Alfalfa hay market is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period. The increasing demand for quality hay for livestock and the cattle population is a key factor driving the growth of the global alfalfa hay market. 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 promote the market demand.

The increasing demand for dairy and animal products, shrinking land for grazing animals, growth in high-yielding cattle, and demand for cattle feed are further contributing to the market growth. In 2021, the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced that India and the US 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.

However, the side-effects of alfalfa hay along with product recalls are restraining the growth of the global alfalfa hay market. For instance, in June 2023, Manzanola Feeds, LLC, warned by FDA after being implicated in outbreak that killed 52 horses. The FDA received reports of at least 98 horses, with symptoms consistent with botulism, in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas. At least 52 of these horses died or were euthanized because of declining health. In January 2023, FDA finalized laboratory testing of samples of Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes that confirmed the presence of Clostridium botulinum type C, a bacterium that can lead to botulism. Botulism develops if a person or animal ingests the toxin — and rarely, if the toxin is inhaled or injected — or if the organism grows in the intestines or wounds and toxin is released. Foodborne botulism is spread by consuming food contaminated with the botulism toxin or spores.

Segmental Outlook

The global alfalfa hay market is segmented based on product type, and application. Based on product type, the market is segmented into bales, pellets, and cubes. Based on application, the market is segmented into dairy animal feed, poultry feed, horse feed, and other applications.

Dairy Animal Feed Held a Major Market Share

The dependence on alfalfa hay for animal feed is continued 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 (FAO). Furthermore, the Chinese government is focusing on increasing the domestic production of alfalfa hay to meet its high demand. A continual increase in the number of cattle along with increasing demand for quality animal feed are boosting the segmental market growth.

Regional Outlook

The global alfalfa hay market is further segmented based on geography, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and others), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and others), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa and Latin America). 

Global Alfalfa Hay Market Growth by Region 2023-2030

North America Held Significant Share in the Global Alfalfa hay Market 

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 US. The US 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 the US, 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 22.0%. 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. 

Market Players Outlook

The major companies serving the global alfalfa hay market include Al Dahra ACX Global Inc., Border Valley, Standlee Hay Company, Alfalfa Monegros, Anderson Hay and Grain Co Inc. among others. The market players are considerably contributing to the market growth by the adoption of various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, collaborations, and new product launches, to stay competitive in the market. 

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2022 and forecast to 2030.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global alfalfa hay market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.