South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The South African Alfalfa Hay Market Report is Segmented by Type (Bales, Pellets, and Cubes) and Application (Meat/Dairy Animal Feed, Poultry Feed, Horse Feed, and Other Applications). The Report Offers the Market Size and Forecasts in Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.

South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market Size

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South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2030
Base Year For Estimation 2024
Forecast Data Period 2025 - 2030
Market Size (2025) USD 362.46 Million
Market Size (2030) USD 522.78 Million
CAGR (2025 - 2030) 7.60 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Compare market size and growth of South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market with other markets in Agriculture Industry

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South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market Analysis

The South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market size is estimated at USD 362.46 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 522.78 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

  • Alfalfa hay has become critical to both dairy animal feed and poultry feed in recent years due to its crude protein content. For instance, South Africa imported 3,801 metric tons in 2023 from Namibia to meet the demand for alfalfa hay from other countries. Further, the relatively dry and warm climate, good water quality through irrigation, and fertile soils in the Northern Cape are ideal for producing high-quality lucerne hay. Therefore, dependence on alfalfa hay for animal feed is expected to continue to drive the South African alfalfa hay market during the forecast period.
  • Moreover, South Africa's growing appetite for high-quality meat fuels the alfalfa hay market. For instance, according to the Sabinet African Journal, the citizens of South Africa consume around 4 million metric tons of meat annually, and poultry meat is the major contributor, accounting for 65% of total meat consumption. Farmers need nutritious feed to raise healthy livestock, and alfalfa hay delivers excellent protein and vitamins. This translates to better meat production and quality, further driving the demand for alfalfa hay.
  • Furthermore, reducing grazing land for animals has led to an increased demand for forage crops, including alfalfa. For instance, according to Our World in Data, the grazing land in North America reduced from 357.2 million hectares in 2019 to 353 million hectares in 2023. These crops are essential for meeting the nutritional needs of livestock. As a result, the area dedicated to harvesting alfalfa has expanded in the region. South Africa has emerged as a market leader, driven by heightened demand caused by severe drought conditions in Africa. The country's high-quality and well-graded alfalfa is exported globally. The growing demand for premium feed is expected to fuel the market's growth during the forecast period.

South Africa Alfalfa Hay Industry Overvview

The South African alfalfa hay market is extremely fragmented, with some key players including AL Dahra ACX Inc., Alphaalfa (Pty) Ltd, General Overseas Traders Pty Ltd, Agritrade Global(Pty) Ltd, and Grains For Africa (Pty) Ltd. Increased livestock farming has fueled the demand for alfalfa hay suitable for different types of animals. This has prompted companies to invest in developing new products to capture larger market shares. Additionally, companies are broadening their product portfolio to meet the demand for alfalfa hay for different species of animals. Furthermore, as the global demand for quality lucerne is rising, the major players in the country are investing in technology to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.

South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market Leaders

  1. Alphaalfa (Pty) Ltd

  2. Al Dahra ACX Inc

  3. Agritrade Global(Pty) Ltd

  4. General Overseas Traders Pty Ltd

  5. Grains For Africa (Pty) Ltd

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
South Africa Alfalfa Market Concentration
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South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market News

  • April 2024: According to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, lucerne hay production during 2022-23 increased by 327,000 metric tons compared to the previous year. South Africa exports alfalfa to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, China, Botswana, and Lesotho.
  • December 2022: Terradam expanded its business by constructing a new depot in Jan Kempdrop in the Northern Cape, South Africa. The depot spans an area of 60,000 sq. m consisting of a National Lucerne Trust-certified quality laboratory, warehouses, weighbridge, and under-roof storage.

South Africa 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
    • 4.2.1 Rising Demand for Meat Consumption is Boosting the Alfalfa Hay Market
    • 4.2.2 Decreasing Grazing Area is Driving the Alfalfa Hay Production
    • 4.2.3 Growing Livestock Population is Fueling the Alfalfa Hay Consumption
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 High Cost of Production Compared to Other Forage Crops
    • 4.3.2 Adverse Climatic Conditions and Invasion of Locusts
  • 4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SEGMENTATION

  • 5.1 Application
    • 5.1.1 Meat/Dairy Animal Feed
    • 5.1.2 Poultry Feed
    • 5.1.3 Horse Feed
    • 5.1.4 Other Applications
  • 5.2 Type
    • 5.2.1 Bales
    • 5.2.2 Pellets
    • 5.2.3 Cubes

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.2 Most Adopted Strategies
  • 6.3 Company Profiles
    • 6.3.1 Alphaalfa (Pty) Ltd
    • 6.3.2 Al Dahra ACX Inc.
    • 6.3.3 Agritrade Global(Pty) Ltd
    • 6.3.4 Hulmac Trading SA Pty Ltd
    • 6.3.5 General Overseas Traders Pty Ltd
    • 6.3.6 Terradam
    • 6.3.7 Cherangani Trade And Invest 102 (Pty) Ltd (Multi Feeds)
    • 6.3.8 RCL Foods Consumer (Pty) Ltd (Epol Equine)
  • *List Not Exhaustive

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

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South Africa Alfalfa Hay Industry Segmentation

Alfalfa hay is obtained from the alfalfa plant, scientifically known as Medicago sativa. Alfalfa, also called lucerne, is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae.

The South African alfalfa hay market is segmented by type (bales, pellets, and cubes) and application (meat/dairy animal feed, poultry feed, horse feed, and other applications).

The report offers the market size and forecasts in value (USD) for all the above segments.

Application Meat/Dairy Animal Feed
Poultry Feed
Horse Feed
Other Applications
Type Bales
Pellets
Cubes
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South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market Research FAQs

How big is the South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market?

The South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market size is expected to reach USD 362.46 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 7.60% to reach USD 522.78 million by 2030.

What is the current South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market size?

In 2025, the South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market size is expected to reach USD 362.46 million.

Who are the key players in South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market?

Alphaalfa (Pty) Ltd, Al Dahra ACX Inc, Agritrade Global(Pty) Ltd, General Overseas Traders Pty Ltd and Grains For Africa (Pty) Ltd are the major companies operating in the South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market.

What years does this South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?

In 2024, the South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market size was estimated at USD 334.91 million. The report covers the South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the South Africa Alfalfa Hay Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.

South Africa Alfalfa Hay Industry Report

Statistics for the 2025 South Africa Alfalfa Hay market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. South Africa 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.

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