
Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Market Size (2025) | USD 96.88 Million |
Market Size (2030) | USD 113.13 Million |
CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 3.15 % |
Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players![]() *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Australia Forage Seed Market Analysis
The Australia Forage Seed Market size is estimated at USD 96.88 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 113.13 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.15% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Australia's forage seed market primarily serves dairy and livestock farmers who aim to produce high-yield crops. These seeds are specifically cultivated for various forage species, with alfalfa and clover being the predominant varieties. The seeds support specialized animal feed requirements, which contribute to increased cattle productivity. The growing consumption of animal products in Australia, particularly milk and meat, stems from increased awareness of milk's health benefits and higher protein demand. This trend drives the need for quality animal feed, subsequently boosting the forage seed market. Farmers prioritize high-quality forage to optimize livestock output. According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Australia maintains one of the world's highest per capita consumption rates for beef and sheepmeat. Recent data shows that 92% of Australian households purchased beef, while 72% bought lamb. In 2023, Australia ranked third globally in beef consumption at 23.4 kg per capita, following Argentina and the United States. Additionally, Australia led global sheepmeat consumption with 7.4 kg per capita in 2023.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, dairy is one of Australia's most important rural industries, producing 8.8 billion liters of milk in 2022-23 and directly employing about 33,500 people. The majority of milk production occurs on the south-east seaboard in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. South-east Victoria has the largest number of dairies with 1,020 facilities and 281,000 cows in 2023. According to Dairy Australia, in 2024, Victoria contributed 63.2% of Australia's total milk production volume, while Queensland accounted for 3.4%. This production pattern has increased the demand for forage seeds, as farmers seek high-quality forage crops to enhance milk and meat production from their cattle.
Fodder serves as feed for livestock including cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, chickens, and rabbits. According to a 2023 Dairy Australia report, hay production for the domestic market occurs primarily in southern Australia, supporting the dairy and beef industries. Dairy Australia data indicates the national dairy cattle herd comprises two million head, including calves, across 5,055 registered dairy farms. The livestock diet consists of pasture, hay, silage, grains, and forage crops such as lucerne, turnips, and oats. The growing exports of animal products are creating opportunities for Australia's forage seed market.
Australia Forage Seed Market Trends
Rising Meat Consumption Drives Market Growth
The Australian food economy is driven by changing dietary patterns and food consumption trends, particularly toward livestock products. The demand for meat in Australia is projected to increase due to economic growth, higher per capita income, urbanization, and growing awareness of meat's nutritional value. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Australians consumed 44.71 kilograms of poultry per capita in 2024, compared to 20.22 kilograms of pork, 18.52 kilograms of beef and veal, and 6.08 kilograms of sheep. Australia's multicultural society has led to diversified dietary habits, with Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines influencing local food preferences. Additionally, economic factors such as lower prices and increased availability have made chicken and pork more popular alternatives to red meat.
Pork and chicken gained popularity due to their economic benefits and evolving consumer preferences. Consumers viewed white meats as healthier and more suitable for weight management, which aligned with growing health awareness. The quick preparation time of these meats suited the busy lifestyles of Australian consumers. Improvements in poultry and pork production methods, including breeding, feeding, and processing techniques, increased operational efficiency and reduced retail prices compared to red meat.
Australia maintains a high demand for meat, which is projected to continue. This demand drives the requirement for forage crops to sustain livestock production. The growth of meat-importing economies, particularly China and Indonesia, further increases the demand for forage seeds. Millers, dairy farmers, and forage farmers use these seeds to cultivate high-yielding crops. The seeds are produced according to specific crop species and varieties. They primarily serve beef feed production and dairy animal feed requirements. The Australian forage seed production market predominantly focuses on alfalfa and clover seeds.

Poultry Dominates the Market
Poultry consumption in Australia continues to grow, even as the market approaches saturation, due to increasing health awareness and consumer preference for lean protein sources like chicken. The lower cost of poultry compared to alternatives such as fish, beef, and lamb has driven higher consumption rates.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Victoria had 250 poultry farm businesses in 2023, representing a 6% increase from 2022. These farms constituted 26% of Australia's 950 poultry farms, with New South Wales leading at 360 farms. Victoria's poultry population reached 22.8 million head, comprising 18% of Australia's total flock of 128 million chickens. The Victorian flock included 19.4 million meat chickens and 3.5 million egg-laying birds in 2023. Victoria contributed 20% of Australia's chicken meat production, ranking second behind New South Wales (36%). In egg production, Victoria ranked third with 66 million dozen eggs, following New South Wales (115 million dozen) and Queensland (105 million dozen).
In Australia, corn silage is a primary forage source for poultry production. Its popularity stems from high dry matter production, simple harvesting processes, suitability for silo fermentation, digestible fiber content, and high net energy concentration, driving increased demand for commercial seeds among farmers. Irrigated corn production for silage has expanded in Australia, primarily due to growing feed requirements from poultry farmers in rainfed regions. As the silage trade expands, forage corn farmers are investing in drip irrigation systems and implementing fertigation with soluble fertilizers. Advancements in breeding, nutrition, and animal health continue to enhance efficient animal production capabilities. The poultry industry's growth generates demand for superior forage crops, driven by increased consumer focus on meat quality. This demand can only be met with high-quality forage seeds. Market growth is further supported by increasing consumer preference for organic food and feed products, rising poultry feed requirements, population growth, and reduced grazing land availability.

Australia Forage Seed Industry Overview
The Australia forage seeds market is highly fragmented with many global and regional players. RAGT, DLF Seeds, Selected Seeds, Corteva Agriscience, and KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA are some of the leading players in the region. These players are continuously expanding their operations to different regions to increase their revenue. they are also actively merging and partnering with the other firms to continue their domination.
Australia Forage Seed Market Leaders
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DLF Seeds
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Selected Seeds
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Corteva Agriscience
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KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA
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RAGT
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Australia Forage Seed Markett News
- November 2023: RAGT Australia, a seed company, has acquired BASF's open-pollinated wheat seed assets in Australia to expand its portfolio of fodder, dual-purpose, and cash crops. This acquisition enhances the company's existing wheat breeding programs with new germplasm and strengthens its global cereals presence.
- March 2023: PGG Wrightson Seeds, a subsidiary of DLF, has successfully developed the new GT07 phalaris variety. This variety exhibits greater persistence and market potential, particularly under Australia's changing climate conditions. The development of GT07 was made possible through collaboration with CSIRO's breeding program.
Australia Forage Seed Industry Segmentation
Forage grass seeds are used to produce different types of forage grasses, which are eaten by grazing livestock. The report contains an analysis of various aspects of forage seeds across Australia. The Australia Forage Seeds Market is segmented by Crop Type (Cereals, Legumes, and Grasses) and Animal Type (Ruminant, Swine, Poultry, and Other Animal Types). The report offers the market size and forecasts in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
Crop Type | Cereals |
Legumes | |
Grasses | |
Animal Type | Ruminant |
Swine | |
Poultry | |
Other Animal Types |
Australia Forage Seed Market Research Faqs
How big is the Australia Forage Seed Market?
The Australia Forage Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 96.88 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.15% to reach USD 113.13 million by 2030.
What is the current Australia Forage Seed Market size?
In 2025, the Australia Forage Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 96.88 million.
Who are the key players in Australia Forage Seed Market?
DLF Seeds, Selected Seeds, Corteva Agriscience, KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA and RAGT are the major companies operating in the Australia Forage Seed Market.
What years does this Australia Forage Seed Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Australia Forage Seed Market size was estimated at USD 93.83 million. The report covers the Australia Forage Seed Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Australia Forage Seed Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Australia Forage Seed Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Australia Forage Seed market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Australia Forage Seed 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.