PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1666376
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1666376
Alfalfa, scientifically known as Medicago sativa, is a legume plant characterized by bluish-purple blooms. Originating in Western Asia, it is commonly cultivated as a pasture crop, primarily for use as cattle feed. Additionally, alfalfa is occasionally consumed by humans as a garnish, and it is believed to impede cholesterol absorption in the stomach.
The primary products derived from alfalfa include pellets, hay, cubes, and various other forms. Pellets, in this context, are small, rounded, or spherical bodies, often used to provide animal feed that is free from dust and mold. These alfalfa products are suitable for various animals such as cattle and horses, and their applications span animal feed, forage, and biofuel.
The alfalfa market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides alfalfa market statistics, including alfalfa industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an alfalfa market share, detailed alfalfa market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the alfalfa industry. This alfalfa market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The alfalfa market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from$29.09 billion in 2024 to $31.03 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increased demand for honey, wax and propolis demand, bee products market growth, awareness of bee decline, and international trade of bee products
The alfalfa market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $40.73 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to global pollination demand, expansion of non-food bee products, bee health management, regenerative agriculture practices, alternative income sources for farmers, rise in urban beekeeping. Major trends in the forecast period include technological integration in beekeeping, bee health and disease management, bee-friendly agriculture initiatives, education and training programs, and alternative pollinators.
An increase in demand for animal feed is anticipated to drive the growth of the alfalfa market in the coming years. Animal feed consists of consumable materials that provide energy, nutrition, or both to an animal's diet. Alfalfa hay serves as a protein source for cattle and horses, offering a high-protein diet particularly beneficial for beef cattle that are fed low-quality grass hay or corn stalks. The growing demand for animal feed is consequently boosting the growth of the alfalfa market. For instance, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, a UK-based statutory levy board, reported that poultry feed production increased from 3,434.1 million tons in 2022-2023 to 3,567.5 million tons in 2023-2024, reflecting a rise of 3.9%. Therefore, the rising demand for animal feed is a key factor driving the growth of the alfalfa market moving forward.
The rising demand for dairy products is expected to drive the growth of the alfalfa market in the coming years. Dairy products encompass a wide range of food items derived from milk, including milk itself, cheese, butter, yogurt, and other consumables produced through the processing and fermentation of milk components. As global demand for a variety of specialized dairy products increases, alfalfa becomes essential for formulating balanced rations and supporting the reproductive health of dairy animals. For example, the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, a U.S.-based national information hub, reported that cheese consumption per person in the U.S. reached 41.8 pounds in 2022, showing a slight increase compared to previous years. Thus, the growing demand for dairy products is a significant factor driving the expansion of the alfalfa market.
Product innovation is a prominent trend gaining traction in the alfalfa market, with companies strategically adopting new technologies to maintain and strengthen their positions. For instance, in April 2022, Alforex Seeds LLC, a US-based manufacturer of agricultural chemicals and seeds, introduced AFX 647 Hi-Salt Alfalfa. This semi-dormant FD 6 cultivar demonstrates exceptional yield and forage quality characteristics. AFX 647 is specifically designed to tolerate germination and forage salinity challenges, outperforming its counterparts in lucerne yield experiments, such as Cisco II, by 4%. This variety provides growers with a potent tool for enhancing germination and productivity in both dryland and irrigated lucerne areas. By extending the salinity threshold above unimproved types, AFX 647 Hi-Salt Alfalfa aims to maximize season feed output, reflecting a commitment to innovation and addressing challenges faced by alfalfa growers.
Major companies in the alfalfa market are establishing partnerships to innovate and enhance their positions within the industry. These strategic collaborations facilitate product development, market expansion, and the ability to meet the evolving consumer demand for cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable food products. For example, in September 2022, Andy by Anderson Hay teamed up with Heinold Feeds to introduce alfalfa-based feed pellets specifically designed for young rabbits. This collaboration aims to meet the nutritional requirements of growing rabbits, which need specific dietary components for optimal health and development. The launch of these alfalfa-based feed pellets highlights a broader trend in the pet food industry focused on specialized nutrition, catering to the unique dietary needs of young animals while addressing market demands for quality and sustainability.
In September 2023, Delhi Land & Finance, an India-based real estate company, made a strategic acquisition by purchasing Corteva, Incorporation's Alfalfa Breeding Program for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition strengthened DLF's global position in alfalfa breeding, providing elite genetics, an industry-leading brand portfolio, and expanded market access to enhance its presence in the forage industry worldwide. Corteva Incorporation, a US-based agricultural chemicals company, is known for its expertise in seeds, crop protection, digital agriculture, and sustainable farming practices globally. This strategic move reflects DLF's commitment to leveraging innovation and research in alfalfa breeding for sustainable growth in the forage industry.
Major companies operating in the alfalfa market include Alfalfa Monegros SL, Anderson Hay & Grain Co Inc., Green Prairie International Inc., SL Follen Company, Bailey Farms Inc., HayKingdom Inc., Cubeit Hay Company, McCracken Hay Company, Border Valley, Carli Group, M&C Hay, Al Dahra ACX Global Inc., La Crosse Forage And Turf Seeds, Limagrain Holdings SAS, Monsanto Company, Syngenta AG, CHS Inc., Riverina Pty. Ltd., Standlee Hay Company, Dairyland Seed Co. Inc., Allied Seed LLC, Ampac Seed Company, Bayer AG, Corteva Inc., DLF Seeds A/S, KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA, Land O'Lakes Inc., NAFOSA, California Alfalfa Products Inc.
North America was the largest region in the alfalfa market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global alfalfa market during the forecast period. The regions covered in the alfalfa market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa
The countries covered in the alfalfa market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain
The alfalfa market consists of sales of alfalfa seeds, alfalfa hay, alfalfa sprouts, and alfalfa grass. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Alfalfa Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on alfalfa market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for alfalfa ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The alfalfa market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.