The forage seeds market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.13% over the forecast period, reaching a market size of US$20.385 billion in 2029, up 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 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.
Forage Seeds Market Drivers:
Growing demand for natural and organic animal feed that delivers nutrients to animals due to 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 government agencies deplete animal grazing areas. However, the quality of dairy products depends on the quality of animal feed, which has provided a positive scope for 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 2025, which was 1.3 kg in 2014. Animals can consume seeds that have been foraged on grazing ground and processed or treated feed like dried biomass or hay.
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 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.
The requirement for alfalfa has shown a rise due to its utility in treating 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.
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 enhance organic matter, strengthen soil structure, and collect and store nutrients for forage crops, so 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.
Forage Seeds Market Geographical Outlooks
The forage seed market in North America is expanding due to rising dairy product consumption, customer preference for organic feed, and rising forage seed demand. In addition, the output of lucerne has grown due to 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 drive up demand for fodder seeds. India's forage seed industry has grown due to 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, current forage seed research efforts and government initiatives are anticipated to fuel the regional forage seed market growth.
Forage Seeds Market Players and Products:
Forage Seeds Market Key Developments
Market Segmentation:
The forage seeds market is segmented and analyzed as below: