Forage Seeds Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Breeding Technology (Hybrid, Open Pollinated Varieties, Hybrid Derivatives), By Crops (Alfafa, Forage Corn, Forage Sorghum), By Livestock (Poultry, Cattle, Pork, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2024 To 2029

The forage seeds market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.13% over the forecast period to reach a market size of US$20.385 billion in 2029, from US$11.059 billion in 2022.

A forage seed is grown for grazing and hay fields as well as turf and lawns and is sold to farmers for use in these endeavors. Forage is defined as edible plant parts that are used as animal feed for grazing animals. In addition, they contribute to the provision of animal habitat, variety in crops, and soil ecosystem services—all vital to the beef cattle sector. Forage seeds mostly come in clover, ryegrass, chicory, and alfalfa varieties.

Market Drivers:

• Booming demand for organic animal feed is anticipated to propel the forage seeds market growth.

Growing demand for natural and organic animal feed that delivers nutrients to animals as a result of growing concern for livestock health is a key driver fueling the forage seeds industry expansion. The need for fodder seeds also increases as livestock populations rise and grazing areas for animals are depleted by government agencies. However, the quality of dairy products is dependent on the quality of animal feed which has provided a positive scope to the market demand for forage seeds. Growing demand for dairy and meat products

The change in diet and food consumption habits coupled with the growing emphasis on animal protein is driving the global forage seed market growth. For instance, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) predicted that the average annual meat consumption per person will have increased to 35 kilograms retail weight equivalent (r.w.e.) by the year 2025, which was 1.3 kg in the year 2014. Animals can consume seeds that have been foraged on grazing ground as well as processed or treated feed like dried biomass or hay.

• An increase in livestock population is expected to boost the demand for the forage seeds market.

The business for fodder seeds is expected to grow throughout the projected period as a direct consequence of the increasing number of animals. Forage crops high in vitamins, fiber, and protein boost an animal's metabolic efficiency. Rich in minerals, fodder crops help hens grow healthy bones, eggshells, fluid balance, and hormones.

For instance, in September 2021, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service published a report under the Livestock and Products that anticipated that there was a rise in the number of cattle in India's national herd to 306.7 million in 2022. This was an increase in headcounts by 1.2 million. The remarkable reproductive success of dairy animals has led to an increase in herd size, which is expected to fuel the expansion of the forage seed industry.

• Alfalfa accounts for the highest share will bolster the forage seeds market growth.

The requirement for alfalfa has shown a rise due to its utility in the treatment of a number of conditions like diabetes, thrombocytopenic purpura, asthma, osteoarthritis, excessive cholesterol and, rheumatoid arthritis. It also contains high levels of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and the vitamins A, C, E, and K4. As an outcome, it is expected that during the estimated period, the lucerne market would benefit greatly. Demand for organic meat, eggs, and milk is expected to rise throughout the forecast period, and there will also be a greater need for healthy animals, which will drive growth in the forage seeds market.

• Rising benefits to soil health will increase the requirement of forage seeds globally.

Cultivating forage seeds can help maintain and restore soil health because the farmers who grow them don't rely on artificial fertilizer and pesticide inputs. When developing forage seeds, it is usual practice to employ cover crops and forage combinations to control soil health. In addition to protecting the soil, cover crops also enhance organic matter, strengthen soil structure, and collect and store nutrients for forage crops, due to which the forage seed market size is expanding.  

The product has several benefits, including fewer weeds, higher yields, fewer diseases in succeeding crops, deeper and larger carbon ponds for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improved internal drainage, and water filtering.

North America is expected to dominate the forage seeds market.

The forage seed market size in North America is expanding as a result of rising dairy product consumption, customer preference for organic feed, and rising forage seed demand. In addition, the output of lucerne has grown as a result of less land being used for animal feeding, which is fueling forage seed market growth in the area.

Asia Pacific to show significant growth.

Asia Pacific and is anticipated to remain one of the major regional forage seeds markets. The lack of suitable land for cow grazing and rising dairy consumption in the area are driving up demand for fodder seeds. India's forage seed industry has grown as a result of the country's rising demand for poultry and consequent growth in the requirement for forage seeds. The leading forage seed vendors are always working to provide novel forage seeds that give animals vitamins and proteins. Furthermore, it is anticipated that current forage seed research efforts and government initiatives will fuel forage seed market growth in the area.

Company Products:

• ProHarvest Seeds- ProHarvest Seeds uses fodder traits that offer a blend of good tonnage and high quality. Our enhanced grasses and forages are chosen for their superior quality, yield, persistence, disease resistance, and maturities that make it simpler to manage hayfields and pastures. They are picked from all over the world.
• Pioneer® brand alfalfa- Alfalfa types sold under the Pioneer® name of Corteva Inc. are created with premium fodder in mind. The combination of features produces exceptional fodder output and quality for your business. It was built with unmatched agronomic packages to withstand yield-limiting pests and winter stress.

Market Key Developments

• September 2023- DLF is in the process of constructing a new seed enhancement facility in Lebanon, Oregon, which will include an office space, tag room, quality control lab, finished goods storage, seed enhancement line, blending and re-bagging line (T-Rex), and raw material storage. The T-Rex line has state-of-the-art technology and produces up to 44,000 pounds of seed per hour. DLF is also conducting trials in a greenhouse at its Philomath, Oregon research station to improve its seed enhancement solutions.
• March 2023- Barenbrug UK acquired the Watson group of companies, a well-known Scottish seed specialist with a reputation for integrity, quality, trust, and customer service. The family-owned Watson Group, including Watson Seed, Seed Logistics, and GroGreen, is expected to continue Barenbrug UK's growth and strengthen its position as a leading seed house in agriculture and the wider industry, ensuring continued growth in the UK.
• January 2023- Agribusiness Growmark Inc., with headquarters in the US, announced the acquisition of Allied Seed, a business in Nampa that sells forage grass, legume, and turfgrass seed.

Market Segmentation:

The forage seeds market is segmented and analyzed as below:

• By Breeding Technology
  • Hybrid
  • Open Pollinated Varieties
  • Hybrid Derivatives
• By Crops
  • Alfafa
  • Forage Corn
  • Forage Sorghum
• By Livestock 
  • Poultry
  • Cattle
  • Pork
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • United Kingdom
    • Germany
    • France
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Others