Alfalfa Market Size, Share and Trends 2025 to 2034

Alfalfa Market Size and Forecast 2025 to 2034

The global alfalfa market size was estimated at USD 24.21 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 25.69 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 43.77 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 6.10% from 2025 to 2034. Increasing demand for high-quality livestock forage is the key factor driving the growth of the market. Also, the rising emphasis on dairy production coupled with the increasing demand for organic and natural products can fuel market growth further.

Alfalfa Market Key Takeaways

• North America dominated the global alfalfa market with the largest market share of 43% in 2024.
• Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period.
• By livestock, the ruminant segment has held a major market share of 54% in 2024.
• By livestock, the horse segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 24.2% over the forecast period.
• By type, the hay bales segment accounted for the highest market share of 43% in 2024.
• By type, the cubes segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the projected period.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Alfalfa Market

Artificial intelligence is transforming the alfalfa market by improving efficiency and productivity across different stages of the supply chain. The AI system can optimize irrigation and enable accurate crop management, pest control, and fertilization, which can lead to decreased resource consumption and higher yields. Furthermore, the adoption of an automated processing and harvesting system can result in decreased labor costs and enhanced operational efficiency.

U.S. Alfalfa Market Size and Growth 2025 to 2034

The U.S. alfalfa market size was exhibited at USD 7.81 billion in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 14.38 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.29% from 2025 to 2034.

North America dominated the global alfalfa market in 2024. The dominance of the segment can be attributed to the increasing manufacturing and exports of the product from the North American region to other countries in the world. Moreover, in North America, the U.S. led the market owing to the extensive use of Alfalfa in the U.S. equestrian industry. The dairy industry in the country is a major booster of the product demand.

• In September 2024, DLF announced its acquisition of the Corteva Agriscience alfalfa breeding program. This includes Corteva's global alfalfa germplasm and breeding program, the Alforex Seeds brand name, and trademarks, including Hi-Gest alfalfa technology, Hi-Ton performance alfalfa, Hi-Salt salinity tolerant alfalfa, and mantra hybrid technology, current commercial alfalfa varieties and select Corteva personnel supporting the alfalfa program.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the alfalfa market over the forecast period. The growth of the region can be credited to the rising consumption of meat and dairy products, which is fuelling the requirement for high-quality forage. Furthermore, emerging economies in the region, such as China and Japan, have limited water resources and arable land for forage production. These countries depend on imports of alfalfa and other crops to fulfill the dietary demands of their livestock.

Market Overview

Alfalfa is a crop for livestock, offering a high source of nutrients. Its clusters of flowers and trifoliate leaves make it recognizable. Alfalfa has been identified for its role in enhancing soil fertility. It is administered by humans in the form of alfalfa sprouts. This is popular in sandwiches and salads. Increasing adoption of innovative farming technologies, such as precision agriculture and advanced irrigation methods, is the latest trend in the alfalfa market.

Alfalfa Market Growth Factors

• The rising focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices is expected to boost alfalfa market growth soon.
• The nutritional benefits of livestock-promoting regenerative agricultural practices can propel market growth shortly.
• The growing investment towards the development of large-scale dairy operations will likely contribute to the market expansion over the forecast period.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Advancements in alfalfa hay processing and storage

The growing technological innovations in the processing and storage abilities of hay are transforming the alfalfa market. Innovative technologies such as baling, dehydration, and ensiling are being used to improve the shelf life, nutritional value, and quality of products. In addition, market players are using advanced harvesting and processing machinery to create long-fiber cubes and hay products with improved fiber content.

• In October 2024, Rä Foods, a pioneer in food tech and functional foods, announced that its innovative Wild About Sprouts brand popular varieties of Broccoli and alfalfa are now available at Whole Foods Market, the world's leading natural and organic foods retailer in the Pacific Northwest.

Restraint

Drought conditions and water scarcity

Being a crop, alfalfa consumes a high amount of water, which can pose significant challenges in areas confronting drought conditions or water scarcity. This limited water availability can further present hurdles to the alfalfa market. Moreover, in such cases, alfalfa requires keen resource management and l consideration to ensure the productivity and viability of alfalfa cultivation despite the challenges it faces.

Opportunity

Increased demand for forage crops

Growing demand for forage crops is the latest trend in the alfalfa market. Forage crops like alfalfa are used for silage and hay and have also seen substantial growth in international trade in recent years. The global demand for these crops has grown significantly, which makes them an extensively traded crop on international markets. Furthermore, an increase in the industrialization of agriculture facilitates the demand for standard animal feed, such as micro-ingredients extracted from forage crops.

• In May 2024, S&W Seed Company, a global agricultural technology company, announced the expansion of its novel and proprietary sorghum trait technology portfolio with the commercial launch of Double Team Forage Sorghum. Double Team Forage Sorghum gives forage sorghum growers an over-the-top, non-GMO, grassy weed control option.

Livestock Insight

The ruminant livestock segment dominated the alfalfa market in 2024. The dominance of the segment can be attributed to the nutritional compatibility and characteristics of the product with the gut system of these animals. Alfalfa is recognized for its protein-rich content, which is necessary for milk production, growth, and health of ruminants. Additionally, the product is a great source of calcium, which is required for milk production and bone health in dairy cows.

The horse segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be credited to the high amount of protein, which can be good for growing young horses, lactating or pregnant mares, and horses with raised protein requirements, like working or performance horses. Also, carbohydrates provide energy, which can fulfill the energy needs of horses, especially those engaged in highly functional activities.

Type Insights

In 2024, The hay bales segment led the market by holding the largest alfalfa market share. The dominance of the segment can be driven by the benefits offered by hay bales as they offer an unprocessed and natural form of forage, which is advantageous for the physical and psychological well-being of some livestock, like cows and horses. However, these bales have a good shelf life as compared to other types and do not get affected if exposed to moisture.

• In September 2023, DLF announced the acquisition of Corteva Agriscience's alfalfa breeding program. This strategic move provides DLF with access to top-tier alfalfa genetics and a robust brand portfolio.

The cubes segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the projected period. The growth of the segment is due to the highly compact and easy-to-handle nature of this cube, which makes it a sophisticated choice for feeding and storage. Furthermore, these cubes are less bulky than hay bales and convenient to transport. They have less dust compared to loose hay, making it a healthier and cleaner option for handlers and animals.

Alfalfa Market Companies

• Alfalfa Monegros SL
• Anderson Hay & Grain Inc.
• Al Dahra ACX Global Inc.
• Standlee Premium Products, LLC
• Bailey Farms
• Cubeit Hay Company
• Green Prairie International
• Haykingdom Inc.

Latest Announcement by Market Leaders

• In June 2023, The WinCo Foods Company announced a plan to build a distribution center in the west of Anderson Road and east of Interstate 90. The project site is currently part of the Anderson Hay & Grain Company's Ellensburg operations. The project parcels a total of 108.24 acres and currently contains a gravel employee parking area and hayfield.

Recent Developments

• In January 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), China, authorized the import of two types of genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa for processing. These approvals, effective from January 5, 2023, to January 4, 2028, mark the first time US GE alfalfa has been approved in China, a significant importer of hay and other forages.
• In January 2023, Spain adopted a Common Agriculture Policy where fodder-growing farmers can receive Basic Income Support for Sustainability and Redistributive Payment. They can also choose to participate in eco-schemes voluntarily. Additionally, those who grow fodder crops like vetches and alfalfa may qualify for the Coupled Payment for Protein Crops. 
• In March 2023, Corteva unveiled a gene-editing technique to safeguard the superior corn hybrids. In particular for corn growers in North America, the new method represents the next stage of plant breeding and aims to drive disease-resistant characteristics in the maize genome.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

• Hay Bales
• Cubes
• Pellets
• Others

By Livestock

• Ruminants
• Horses
• Poultry
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa