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North America Forage Seed Market Size

The North America Forage Seed Market is projected to experience growth over the forecast period, driven by increasing demand for forage as feed and its benefits in restoring soil vigor and requiring less irrigation. The market's expansion is influenced by a shift in farmer perceptions towards transgenic hybrids, which are expected to grow alongside non-transgenic hybrids. The United States and Canada are key players in the region, with distinct preferences for hybrid and open-pollinated varieties, respectively. Factors such as government support, advancements in cultivation technology, and rising cattle populations contribute to the market's dynamics and growth trajectory.

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Market Size of north america forage seed Industry

North America Forage Seed Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2030
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 2.01 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2030) USD 2.55 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Breeding Technology Hybrids
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2030) 4.03 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country Canada
svg icon Market Concentration Low

Major Players
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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North America Forage Seed Market Analysis

The North America Forage Seed Market size is estimated at 2.01 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 2.55 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.03% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

2.01 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

2.55 Billion

Market Size in 2030 (USD)

6.62 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

4.03 %

CAGR (2024-2030)

Largest Market by Crop

15.74 %

value share, Alfalfa, 2023

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Alfalfa is in high demand in the region by dairy farmers for animal feed. It can be harvested 10-12 times per crop season and has high nutritional protein content.

Largest Market by Country

47.15 %

value share, Canada, 2023

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The growing demand for animal products, higher prices in the international market, and the demand for livestock feed by dairy farmers have encouraged farmers to cultivate.

Fastest-growing Market by Crop

4.54 %

Projected CAGR, Alfalfa, 2024-2030

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The growing demand for animal products and higher prices in the international market, and the demand for livestock feed by dairy farmers has encouraged farmers to cultivate.

Fastest-growing Market by Country

5.14 %

Projected CAGR, Canada, 2024-2030

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The demand for forage crops in the country is on the rise, primarily due to the adoption of high-yielding varieties and growing government initiatives to encourage forage growers.

Leading Market Player

13.34 %

market share, Land O’Lakes Inc., 2022

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It established a seed development facility in the region. It is the only company to receive patent approval on a native DNA sequence for resistance to anthracnose race 5 in alfalfa.

Application of forages in different industries and the rapid hybrid development are driving the forage seed market in North America

  • In 2022, the non-transgenic hybrid forage seed was the largest sub-segment which accounted for 96.8% of the hybrid forage seeds market in the region. This is because of the perceived effect of transgenic traits on livestock and animal health. Additionally, the cost associated with transgenic hybrids is also one of the major factors to discourage farmers from adopting GM hybrids.
  • However, there is a change in the trend as farmers cultivate transgenic forage crops with traits that make feed easy to digest. Therefore, in the future, the transgenic segment is anticipated to see growth along with non-transgenic hybrids.
  • Alfalfa and corn are the most hybridized among the forage crops which accounted for 16.9% and 4.3% of the hybrid forage seed market in 2022 respectively as they have more demand in the processing industry in pellet feeds and ethanol production, respectively in the region.
  • The United States was the major country concerning the North American hybrid forage seed market which accounted for 55% in 2022. The dominant share of the country was because of the high replacement rate and higher demand from farmers. Moreover, farmers in the country can afford to buy hybrid seeds owing to their large farm sizes. However, Canada was the most significant country concerning the usage of OPVs as Canada is relatively against the usage of transgenic hybrids and the majority of farmers see forage crops as rotational crop and prefers farm-saved and OPVs.
  • Therefore, the shift in farmers' perception towards transgenic hybrids realizing the benefits associated with it, and the development of new hybrids to improve yield to meet demand from dairy and processing industries are estimated to drive the hybrid segment in the region at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period.
North America Forage Seed Market

Canada dominates the market as it is the fastest-growing country, with increasing support from the government

  • The forage seed segment accounted for 8.1% of the North American seed market in 2022 due to increased demand for forage as feed, meat consumption, and weather conditions. In the region, forage crops are preferred for benefits such as providing nutrients and restoring soil vigor, less water required for irrigation, and investments in cultivation using advanced technologies.
  • The demand for forage seeds was higher in Canada, accounting for USD 863.6 million in 2022. The higher share of the country was due to the high demand for forage as feed and the increase in the cattle population in the country. Moreover, the area under commercial forage seeds in the country was 3.1 million ha in 2022 compared to other North American countries.
  • In Canada, alfalfa was the major forage crop, which accounted for 23% of the forage seed market in 2022 due to factors such as the government's support and an increase in the demand for feeding animals by the dairy and meat processing industries. For instance, in 2021, the Canadian government invested about USD 2.6 million to equip alfalfa growers with advanced technologies that help produce higher yields and improve alfalfa's winter survival rates.
  • The United States was also one of the major countries, registering USD 686 million in 2022 and a rising cattle population. For instance, according to FAO, the number of cattle in the United States increased from 93.6 million in 2017 to 93.8 million in 2021.
  • Therefore, the increasing demand for forages from processing and dairy industries, the ability to cultivate in less water conditions, and higher profits are estimated to drive the forage seed market in the region at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period.

North America Forage Seed Industry Segmentation

Hybrids, Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives are covered as segments by Breeding Technology. Alfalfa, Forage Corn, Forage Sorghum are covered as segments by Crop. Canada, Mexico, United States are covered as segments by Country.

  • In 2022, the non-transgenic hybrid forage seed was the largest sub-segment which accounted for 96.8% of the hybrid forage seeds market in the region. This is because of the perceived effect of transgenic traits on livestock and animal health. Additionally, the cost associated with transgenic hybrids is also one of the major factors to discourage farmers from adopting GM hybrids.
  • However, there is a change in the trend as farmers cultivate transgenic forage crops with traits that make feed easy to digest. Therefore, in the future, the transgenic segment is anticipated to see growth along with non-transgenic hybrids.
  • Alfalfa and corn are the most hybridized among the forage crops which accounted for 16.9% and 4.3% of the hybrid forage seed market in 2022 respectively as they have more demand in the processing industry in pellet feeds and ethanol production, respectively in the region.
  • The United States was the major country concerning the North American hybrid forage seed market which accounted for 55% in 2022. The dominant share of the country was because of the high replacement rate and higher demand from farmers. Moreover, farmers in the country can afford to buy hybrid seeds owing to their large farm sizes. However, Canada was the most significant country concerning the usage of OPVs as Canada is relatively against the usage of transgenic hybrids and the majority of farmers see forage crops as rotational crop and prefers farm-saved and OPVs.
  • Therefore, the shift in farmers' perception towards transgenic hybrids realizing the benefits associated with it, and the development of new hybrids to improve yield to meet demand from dairy and processing industries are estimated to drive the hybrid segment in the region at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period.
Breeding Technology
Hybrids
Non-Transgenic Hybrids
Transgenic Hybrids
Herbicide Tolerant Hybrids
Other Traits
Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives
Crop
Alfalfa
Forage Corn
Forage Sorghum
Other Forage Crops
Country
Canada
Mexico
United States
Rest of North America
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North America Forage Seed Market Size Summary

The North America Forage Seed Market is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing demand for forage as feed and the expansion of livestock populations, particularly in the United States and Canada. The market is characterized by a shift in farmer perceptions towards transgenic hybrids, which are expected to see growth alongside non-transgenic hybrids. This change is fueled by the benefits of improved digestibility and yield in forage crops such as alfalfa and corn, which are in high demand for their applications in pellet feeds and ethanol production. The United States holds a dominant position in the market due to its large farm sizes and high replacement rates, while Canada shows a preference for open-pollinated varieties, reflecting its cautious stance towards transgenic hybrids.

The forage seed segment represents a substantial portion of the North American seed market, with alfalfa being a major crop due to its adaptability and high returns. The region's forage crop area has been expanding, driven by the need for quality forage in the dairy and livestock sectors. The market is fragmented, with key players like Bayer AG, Corteva Agriscience, and DLF leading the industry. Recent acquisitions and investments in research and development, such as S&W Seed's acquisition of DuPont’s Pioneer Alfalfa seed business and DLF's new research station, highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance forage seed varieties and meet the evolving demands of the market.

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North America Forage Seed Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Breeding Technology

      1. 1.1.1 Hybrids

        1. 1.1.1.1 Non-Transgenic Hybrids

        2. 1.1.1.2 Transgenic Hybrids

          1. 1.1.1.2.1 Herbicide Tolerant Hybrids

          2. 1.1.1.2.2 Other Traits

      2. 1.1.2 Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives

    2. 1.2 Crop

      1. 1.2.1 Alfalfa

      2. 1.2.2 Forage Corn

      3. 1.2.3 Forage Sorghum

      4. 1.2.4 Other Forage Crops

    3. 1.3 Country

      1. 1.3.1 Canada

      2. 1.3.2 Mexico

      3. 1.3.3 United States

      4. 1.3.4 Rest of North America

North America Forage Seed Market Size FAQs

The North America Forage Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 2.01 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.03% to reach USD 2.55 billion by 2030.

In 2024, the North America Forage Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 2.01 billion.

North America Forage Seed Market Report Snapshots

North America Forage Seed Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030