Forages Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The forages market, valued at USD 86.65 Billion in 2024. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.10% from 2025 to 2034, reaching nearly USD 129.50 Billion by 2034. This growth is driven by innovations in farming technology, including precision agriculture and enhanced forage processing methods, which are improving the efficiency and quality of forage production.

Global Forages Market Report Summary

Market Size 2024

• USD Billion 86.65

Market Size 2034

• USD Billion 129.50
• CAGR 2025-2034
• 4.1%

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by Region

• Asia Pacific
• 4.6%

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by Country

• India
• 4.7%

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by Country

• China
• 4.4%

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by Crop Type

• Legumes
• 4.8%

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by Product Type

• Fresh Forage
• 4.5%

Market Share by Country 2024

• Canada
• 2.1%

Global Forages Market Growth

Rice, maize, wheat, barley, and sorghum represent the five most extensively produced cereals across the world. Among these, maize exhibited the highest production levels, reaching 1.2 billion tonnes in 2021, and demonstrated the swiftest growth over the period, increasing by 104% since 2000. This growth can be attributed to its diverse applications in the animal feed and biofuel sectors. In 2021, the Americas emerged as the leading region for maize production, with the Brazil and United States collectively contributing to 39% of global output, while China ranked as the second-largest producer, holding nearly 23% of the market share.

Rice is frequently utilised as forage for livestock, especially in regions where rice farming is significant. The byproduct of rice harvesting, known as rice straw, is commonly employed as animal feed due to its cost-effectiveness and abundance. Furthermore, rice silage, produced through the fermentation of rice plants, improves digestibility and serves as forage, thereby minimising waste and offering a cost-effective feeding option within the agricultural sector.

As per the forages market analysis, forages, including legumes, grasses, and crop byproducts, are essential components of livestock diets. They provide important nutrients, fibre, and energy necessary for healthy growth and digestion. Available in various forms such as hay, fresh pasture, silage, or pellets, forages are a cost-effective and sustainable source of nutrition for livestock.

Key Trends and Developments

The forages market growth can be attributed to the adoption of advanced forage production technologies, increasing demand for livestock products, adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, expansion of the feed sector, and adaptation to climate change.

July 2024

NativeSeed Group has acquired Arrow Seed after four generations of family management. This acquisition has expanded NativeSeed's presence in the Midwest and enhanced its product range with more warm season seed varieties. Arrow Seed is recognised for its commitment to conservation and premium forage seeds, serving a diverse clientele that includes farmers and conservation districts. The acquisition of Arrow Seed by NativeSeed Group is a significant milestone that enhances the company's market presence and product offerings.

May 2024

S&W Seed Company, a global leader in agricultural technology, announced the commercial launch of Double Team Forage Sorghum, expanding its unique and proprietary range of sorghum trait technologies. With this introduction, S&W Seed Company aimed to strengthen its position in the global agricultural market by providing farmers with a reliable and effective solution for their forage requirements while contributing to advancements in agricultural technology.

September 2022

Sound Agriculture's flagship product, SOURCE®, expanded its offerings for the 2023 season to include a wider variety of crops, now featuring wheat, cotton, alfalfa, and hay alongside corn and soybeans. After experiencing impressive growth of 4.3 times since the 2021 growing season, SOURCE was used on over one million acres across the United States, just three years after its launch.

September 2022

John Deere added three new self-propelled forage harvesters to its lineup for 2023: the 9500, 9600, and 9700. These models aimed to meet the needs of contractors and livestock producers facing rising operating costs and labour shortages. The harvesters featured enhanced horsepower and efficiency with the new JD18X engine.

Increasing Demand for Livestock Products

The appetite for animal-derived products, including dairy and meat, is creating a heightened need for high-quality forage. The livestock sector relies heavily on nutrient-rich forages to promote productivity and optimal growth, particularly in areas where meat consumption is increasing. The increasing demand for animal-based products necessitates a concerted effort to enhance forage quality within the livestock sector. By prioritising nutrient-dense forages, farmers can improve livestock productivity, support sustainable agricultural practices, and ultimately contribute to a more resilient food system that can adapt to changing consumer preferences and environmental challenges.

Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices

One of the notable trends in the forages market is the global expansion of sustainable agricultural practices. With an emphasis on sustainable farming methods, forages such as legumes, grasses, and clover are becoming more popular. These crops play a key role in preserving soil health, minimising erosion, and enhancing crop rotation practices, making them an appealing choice in organic farming systems. Their role in enhancing soil health, reducing erosion, and improving crop rotation strategies underscores their importance in achieving sustainable food production.

Expansion of the Feed Sector

The expansion of the feed sector, driven by increasing livestock production, greatly boosts the demand for the forages market. High-quality forages are essential components of livestock diets, especially in intensive farming operations, leading to overall animal health and improved productivity. In intensive farming operations, the nutritional needs of livestock are meticulously managed to optimise growth rates, reproductive performance, and overall health. High-quality forages provide essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals, which are critical for maintaining animal health and supporting metabolic functions.

Adaptation to Climate Change

There is a rising demand for forages that can withstand climate variations including drought-resistant grasses. As climate change affects agricultural conditions, farmers are increasingly opting for forage crops that can cope with environmental challenges, thereby ensuring consistent yields and food security. By adopting forages that can withstand climate variability, farmers ensure a more reliable supply of feed for livestock, which in turn supports meat, dairy, and other food production.

Global Forages Market Trends

The market is witnessing significant growth, primarily driven by the rising demand for livestock products such as dairy, meat, and eggs. This demand is influenced by the rising global population and a shift in dietary preferences towards animal-based foods, especially in developing regions like Asia-Pacific. The availability of drought-resistant and climate-adaptive forages is also expanding in response to the challenges of climate change. Additionally, advancements in technologies related to forage cultivation, including the creation of superior seeds and innovative farming techniques, are improving both yield and quality, thereby leading to forages market growth. Additionally, the expansion of the organic farming sector further bolsters the market, as farmers increasingly seek chemical-free, high-quality forages for livestock production.

Global Forages Industry Segmentation

The report titled “Global Forages Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Breakup by Crop Type

• Cereals
• Legumes
• Grasses

Breakup by Product Type

• Storage Forge
• Fresh Forage

Breakup by Products

• Ration
• Hay
• Silage
• Others

Breakup by Application

• Dairy
• Crops
• Others

Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by

• Country
• India
• 4.7%
• China
• 4.4%
• Mexico
• 4.3%
• Canada
• 4.2%
• Australia
• 4.0%
• USA
• UK
• 3.9%
• Germany
• France
• Japan
• Saudi Arabia
• Brazil
• Italy
• 3.8%

Global Forages Market Share

Based on the region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. The increasing demand for forages in the Asia-Pacific region was primarily driven by the growth of livestock production, particularly in countries like India and China. The rising livestock populations in nations such as India and Japan created a greater need for high-quality forage seeds, generating economic opportunities for farmers and suppliers within the forage industry.

Meanwhile, the increasing demand for forages in North America and Europe is primarily influenced by the growth in livestock production and the adoption of sustainable farming methods.

In the Latin America and the Middle East, the expansion of agricultural practices, the burgeoning livestock sectors, and an emphasis on feed security are contributing to the rising necessity for high-quality forages to meet the escalating demand for meat, dairy, and other animal products.

Leading Companies in the Global Forages Market

Key players in the forages market are concentrating on implementing sustainable farming practices to secure a competitive advantage. They are embracing sustainable forage production techniques, including crop rotation, organic fertilisers, water-efficient irrigation, and minimising pesticide usage.

SGS SA

SGS SA was founded in 1878 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is a leading global organisation that specialises in inspection, verification, testing, and certification services. The company serves a different sector, including energy, agriculture, and consumer products.

Eurofins Scientific (Ireland) Limited

Eurofins Scientific (Ireland) Limited, established in the year 1987 and headquartered in Luxembourg, is an international firm that offers laboratory services in the environmental, food, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Intertek Group plc

Intertek Group plc was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The company delivers a range of testing, inspection, and certification solutions across various sectors, including chemicals, energy, consumer goods, and manufacturing.

Cargill Incorporated

Cargill Incorporated was established in 1865 and is headquartered in Minnesota, United States. It operates in sectors such as food production, agriculture, financial services, and industrial activities, with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability.

Other major players in the forages market are CVAS, Inc., RJ Hill Laboratories Limited, ServiTech, Inc., Massey feeds, Dairy One Co-operative, Inc., and Forage Genetics International, LLC among others.