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The Object Modeling System (OMS) is a framework that facilitates the development of customized models from a standardized library of science, data and utility modules, as well as their testing, application and deployment. It is an interagency project between the USDA-ARS, USGS, and USDA-NRCS to implement object-oriented modeling principles that achieve code reusability and greater ease of maintenance. This paper demonstrates the development of a rangeland forage component in OMS using two approaches: (1) wrapping of an existing non-object-oriented forage module written in FORTRAN 90; and (2) creating a fully object-oriented forage module written in Java. The first approach demonstrates reuse of legacy code from an existing model while the second approach demonstrates the development of a Java OMS component. Features of OMS relevant to component development are also highlighted. OMS can leverage previous investments in legacy science modules and facilitate the development of component-oriented models within a framework that maximizes code reusability and ease of maintenance.