PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1675485
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1675485
A forage seed is a seed cultivated specifically for planting turf and lawns, and it is also sold to farmers who utilize the seed for planting pastures and hay fields. Forage encompasses edible plant components, excluding isolated grains, that function as fodder or feed for grazing animals. Additionally, these components play a role in crop diversification, contribute to wildlife habitat, and provide crucial soil ecosystem services that are vital to the beef cattle sector.
The primary forage seed varieties include alfalfa, clover, ryegrass, and chicory. Alfalfa forage seeds pertain to a deep-rooted leguminous perennial plant (Medicago sativa) originating from southwestern Asia, cultivated for hay and forage. The cultivation of alfalfa serves to enhance soil quality and provides additional benefits associated with soil and fields. Livestock, comprising cattle, swine, poultry, and ruminants, encompass diverse species, including legumes and grasses. These forage seeds are obtained from various sources, including organic and inorganic origins.
The forage seeds market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides forage seeds market statistics, including forage seeds industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a forage seeds market share, detailed forage seeds market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the forage seeds industry. This forage seeds 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 forage seeds market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $18.24 billion in 2024 to $19.97 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to livestock and dairy industry growth, expanding silage production, environmental conservation, government support and subsidies, animal health and performance.
The forage seeds market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $29.44 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to global population growth, rising affluence and protein consumption, climate-resilient varieties, water-efficient forage crops, international trade opportunities. Major trends in the forecast period include drought-resistant forage varieties, legume forage varieties, biotechnology for trait improvement, forage mixtures for biodiversity, disease and pest resistance in forage crops.
The expected increase in livestock population is projected to boost the growth of the forage seeds market in the coming years. Livestock refers to domesticated terrestrial animals raised for various commodities and services, including meat, milk, eggs, skins, fibers, and feathers. Forage crops are rich in vitamins, fiber, and proteins, which enhance animals' metabolic efficiency. Mineral-rich forage crops support bone development, eggshell formation, fluid balance, and hormone production in chickens. For example, in August 2024, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an Australian government agency, reported that beef production in the June 2024 quarter increased by 2.8%, reaching 626,781 metric tons. Therefore, the rising livestock population is expected to drive growth in the forage seed market.
The rising demand for organic products is anticipated to propel the growth of the forage seeds market in the upcoming years. Organic products are agricultural or food items produced, processed, and handled in accordance with standards established by organic farming and certification organizations. Forage seeds play a vital role in organic agriculture, offering a sustainable food source for livestock, enhancing soil health, and assisting in weed and pest management. According to IFOAM - Organics International, a global advocate for organic agriculture, the global area designated for organic farming grew by over 20 million hectares in 2022, totaling 96 million hectares. Additionally, the number of organic producers significantly increased, surpassing 4.5 million. Thus, the growing demand for organic products is set to drive the growth of the forage seeds market.
Major companies in the forage seeds sector are concentrating on the development of innovative solutions, including expanding their product lines to incorporate cover crops and forage mixtures. The term 'cover crops and forage mixtures' denotes a diverse range of agricultural products that integrate cover crops and forage plants in carefully formulated blends, each tailored for specific objectives such as enhancing soil quality, preventing erosion, and serving as animal forage in agricultural settings. A notable example occurred in September 2023 when MAS Seeds, a hybrid seed manufacturer based in France, introduced the 'MAS4' range. This comprehensive collection encompasses cover crops, forage blends, and specialized mixtures. The product line encompasses the MAS4 COVER crop segment designed for agronomic purposes, MAS4 NUTRI forage mixtures, MAS4 ENERGY mixtures dedicated to biogas production, and MAS4 EXPERT blends catering to the needs of beekeepers and grape growers.
Major players in the forage seeds market are directing their efforts toward the development of innovative solutions, specifically focusing on Alfalfa technologies for forage seeds. Alfalfa technology involves the implementation of methods and tools aimed at improving the growth, yield, quality, and overall efficiency of alfalfa cultivation. An illustrative example occurred in July 2022 when Alforex Seeds Alfalfa, a seed company based in the United States, introduced the 'AFX 670 Hi-Gest Alfalfa'. This forage seed product is built on the next-generation Hi-Gest Alfalfa Technology. Through conventional breeding methods, this alfalfa variant boasts an increased leaf-to-stem ratio, leading to improved fiber digestibility, intake, and extent of digestion when compared to other conventional semi-dormant alfalfas. AFX 670 Hi-Gest Alfalfa is distinguished by a fall dormancy rating of 6, showcasing a prominent expression of multifoliate leaves and demonstrating germination tolerance to saline conditions.
In March 2022, DLF, a seed company headquartered in Europe, completed the acquisition of OreGro Seeds for an undisclosed sum. This strategic move enables DLF, along with its distribution partners in both the United States and international markets, to exclusively offer OreGro's distinctive cool-season forage grass, forage legumes, turfgrass, cover crops, and small grain varieties. OreGro Seeds, the entity acquired, is a forage, cover crop, and turfgrass breeding company based in the United States.
Major companies operating in the forage seeds market include BASF SE, Dow AgroSciences LLC, Land O'Lakes Inc., Monsanto Company, Foster's Seed and Feed, DLF Seeds A/S, Advanta Seeds Pty Ltd., AgReliant Genetics LLC, Seedway LLC, Blue River Hybrids, Brett-Young Seeds Limited, Pasture Genetics Pty Ltd., S&W Seed Company, Johnston Seed Company, La Crosse Seed, Germinal GB Limited, Forage First Ltd., Mountain View Seeds, Allied Seed LLC, Barenbrug Holding B.V, Heritage Seeds Private Limited, Northstar Seed Ltd., Pickseed Canada Inc., Landmark Seeds Ltd., Grassland Oregon Inc., Kings Agriseeds Inc., Green Valley Seed LLC, Imperial Seed Ltd., Prairie Creek Seed, Wolf Seeds do Brasil Ltd.
North America was the largest region in the forage seeds market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the forage seeds market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the forage seeds market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The forage seeds market consists of sales of hay, pasture, legumes, grasses, and silage. 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.
Forage Seeds 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 forage seeds 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 forage seeds ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The forage seeds 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.