Forage Seed Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Crop Type (Alfalfa, Clover, Ryegrass, Chicory, Others), By Application (Cattle, Poultry, Swine, Others) and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The thriving demand for livestock and livestock products worldwide in response to continuous population growth, incomes rise and urbanization in developed as well as developing regions is predicted to drive the demand for forage seed in foreseeable years. Moreover, the deteriorating soil productiveness and growing soil damage continue to limit crop yields worldwide while deprived quality and quantity of animal feed production. The adoption of forage seed has been proposed as a strategy that can help alleviate these problems.

The prominent players operating in the forage seed market are focused on the merger & acquisition activities and new product launch to increase their market prominence. For instance, in February 2018, DLF- a Denmark-based forage seed producer and distributor acquired the assets of Gapp Semillas S.A. This acquisition is expected to help DLF to increase its forage seed industry presence in Latin America. Similarly, In October 2017, DLF has launched new varieties of alfalfa seeds to enhance its forage seed portfolio.

The growing awareness about livestock health and growing preference towards natural and organic animal feed has increased the utilization of forage seeds in animal feed preparation. The increasing popularity of organic meat and meat products has forced manufacturers to include forage seeds in animal feed preparation. The increasing consumption of meat and poultry worldwide is expected to drive the global forage seed market in the forthcoming years. For instance, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, global annual meat consumption per capita is expected to reach 35.3 kg retail weight equivalent (r.w.e.) by 2025, an increase of 1.3 kg (r.w.e.) compared to 2014. The forage can be eaten by animals through foraging pasture land or in a treated or processed form, such as hay or dried biomass. The forage especially legumes can deliver excellent quality and quantity of animal feed, to upsurge soil nitrogen content, to collect an extra income to growers, and to decrease soil loss when they are intercropped with other crops which are projected to boost the demand for forage seed among farmers. Cotton, sugarcane, and grain crops of maize and sorghum offer opportunity for growing short-statured forage crops like moth bean, and cowpea in the interspaces without affecting their crop yields. The forages also help to the main crop indirectly apart from the nitrogen fixation in soil. For instance, moth bean decreases root rot disease while cowpea controls spotted bollworm. Forage legumes will help achieve a double goal of enhancing the livelihoods of rural households and at the same time preventing land degradation. Moreover, in the dairy industry where feed shortage is challenging, cultivating feed supply is possible if backyard forage production and growing improved forages are widely accepted. Furthermore, the availability of quality forage seed in adequate quantities is a key link in promoting forage production and enhancing livestock productivity worldwide. For instance, In December 2017, Grassland Oregon introduced FIXatioN Balansa and Frosty Berseem clovers. The new varieties are capable of withstanding temperatures as cold as -26C and -5C, respectively.

Key Market Driver -

Rising Inclination towards Natural Animal Feed

Key Market Restraint -

High Preference for Feed Quantity over Feed Quality,

The various difficulties challenged by the forage seed producers such as the inclination towards feed quantity over quality, absence of planting materials and seeds in emerging economies, and decrease in seed yields because of soil erosion and lack of soil fertility are predicted to restrain the forage seed market growth.

Key Players Covered:

• Dynamic Seeds Ltd


• Foster Feed and Seed


• Golden Acre Seeds


• Allied Seed


• DLF International Seeds


• Pickseed Canada Ltd.


• Brett Young


• Land O Lakes Inc.


• Moore Seed Processors


• Barenbrug Holding B.V

Alfalfa is predicted to witness significant growth in the global forage seed market. Alfalfa is considered the premier forage for dairy cows. Growers appreciate alfalfa for its high yield, extensive adaptation, disease resistance, and outstanding feeding quality, which are predicted to boost the demand for alfalfa in forthcoming years. Alfalfa is one of the world’s most versatile crops. The high-temperature adaptability of this crop is expected to boost the production of it. Moreover, it also improves the digestibility and intestinal health of livestock’s which helps to improve the overall growth rate of livestock. In addition, Clovers are valuable additions to many forage programs due to enhanced forage growth distribution, improved forage yield, amplified forage quality, and decreased nitrogen fertilizer costs. These benefits lead to increased animal performance and profitability of the livestock enterprise which are predicted to boost the cultivation of clover.

The cattle segment is predicted to hold a considerable share in the global forage seed market of the forage seed. The primary reasons for the increasing utilization of forage seeds in cattle feed preparation are to increase the milk quantity as well as quality and to boost the immunity of the livestock. The addition of forage seed in cattle feed preparation is expected to confirm the best performance and maximum yield of the cattle. Moreover forage seeds also help to improve the milk quantity and increase the immune system of cattle.

Regional Analysis:

North America is predicted to witness robust growth in the global forage seed industry of the forage seed. The high consumer inclination towards organic food and feed products and increasing consumer demand for dairy and animal products are predicted to drive the forage seed market within the region. Moreover, the high production of alfalfa within the region, especially in the U.S. is expected to be a favorable factor for market growth. For instance, The United States grows about 23 million acres of alfalfa each year. Alfalfa is third in value behind only corn and soybeans. It is worth more than $8 billion annually not including the value of dairy products. The shrinkage of land for grazing animals is also predicted to remain a favorable factor for industry growth within the region. 

Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness considerable growth in the global forage seed market. Asian buyers’ positive perception of less intensively produced and disease-free bovine meat is expected to remains a favorable factor for forage seed market growth within the region. The increasing demand for meat in Asia Pacific due to the constant financial growth, rising disposable income, and increasing awareness of the nutritional value of meat and meat products is predicted to drive the forage seed market within the region. Animal production for meat and dairy has been considerably growing within Asia Pacific. For instance, in 2018, India produced 801 million heads of Chicken which was 18 million more than 2017. The growth in animal production to fulfill increasing meat and dairy requirements is predicted to create a demand for better forage crops.

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Forage Seed Market Segmentation Analysis

Key Industry Developments:

• In March 2018, KWS Saat S.E. introduced maize forage varieties. The new product is consist of enhanced properties of maize such as improved yield, high kernel content, and improved dairy production by cows on the consumption of this maize forage variety.


• In September 2016, Semillas Fitó, a Spanish based company had signed an agreement with Valley Seeds to launch new forage seeds in Europe.