Pasture Seeds Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Alfalfa, Clovers, Birds foot Trefoil, Ryegrass, Timothy, Brome Grass, Bermuda Grass, Bahia Grass, Bent Grass, Fescue Seed, Wheatgrass, and Others), By Species (Legumes and Grasses), By Animal Type (Horse, Cattle, Goat, Sheep, Swine/Pig, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global pasture seeds market size was valued at USD 13.30 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 13.87 billion in 2024 to USD 22.51 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.24% during the forecast period. North America dominated the pasture seeds market with a market share of 37.67% in 2023.

Pasture seeds are a mixture of seed that provides nutritious, palatable forage for grazing cattle, swine, horses, sheep, and goats. The demand for grass seeds is increasing across the world due to the growing livestock farming for milk and meat production. The increasing demand for organic and highly nutritious animal feeds is another significant factor influencing product demand. Furthermore, pasture crop farming contributes positively to environmental sustainability by reducing soil erosion and enhancing water retention capacity and soil fertility. Governments are taking several initiatives to expand grassland globally, further supporting the industry growth. Furthermore, companies in the industry are incorporating novel technologies, developing high-yield posture crop seeds, and several other engaging activities, including partnerships, joint ventures, and geographical expansions, which will boost product demand in the upcoming years.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the product demand globally. The supply chain disruptions and restricted trade activities adversely affected the growth of the industry. According to the UNComtrade, the global import volume of pasture seeds for sowing accounted for 439 million tons in 2020, which decreased by nearly 19.21% over 2019. This downturn affected various import-dependent countries such as the Netherlands, South Korea, and Middle Eastern countries. However, internal trade and promoting local production to meet the product demand have moderately mitigated the COVID-19 impact.

Pasture Seeds Market Trends

Emerging Joint Ventures and Partnerships within the Industry to Drive the Market in the Upcoming Years

Pasture farming is one of the sustainable ways of agriculture, which offers an economical solution for animal feed while improving soil fertility and reducing erosion. This aspect of the industry is unleashing several opportunities for industry players by offering wide space for innovation and new product developments. Companies are emphasizing partnership and joint venture strategies to incorporate new product development and improve pasture crop yields. For instance, in December 2023, DLF S/A, a global pasture seeds company, signed a joint venture agreement with Florimond Desprez, a French family-owned pasture seeds company. Both companies aimed to develop innovative sugar beet seeds, fodder beet, and chicory seeds to improve yields amidst changing climate conditions.

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Pasture Seeds Market Growth Factors

Rising Milk Production Globally to Propel the Industry’s Growth

The dairy industry is one of the vital sectors in the food industry involved in ensuring food security while offering vital nutrient and protein requirements to users. Milk and other dairy products production across North America and Europe has shown considerable growth in recent years. Europe is the second largest milk producer in the world. According to the Eurostat, dairy production in the EU represents over 12% of the total agricultural output. According to the USDA, cow milk production has reached nearly 143.9 metric tons in EU27. Grazing pastures play an important role in milk production globally, providing a complete diet rich in fibers, protein, minerals, and other nutrients for cattle. Furthermore, it helps farmers to reduce dairy feed costs and achieve more sustainability in milk production. As milk production across the world continues to rise, it will significantly impact the global pasture seeds market growth in the upcoming years.

Government Beneficial Policies to Expand GrassLand Drives the Product Demand

Grassland plays a crucial role in livestock farming by providing a feed base for grazing animals such as beef, cattle, sheep, goats, and horses by offering quality foods, contributing to ecological balance. Government associations and non-profit organizations are involved in developing policies to promote grasslands within their countries. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the land dedicated to pasture and grazing on farms has reached more than 878 million acres in 2023. However, grasslands across the world are under threat due to cultivation, urbanization, afforestation, and climate change. Thus, governments are initiating projects to ensure the sustainability of grasslands. For instance, in 2021, the European Union launched the Horizon 2020 SUPER-G Project (SUstainable PERmanent Grassland systems and policies), collaborating with 21 partner organizations across 14 EU countries. These policies developed by governments are crucial in driving market growth for grasslands.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Changing Climate and Increasing Counterfeit Products to Impede the Industry Growth.

The climate condition is a key supporting factor that enhances the yield and quality of pasture crops. Continuously changing climate conditions and increasing carbon dioxide levels have significantly increased temperatures globally. The increasing temperature may create water insufficiency for optimal growth of pasture seeds such as alfalfa, clovers, ryegrass, and fescue grass. These changes significantly affect pasture crop growth and yield, impacting forage quality.

Furthermore, there is a growing concern about counterfeit products from regional and local companies that imitate packaging and brand names of established companies. These players are more concerned about price than the quality and efficiency of the seeds. This trend undermines international players’ efforts to build an effective brand image among consumers, thereby slowing industry growth during the foreseeing period.

Pasture Seeds Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Ryegrass Segment Led due to High Climate Tolerance and Speed Seed Germination

Based on type, the market is divided into alfalfa, clovers, bird’s foot trefoil, ryegrass, timothy, brome grass, Bermuda grass, bahia grass, bent grass, fescue seed, wheatgrass, and others.

The ryegrass varieties, such as annual and perennial, known for their suitability as cool-season forage grass in diverse climates across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, dominated the market. They thrive in several soil types from moist to slightly acidic, and require moderate fertility. Furthermore, the ryegrass usually takes seven days or less time to germinate, which will help to reduce the production time. Therefore, the higher grass seed germination, quick growth, high forage quality, and nutrient benefits primarily attract the farmers to opt for pasture crop production.

Alfalfa is another popular pasture crop that exhibits the highest growth during the foreseeing period. This variety has a higher rate of fiber, which improves animal digestion more than various grasses such as fescuegrass and timothy grass. Furthermore, compared to other pasture grasses, alfalfa has a high nutrient value such as protein, minerals and vitamins. Thus, it significantly promotes animal health. Its high palatability and nutritional benefits drive the product demand during the forecast period.

By Species Analysis

Grasses Segment Dominated due to Abundant Availability of Grasses Species

Based on species, the market is classified into legumes and grasses. 

The grasses segment held the largest share of the global market in 2023. The availability of diverse grass varieties such as ryegrass, timothy, fescue, and bermudagrass on retail shelves drives the product demand globally. Furthermore, grass seed mix prices are relatively lower, aiding farmers in supplying animal feed solutions at a lower cost. Furthermore, increasing companies' investment in R&D activities to enhance the crop yield positively pushes the segment growth. For instance, in April 2023, S&W Seed Company, an American company, developed short-term ryegrasses such as Maheno Italian ryegrass and Loader, boosting winter and spring feed production and ensuring the effectiveness of feedstock performance.

Legumes are another prominent segment, recording the highest CAGR growth during the forecast period. Rising demand for nutritional and healthy feed options across the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, has positively spurred the cultivation of legumes such as alfalfa, clovers, birdsfoot trefoil, and cowpeas for forage purposes. Furthermore, expansion in legume farming land area is expected to push product demand in the upcoming years. According to the European Seed Certification Agencies Association, the area dedicated to small-seed and large-seed legume farming in 2023 increased by 3% and 12% respectively, reaching 147,990 and 35,538 hectares across Europe.

By Animal Type Analysis

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Cattle Segment Dominates due to Increasing Milk Production

Based on animal type, the market is classified into horse, cattle, goat, sheep, swine/pig, and others. The other segment contains camel, lamb, rabbit, and yak.

The cattle segment dominates the global market by holding the largest market share. Global, milk production has been continuously growing as it provides essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein to maintain good health. According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service, the cow population increased from 9.38 million in 2019 to 9.40 million in 2022. According to FAO, global milk production in 2022 reached 930 million tonnes. Pasture crops offer a cost-effective feed option for dairy farming, aiding in efficient and profitable management. Therefore, the segment is projected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Goat animal type is another popular segment contributing significantly to the market revenue. Increasing demand for goat milk, meat, and other products influences goat farming growth. Furthermore, advancements in goat farming practices further bolster the segmental growth, evident in the rising goat population over the past two decades. Pasture crops such as perennial ryegrass, white clover, timothy, prairie grass, red clover, and others play a vital role in improving milk quality and volume, thus driving product demand at a promising CAGR during the foreseeing period.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa.

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The North American market holds the highest pasture seeds market share of the globally. The increasing demand for high-quality feed products paired with growing livestock production for meat purposes drives the demand for pasture seeds across the region. Furthermore, government financial aid to improve seed development and storage is anticipated to drive the pasture seeds demand in the region. For instance, in September 2023, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) invested nearly USD 3.7 million in alfalfa seed and alfalfa storage systems. Under the Alfalfa Seed and Alfalfa Forage System Program (ASAFS), the NIFA planned to improve and develop alfalfa forage and alfalfa seed production.

Asia Pacific is the second-largest market in the world, projected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing milk production, government involvement to improve fodder and forage crop production, and the focus of companies to develop innovative seeds are driving product demand in the region. India, the largest milk producer in the world contributing nearly 22% of global milk production, plays a significant role in creating employment opportunities in rural areas. Thus, the government actively invests sufficient funds to promote & strengthen the industry, including feed production, pasture & fodder developments, and animal health. According to government statistics, India currently has around a 35.6% shortfall in supplying green fodder or forage, presenting a potential opportunity for seed companies to develop hybrid seeds to improve yield. Therefore, the pasture seeds industry is anticipated to expand at a higher growth rate in the near future.

Europe is another prominent market that holds a decent share of the global market. The demand for pasture seeds across European countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the U.K. is increasing, driven by the rising popularity of organic pasture farming. According to the European Dairy Association, nearly 4% of dairy herds in Europe are organic, with the EU set an ambition to reach 25% by 2030. Furthermore, farmers are adopting advanced technologies and sustainable farming methods such as grass seed spreaders, sprayers, hybrid grass seeds, and fertilizers to improve the pasture yield. These developments are expected to significantly boost product demand in the upcoming years.

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South America is another potential market for pasture seeds, with a growing demand for swine and sheep for meat production. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, pork production in the country accounted for approximately 5.2 million metric tonnes, which has increased 5.2% over the past year. Usage of pasture crops such as alfalfa, ladino clover, and ryegrass will influence swine growth and meat quality. It will also aid in lowering sow feed costs and increase reproductive capacity. Overall, these benefits help swine/pig farmers achieve higher profitability by reducing production and feeding costs.

Middle East & Africa is a relatively smaller market for pasture seeds in the world. Pasture seeds such as sorghum, alfalfa, and ryegrass require less water in farming, which is relatively beneficial for livestock farmers to reduce their feed costs. Furthermore, innovations in developing new varieties that thrive with less water are likely to push the product demand in the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Players are Incorporating Merger & Acquisition Strategies to Expand Geographical Presence and Retail Capabilities

The global pasture seeds market is moderately fragmented, with the presence of numerous medium-scale and large-scale industry players. Along with these established global players, various regional players are also contributing significantly to the industry. Since the industry is fragmented, key players are facing intense competition across the world. Therefore, international players are incorporating different strategies, such as partnerships, joint venture agreements with regional players, and mergers & acquisitions. Thus, reframing their strategies to penetrate the global market will assist manufacturers to stay ahead of the competition curve. For instance, in March 2023, Royal Barenbrug Group, a Netherlan-based agriculture and grass seeds company, signed an acquisition agreement with the U.K.-based seed company, Watson Group of companies. This acquisition strengthens and extends the retail capabilities of Barenburg company in the U.K. market.

List of Top Pasture Seeds Companies:

• Barenbrug Holding B.V. (Netherlands)


• The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (U.S.)


• Advanta Seeds (UPL Ltd.) (India)


• Hancock Seed Company  (U.S.)


• Great Basin Seed (U.S)


• Allied Seed, LLC (U.S.)


• RAGT SA (France)


• Fosters Seed And Feed Ltd (Canada)


• Corteva, Inc. (U.S.)


• DLF Seeds A/S (Denmark)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2024: DLF S/A, a multinational crop and pasture seeds company, collaborates with a local team in Landskrona, Sweden, to develop and investigate sugar beet, fodder beet, and alternative options for the site.


• September 2023: DLF S/A, a global crop and forage crop manufacturer, acquired the Corteva Agriscience alfalfa breeding program from another global crop seeds and chemicals company, Corteva, Inc. The DLF S/A acquired the company to expand its geographical presence and its clientele base. 


• March 2022: DLF North America, a subsidiary of DLF S/A, acquired the assets of OreGro Seeds, an Albany-based forage, crops, and turf seeds company. The acquisition includes three warehouse facilities totaling 75,000 square feet, equipped with blending and packaging capabilities.


• August 2021: Patten Seed, a family-run sod and grass seeds company in America, acquired Mid Tenn Turf Farms LLC, an American seeds company. This acquisition allowed the company to expand its presence to Tennessee.


• June 2021: RAGT SA, a France-based grass seeds company, inaugurated its new seed research and state-of-the-art facility in Annoeullin, in the North of France. The company aimed to develop innovative and effective pasture seed varieties in the upcoming years through this new facility. 

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