By Jamie Martin
Dr. Gerald Smith, a professor and plant breeder at Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Overton, is helping shape the future of sustainable agriculture through his work with forage legumes. His mission is to support farmers while improving the environment and food systems.
Smith grew up on a small farm and was inspired by mentors in agriculture. Now, through his leadership of the Forage Legume Research Program, he focuses on developing new legume and grass varieties that support livestock feeding and soil health.
Since 2016, his program has introduced five improved cultivars, generating over 1.7 million pounds of seed sales. These innovations have a combined impact of $82.4 million, supporting farmers, reducing fertilizer use, and encouraging biodiversity.
These new varieties help reduce dependence on synthetic inputs, improve grazing efficiency, and support wildlife and pollination. Each year, they bring in an average of $11.77 million in benefits, showcasing the value of ongoing research.
Smith works with fellow scientists across Texas, combining expertise to advance breeding and production practices that meet the needs of both large operations and small-scale farmers.
Looking forward, Dr. Smith plans to:
- Enhance seed traits and salt tolerance in cowpeas.
- Introduce disease-resistant forage beans.
- Expand options for acidic soils with bird’s foot trefoil.
- Use genetics to find healthy food traits in cowpeas.
- Create legumes for cover crops and soil improvement.
Smith’s work plays a vital role in making farming more productive, sustainable, and climate resilient. By connecting science with real needs, he helps build a better agricultural future for communities near and far.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: National