| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 87.50 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 120.44 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 6.60 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Middle East and Africa |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Alfalfa Hay Market Analysis
The Alfalfa Hay Market size is estimated at USD 87.50 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 120.44 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- As the global population expands, so does the appetite for dairy and meat products. According to Our World in Data, the global cattle population increased from 1.5 billion in 2020 to 1.6 billion in 2022. This growth amplifies the demand for feed and nutrient-rich forage to enhance livestock productivity. Alfalfa, a key player in animal nutrition, is witnessing a surge in cultivation. Alfalfa hay, with its impressive 20% crude protein content, has become a staple in animal feed. This nutrient density not only accelerates animal growth and development but also enhances milk productivity, positioning it as a market leader throughout the forecast period.
- The United States reigns as the world's top alfalfa producer. In 2023, the U.S. produced approximately 49.9 million metric tons of alfalfa, according to U.S. forage statistics. China stands out as the primary importer, accounting for 41% of total U.S. alfalfa hay exports. Other notable importers include the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Japan, and Canada. ITC Trade Data highlights Spain, France, South Africa, Italy, and Egypt as significant global importers. Recently, the inclusion of alfalfa hay in poultry feed underscores its growing importance, suggesting a bullish trend for the market in the years ahead.
Alfalfa Hay Market Trends
Increasing Demand for Dairy and Meat Products
- Livestock significantly propels the growth of the alfalfa hay market. According to the FAO, by 2030, meat and milk production in developing countries is set to rise annually by 2.4% and 2.5%, respectively. As a result, these nations are projected to contribute 66.0% of the global meat output, amounting to 247.0 million metric tons, and 55.0% of milk production, totaling 484.0 million metric tons. Furthermore, the livestock sector is under increasing pressure to meet the surging demand for high-quality animal protein. The Press Information Bureau of India highlights the country's position as the leading global milk producer, accounting for 24% of the world's milk output, supported by around 70 million small-scale producers. With a growing appetite for milk and its derivatives, USDA data reveals that India's fluid milk consumption jumped to 87.0 million metric tons in 2023, up from 77.0 million metric tons in 2018.
- The increasing reliance on alfalfa hay for animal feed is set to propel the market further. China's demand for alfalfa hay is on the rise, influenced by shifts in its dairy practices. Modern dairy farmers, with a growing cattle count, are leaning towards imported hay and commercial feeds. For instance, the World Organization for Animal Health reported China's cattle population at 84.5 million heads in 2023. In light of this escalating demand, the Chinese government is emphasizing the boost of its domestic alfalfa hay production. With cattle numbers climbing and a growing preference for premium animal feed, the demand for alfalfa hay is poised for an upward trajectory in the coming years.
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North America Dominates the Market
- As of 2023, USDA reports that Wisconsin, New York, Michigan, and Idaho lead the U.S. in alfalfa hay production, with outputs of 5.0, 3.1, 1.5, and 1.5 million metric tons, respectively. This dominance shapes the regional landscape. U.S. domestic consumption of dairy products is climbing, largely fueled by a boom in non-fluid dairy sales. Since 1975, per capita dairy consumption has risen by 22%. The International Dairy Foods Association notes that American per capita dairy consumption has consistently grown, with a 0.4% rise in 2022 compared to the previous five years. The dairy sector, especially with a focus on sustainable food production, is set for further expansion.
- In the U.S., alfalfa hay is the primary choice for dairy cattle. Major dairy-producing states, such as California, Wisconsin, New York, Idaho, and New Mexico, consume two-thirds of their total alfalfa intake for dairy needs, according to USDA. While dairy markets primarily drive alfalfa hay consumption, beef producers also utilize it for forage, depending on availability and pricing. With domestic and export demand for alfalfa on the rise, the market anticipates significant growth during the forecast period.
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Alfalfa Hay Industry Overview
The Global Alfalfa Hay Market is characterized by fragmentation, with numerous players. Leading the market are Al Dahra, ACX Global Inc., Standlee Hay Company, Alfalfa Monegros, Anderson Hay and Grain Co. Inc., and Border Valley. These dominant companies have actively pursued strategic moves, such as partnerships, expansions, and mergers and acquisitions, to strengthen their foothold 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
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Alfalfa Hay Market News
- September 2023: DLF, a leading player in the forage and turf seed market, has acquired Corteva Agriscience's alfalfa breeding program. The acquisition encompasses Corteva’s global alfalfa germplasm and breeding program, the Alforex Seeds brand, and trademarks such as Hi-Gest alfalfa technology, Hi-Ton performance alfalfa, Hi-Salt salinity-tolerant alfalfa, and msSuntra hybrid technology. Additionally, it includes current commercial alfalfa varieties and select Corteva personnel who support the alfalfa program. This move solidifies DLF's pipeline, bolstering its portfolio for the years ahead.
- June 2022: Anderson Hay & Grain (Anderson), a leading exporter celebrated for its premium Timothy and alfalfa hay, along with grass straw products, is expanding its offerings. Via its sister company, Andy by Anderson Hay, Anderson is poised to introduce USDA-certified organic Timothy hay. This new addition ensures top-tier hay and all-natural products, specifically designed for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small pets.
Alfalfa Hay Industry Segmentation
Alfalfa hay, derived from the alfalfa plant (scientifically known as Medicago sativa and commonly referred to as Lucerne), is a vital forage crop cultivated globally. The alfalfa hay market is categorized by type (including bales, pellets, and cubes), application (spanning ruminant feed, poultry feed, horse feed, and more), and geography (covering North America, Asia-Pacific, South America, Europe, and the Middle-East and Africa). This report provides market size and forecasts, detailing both volume in metric tons and value in USD across all 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 | |||
| Europe | United Kingdom | ||
| France | |||
| Spain | |||
| Italy | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Asia-Pacific | China | ||
| Japan | |||
| India | |||
| Australia | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| South America | Brazil | ||
| Argentina | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
| Middle-East and Africa | South Africa | ||
| United Arab Emirates | |||
| Saudi Arabia | |||
| Rest of Middle-East and Africa | |||
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Alfalfa Hay Market Research Faqs
How big is the Alfalfa Hay Market?
The Alfalfa Hay Market size is expected to reach USD 87.50 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 6.60% to reach USD 120.44 billion by 2030.
What is the current Alfalfa Hay Market size?
In 2025, the Alfalfa Hay Market size is expected to reach USD 87.50 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 (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Alfalfa Hay Market?
In 2025, 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 2024?
In 2024, the Alfalfa Hay Market size was estimated at USD 81.73 billion. The report covers the Alfalfa Hay Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Alfalfa Hay Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Alfalfa Hay Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Alfalfa Hay market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Alfalfa Hay analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
