Alfalfa Hay Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 82.08 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 113.00 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 6.60 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Middle East and Africa |
| Largest Market | North America |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Alfalfa Hay Market Analysis
The Alfalfa Hay Market size is estimated at USD 82.08 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 113 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.60% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- Over the short term, the market is anticipated to achieve notable growth due to the increasing demand for quality hay for livestock and the cattle population. The use of alfalfa hay has become critical to animal feed due to its importance for crude protein content. Alfalfa hay enhances the growth and development of animals at a faster rate and improves milk productivity. Thus, dependence on alfalfa hay for animal feed may continue to drive the market over the forecast period.
- The increasing demand for dairy and animal products, shrinking land for grazing animals, growth in high-yielding cattle, and demand for cattle feed are driving the alfalfa hay market globally.
- North America is projected to be the largest market for alfalfa hay. China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia are significant importers of alfalfa hay from the United States. The United States and Spain are major exporters of alfalfa hay globally. Recently, alfalfa hay became critical to poultry feed, followed by animal feed, due to its importance for crude protein content.
- In 2021, the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced that India and the United States agreed to a framework to implement market access for agricultural products from both countries. India agreed to remove the heat treatment requirement for the US-origin alfalfa hay and recognize the current US pest mitigation methods for alfalfa hay. The Indian government also clarified that importing US alfalfa hay for animal feed will not require a non-genetically modified certificate.
Alfalfa Hay Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Alfalfa Hay Market according to our research experts:
Increasing Demand for Dairy and Meat Products
- Livestock is a significant factor responsible for the growth of the alfalfa hay market. The annual growth of meat production and milk production in developing countries is projected to be 2.4% and 2.5%, respectively, by 2030. This factor is expected to increase the share of the developing countries in the world's meat production to 66.0%, i.e., 247.0 million metric tons, and 55.0% for milk production, i.e., 484.0 million metric tons. Furthermore, there has been immense pressure on the livestock sector to meet the increasing demand for high-value animal protein.
- India is the world's largest milk producer, contributing 23% of global milk production with around 70 million small-scale producers. There has been a growing demand for milk and milk-based products in the country. For instance, in 2021, about 83.0 million metric tons of fluid milk was consumed locally compared to 77.0 million metric tons in 2018.
- Dependence on alfalfa hay for animal feed may continue to drive the market over the forecast period. The demand for alfalfa hay is increasing significantly in China due to changing production practices in the Chinese dairy industry. This change is due to the increasing number of cows raised by modern dairy farmers who prefer using imported hay and commercial feeds.
- For instance, by 2020, the cattle population in China increased from 48.8 million heads to 51.0 million heads, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. Furthermore, the Chinese government is focusing on boosting the domestic production of alfalfa hay to meet its high demand.
- A continual increase in the number of cattle through 2017-2021 and increasing demand for quality animal feed are expected to boost the demand for alfalfa hay over the forecast period.
North America Dominates the Market
- As of 2021, some of the alfalfa hay-producing states in the United States are Texas, Kansas, California, and Missouri. These states account for the majority of the alfalfa hay production in the country. China, Japan, Korea, Taipei, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are the top export destinations to the United States. China is expected to remain the key market for US alfalfa hay exports.
- In addition to the production, domestic dairy consumption has been rising over the years due to increasing non-fluid dairy sales. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data shows that American dairy consumption is continuing its growth trajectory. Since 1975, per capita consumption has grown by 22%. Further, dairy is anticipated to continue to grow as a category in the future, with a greater focus on producing sustainable food production.
- In the United States, alfalfa hay is the most important hay crop fed to dairy cattle. Dairy utilization accounts for two-thirds of the total alfalfa usage in the major dairy-producing states, such as California, Wisconsin, New York, Idaho, and New Mexico. Although dairy production is an important market for alfalfa hay, beef producers utilize alfalfa as a part of forage needs depending on availability and price.
- Further, alfalfa hay is Canada's most predominant legume grown for forage. It is grown almost 30% of Canada's cropland, and Ontario accounts for 22%. Alberta and Ontario are the major alfalfa hay-producing states in Canada. Hence, increased demand for alfalfa in domestic and export markets is anticipated to result in significant growth over the forecast period.
Alfalfa Hay Industry Overview
The alfalfa hay market is highly fragmented, with the presence of key players like Al Dahra ACX Global Inc., Standlee Hay Company, Alfalfa Monegros, Anderson Hay and Grain Co Inc, and Border Valley. These companies were involved in various strategic activities such as partnerships, expanding their presence, and mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their presence in the market.
Alfalfa Hay Market Leaders
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Al Dahra ACX Global Inc.
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Border Valley
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Standlee Hay Company
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Alfalfa Monegros
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Anderson Hay and Grain Co Inc
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Alfalfa Hay Market News
- June 2022: Anderson Hay & Grain (Anderson), the leading exporter of premium hay and straw products specializing in Timothy and alfalfa hay and grass straw products, is expanding to offer the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic Timothy hay through its sister company, Andy by Anderson Hay, a new company that offers high-quality hay and all-natural products for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small pets.
- January 2020: Green Praire launched a new product called green curd, an air-dried hay product. This innovation may expand its business in the coming years.
Alfalfa Hay Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
- 4.1 Market Overview
- 4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.3 Market Restraints
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4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
- 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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5.1 Type
- 5.1.1 Bales
- 5.1.2 Pellets
- 5.1.3 Cubes
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5.2 Application
- 5.2.1 Dairy Animal Feed
- 5.2.2 Poultry Feed
- 5.2.3 Horse Feed
- 5.2.4 Other Applications
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5.3 Geography
- 5.3.1 North America
- 5.3.1.1 United States
- 5.3.1.2 Canada
- 5.3.1.3 Mexico
- 5.3.1.4 Rest of North America
- 5.3.2 Europe
- 5.3.2.1 United Kingdom
- 5.3.2.2 France
- 5.3.2.3 Spain
- 5.3.2.4 Italy
- 5.3.2.5 Rest of Europe
- 5.3.3 Asia-Pacific
- 5.3.3.1 China
- 5.3.3.2 Japan
- 5.3.3.3 India
- 5.3.3.4 Australia
- 5.3.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 5.3.4 South America
- 5.3.4.1 Brazil
- 5.3.4.2 Argentina
- 5.3.4.3 Rest of South America
- 5.3.5 Middle-East and Africa
- 5.3.5.1 South Africa
- 5.3.5.2 United Arab Emirates
- 5.3.5.3 Saudi Arabia
- 5.3.5.4 Rest of Middle-East and Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Most Adopted Strategies
- 6.2 Market Share Analysis
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6.3 Company Profiles
- 6.3.1 Al Dahra ACX Global Inc.
- 6.3.2 Alfalfa Monegros SL
- 6.3.3 Anderson Hay & Grain Inc.
- 6.3.4 Bailey Farms
- 6.3.5 Border Valley
- 6.3.6 Coaba
- 6.3.7 Cubeit Hay Company
- 6.3.8 Glenvar Hay
- 6.3.9 Green Prairie International
- 6.3.10 Grupo Osés
- 6.3.11 Gruppo Carli
- 6.3.12 Hay USA
- 6.3.13 Haykingdom Inc.
- 6.3.14 Knight AG Sourcing
- 6.3.15 Los Venteros SC
- 6.3.16 M&C Hay
- 6.3.17 McCracken Hay Company
- 6.3.18 Riverina (Australia) Pty Ltd
- 6.3.19 SL Follen Company
- 6.3.20 Standlee Hay Company
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Alfalfa Hay Industry Segmentation
Alfalfa hay is obtained from the alfalfa plant, also known as Lucerne and Medicago sativa. It is cultivated as an important forage crop in many countries worldwide.
The alfalfa hay market is segmented by type (bales, pellets, and cubes), application (ruminant feed, poultry feed, horse feed, and other applications), and geography(North America, Asia-Pacific, South America, Europe, and Middle-East and Africa).
The report offers the market size and forecasts in terms of both volume in metric ton and value in USD thousand for all the above segments.
| Type | Bales | |
| Pellets | ||
| Cubes | ||
| Application | Dairy Animal Feed | |
| Poultry Feed | ||
| Horse Feed | ||
| Other Applications | ||
| Geography | North America | United States |
| Canada | ||
| Mexico | ||
| Rest of North America | ||
| Geography | Europe | United Kingdom |
| France | ||
| Spain | ||
| Italy | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| Geography | Asia-Pacific | China |
| Japan | ||
| India | ||
| Australia | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| Geography | South America | Brazil |
| Argentina | ||
| Rest of South America | ||
| Geography | Middle-East and Africa | South Africa |
| United Arab Emirates | ||
| Saudi Arabia | ||
| Rest of Middle-East and Africa |
Alfalfa Hay Market Research FAQs
How big is the Alfalfa Hay Market?
The Alfalfa Hay Market size is expected to reach USD 82.08 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 6.60% to reach USD 113.00 billion by 2029.
What is the current Alfalfa Hay Market size?
In 2024, the Alfalfa Hay Market size is expected to reach USD 82.08 billion.
Who are the key players in Alfalfa Hay Market?
Al Dahra ACX Global Inc., Border Valley, Standlee Hay Company, Alfalfa Monegros and Anderson Hay and Grain Co Inc are the major companies operating in the Alfalfa Hay Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Alfalfa Hay Market?
Middle East and Africa is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Alfalfa Hay Market?
In 2024, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Alfalfa Hay Market.
What years does this Alfalfa Hay Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Alfalfa Hay Market size was estimated at USD 77 billion. The report covers the Alfalfa Hay Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Alfalfa Hay Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Alfalfa Hay Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Alfalfa Hay market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Alfalfa Hay analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
