Forage Seed Market By Product Segment (Alfalfa, Clover, Ryegrass, Chicory), Livestock Type (Poultry, Cattle, Pork/Swine) & Region - Forecast to 2013 - 2020

Introduction

Forages are the edible parts of plants eaten by livestock, and used for feeding grazing animals. Forage feed manufacturers use legumes and grass seeds to plant pastures and hayfields. The major stakeholders across the supply chain of the forage seed market are plant breeders, seed growers and conditioners, seed distributors, seed retailers and finally farmers.

Primarily plant breeders plant different forages, such as alfalfa, chicory, clover and ryegrass, to get forage seeds. These forage seeds are supplied to seed growers and conditioners for processing and conditioning them to get pure seeds with maximum germination potential.

Forage seeds are available at low price compared to other feeds such as wheat bran and oil seed, among others. In addition, the economic benefits of cultivating forage seeds, such as crop rotation and risk diversification, are further contributing to the growth of the forage seed market globally.

Market Value and Forecast

The global forage seed market is anticipated to expand at a high CAGR in terms of value during the forecast period. Owing to the inclining demand for forage seeds across different agricultural farms and cattle farms, the forage seeds market is expected to witness growth throughout the forecast period Along with this, rise in the number of poultry birds and cattle is also foreseen to strengthen the demand for forage feed globally.

Segmentation, by Product

In this report, the global forage seed market is segmented on the basis of alfalfa, clover, chicory, ryegrass and others (including lablab, fescue, etc.). Alfalfa seeds segment was the largest contributor to the market in 2013, wherein it accounted for the highest market share in terms of revenue. Alfalfa plays an important role as a livestock forage. The demand for alfalfa is primarily driven by its high nutrient content (protein and energy) that helps improve: growth of livestock, maintenance, lactation and reproduction.

Segmentation by Livestock Type

The global forage seed market, by livestock type, is segmented into: poultry firms, cattle firms and pork or swine firms among others. The poultry segment held the highest share of the global forage feed market in terms of revenue in 2013, followed by the cattle segment.

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Key Regions

The global forage seed market is segmented into four major regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World. North America held the largest market share of the forage seed market in terms of value in 2013. Market growth of this region is attributed to the increasing demand for weed-free forage products, fuelled by the expanding livestock population. 

Key Players

Key vendors identified across the value chain of the global forage seed market include: Allied Seed, LLC, BASF SE, Dow AgroSciences LLC, S & W Seed Company, Germinal GB, Hancock Farm & Seed Co. Inc., Central Garden & Pet Company, Northstar Seed Ltd, and Heritage Seed Company. These companies are involved in producing chicory seeds, turf grass seed, fescue, timothy grass and ryegrass among others.

In 2013, of these, Allied Seed, LLC was the leading player in the forage seed market as it comprises a strong distribution channel and offers all the major forage seeds related products.

Key Segments Covered

• Forage seed Market
  • By Product Segment
    • Alfalfa
    • Clover
    • Ryegrass
    • Chicory
    • Others
  • By Livestock Type
    • Poultry
    • Cattle
    • Pork/Swine
    • Others

Key Regions/Countries Covered

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Rest of North America
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • U.K.
  • Scandinavia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Rest of the World
  • Latin America
  • Middle East
  • Africa