Forage Seeds Global Market Report 2024

The forage seeds market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $16.79 billion in 2023 to $18.38 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%. The expansion during the historical period can be ascribed to the growth of the livestock and dairy industry, the increasing production of silage, efforts in environmental conservation, government support, and subsidies, as well as advancements in animal health and performance.

The forage seeds market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $26.46 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%. The expansion anticipated in the forecast period can be linked to the growth of the global population, increasing affluence, and higher protein consumption, the adoption of climate-resilient varieties, the cultivation of water-efficient forage crops, and opportunities in international trade. Key trends expected during the forecast period encompass the development of drought-resistant forage varieties, legume forage varieties, the application of biotechnology for trait improvement, the use of forage mixtures to enhance biodiversity, and efforts to enhance disease and pest resistance in forage crops.

The forage seeds market is anticipated to experience growth in the upcoming years due to the rise in livestock population. Livestock, which includes domesticated terrestrial animals utilized for various commodities and services such as traction, meat, milk, eggs, skins, fibers, and feathers, stands to benefit from forage crops that are rich in vitamins, fiber, and proteins, enhancing animals' metabolic efficiency. For example, a report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service in September 2021 projected an increase of 1.2 million head in India's national cattle herd from the 2021 total to reach 306.7 million in 2022. This growth is attributed to significant reproductive success in dairy animals, leading to a larger herd size and a robust calf crop. Consequently, the burgeoning livestock population is expected to drive the expansion of the forage seeds market.

The forage seeds market is poised for growth in the foreseeable future, driven by the increasing demand for organic products. Organic products, defined as agricultural or food items produced, processed, and handled according to specific standards set by organic farming and certification organizations, rely on forage seeds to contribute to sustainable livestock feed, soil health improvement, and weed and pest control. Notably, in January 2022, Supermarket News reported a 5.5% increase in total sales of organic fresh produce, reaching $9.22 billion in 2021 compared to $8.54 billion in 2020. The market had experienced significant growth of 14.2% in the preceding year. Hence, the rising demand for organic products is set to propel the growth of the forage seeds market.

Major companies in the forage seeds sector are concentrating on the development of innovative solutions, including expanding their product lines to incorporate cover crops and forage mixtures. The term "cover crops and forage mixtures" denotes a diverse range of agricultural products that integrate cover crops and forage plants in carefully formulated blends, each tailored for specific objectives such as enhancing soil quality, preventing erosion, and serving as animal forage in agricultural settings. A notable example occurred in September 2023 when MAS Seeds, a hybrid seed manufacturer based in France, introduced the 'MAS4' range. This comprehensive collection encompasses cover crops, forage blends, and specialized mixtures. The product line encompasses the MAS4 COVER crop segment designed for agronomic purposes, MAS4 NUTRI forage mixtures, MAS4 ENERGY mixtures dedicated to biogas production, and MAS4 EXPERT blends catering to the needs of beekeepers and grape growers.

Major players in the forage seeds market are directing their efforts toward the development of innovative solutions, specifically focusing on Alfalfa technologies for forage seeds. Alfalfa technology involves the implementation of methods and tools aimed at improving the growth, yield, quality, and overall efficiency of alfalfa cultivation. An illustrative example occurred in July 2022 when Alforex Seeds Alfalfa, a seed company based in the United States, introduced the 'AFX 670 Hi-Gest Alfalfa'. This forage seed product is built on the next-generation Hi-Gest Alfalfa Technology. Through conventional breeding methods, this alfalfa variant boasts an increased leaf-to-stem ratio, leading to improved fiber digestibility, intake, and extent of digestion when compared to other conventional semi-dormant alfalfas. AFX 670 Hi-Gest Alfalfa is distinguished by a fall dormancy rating of 6, showcasing a prominent expression of multifoliate leaves and demonstrating germination tolerance to saline conditions.

In March 2022, DLF, a seed company headquartered in Europe, completed the acquisition of OreGro Seeds for an undisclosed sum. This strategic move enables DLF, along with its distribution partners in both the United States and international markets, to exclusively offer OreGro's distinctive cool-season forage grass, forage legumes, turfgrass, cover crops, and small grain varieties. OreGro Seeds, the entity acquired, is a forage, cover crop, and turfgrass breeding company based in the United States.

Major companies operating in the forage seeds market report are BASF SE, Dow AgroSciences LLC, Land O'Lakes Inc., Monsanto Company, Foster's Seed and Feed, DLF Seeds A/S, Advanta Seeds Pty Ltd., AgReliant Genetics LLC, Seedway LLC, Blue River Hybrids, Brett-Young Seeds Limited, Pasture Genetics Pty Ltd., S&W Seed Company, Johnston Seed Company, La Crosse Seed, Germinal GB Limited, Forage First Ltd., Mountain View Seeds, Allied Seed LLC, Barenbrug Holding B.V, Heritage Seeds Private Limited, Northstar Seed Ltd., Pickseed Canada Inc., Landmark Seeds Ltd., Grassland Oregon Inc., Kings Agriseeds Inc., Green Valley Seed LLC, Imperial Seed Ltd., Prairie Creek Seed, Wolf Seeds do Brasil Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the forage seeds market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the forage seeds market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the forage seeds market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The primary forage seed varieties include alfalfa, clover, ryegrass, and chicory. Alfalfa forage seeds pertain to a deep-rooted leguminous perennial plant (Medicago sativa) originating from southwestern Asia, cultivated for hay and forage. The cultivation of alfalfa serves to enhance soil quality and provides additional benefits associated with soil and fields. Livestock, comprising cattle, swine, poultry, and ruminants, encompass diverse species, including legumes and grasses. These forage seeds are obtained from various sources, including organic and inorganic origins.

The forage seeds market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides forage seeds market statistics, including forage seeds industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a forage seeds market share, detailed forage seeds market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the forage seeds industry. This forage seeds market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The forage seeds market consists of sales of hay, pasture, legumes, grasses, and silage. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.