression throughout the study, with forage yields ranging from 663 kg ha-1 to 2,764 kg ha-1 depending on clipping time. The results suggest that ryegrass can be a valuable forage source for livestock producers while also controlling weeds. Soybean grain yield data was collected in 2020 and 2021. Soybean forage yield data was collected in the 2022-2023 season to assess the economic potential of soybean forage production. Soybean forage yield ranged from 4,451 kg ha-1 to 5,848 kg ha-1. Our findings suggest that integrating soybeans into a ryegrass production system can be profitable for Texas farmers, with profits going from $177/acre for ryegrass hay production to $40/acre for soybean seed sale. This innovative cropping system offers benefits such as weed control, additional forage production, and potentially increased income from soybean forage sales.

Advisor

Jose Lopez

Subject Categories

Agriculture | Life Sciences

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS