Alfalfa production by country

Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is a perennial legume widely cultivated across the world as a high-quality forage crop for livestock. It is valued for its rich protein content, excellent digestibility, and role in soil fertility improvement through nitrogen fixation. Alfalfa serves as a vital component in dairy and meat production systems, contributing to global livestock productivity.

Global Overview

Alfalfa is among the most extensively grown forage crops worldwide. It is cultivated on an estimated 30 million hectares (around 74 million acres) of land across various continents. The global production of alfalfa hay and related products is estimated to exceed 400 million tonnes annually, depending on climatic conditions and cultivation cycles.
The crop thrives in temperate climates with moderate rainfall and well-drained soils, making it suitable for regions such as North America, Europe, South America, and parts of Asia. It is typically grown under irrigated or rainfed conditions and is harvested multiple times each year, allowing for high biomass yields.

Major Alfalfa-Producing Countries

1. United States of AmericaThe United States is the world’s leading producer of alfalfa, with approximately 9 million hectares under cultivation. States such as California, Idaho, Montana, and Wisconsin are key production centres. The country produces large quantities of alfalfa hay used primarily for dairy cattle feed, beef production, and export. Alfalfa is a cornerstone of American forage systems, benefiting from advanced irrigation technology and mechanised harvesting.
2. ArgentinaArgentina ranks among the top global producers, cultivating nearly 7 million hectares of alfalfa. The crop is vital for the nation’s beef and dairy industries, particularly in the Pampas region, where fertile soils and favourable climatic conditions support intensive livestock farming. Argentine alfalfa is also exported to neighbouring countries.
3. CanadaCanada maintains approximately 2 million hectares of alfalfa, with high yields achieved in provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. It is grown as both hay and silage, forming a key part of Canada’s livestock feeding system. The long daylight hours of the northern summer promote rapid growth and high-quality forage production.
4. RussiaRussia cultivates nearly 1.8 million hectares of alfalfa, mainly in its southern and western regions. The crop is used primarily as green fodder and hay for cattle and sheep. The large continental climate favours extensive forage cultivation during the short but intense growing season.
5. ChinaChina has expanded its alfalfa cultivation significantly in recent decades to meet the growing demand from its dairy industry. With an estimated 1.3 million hectares under cultivation, production is concentrated in Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Ningxia. Government initiatives have encouraged the use of high-yielding alfalfa varieties and improved irrigation practices.
6. ItalyItaly produces alfalfa on roughly 1.3 million hectares, particularly in the Po Valley and northern regions. Italian farmers utilise alfalfa for both domestic livestock feed and export in dried or pelletised form. It is valued for its contribution to sustainable agriculture due to nitrogen fixation and soil improvement.
7. SpainSpain is one of the largest exporters of alfalfa in Europe. Most production occurs in the Ebro Valley region, where irrigation supports high yields. Spanish alfalfa is exported mainly in dehydrated or compressed form to the Middle East and Asia, where it serves as a key feed for dairy herds and racehorses.
8. AustraliaAustralia cultivates alfalfa primarily in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. It is grown both for domestic livestock feed and for export as hay and pellets. Irrigated systems allow multiple harvests annually, making alfalfa an important crop for the nation’s livestock and export economy.
9. FranceFrance is another significant European producer, cultivating alfalfa mainly in the northern and eastern regions. The crop is used primarily for dairy and beef cattle feeding, as well as for soil enrichment in crop rotation systems. French producers also engage in the export of dehydrated alfalfa to neighbouring European markets.
10. IranIran grows alfalfa extensively across its arid and semi-arid regions using irrigation. It forms a major component of livestock feed, particularly for dairy cattle, sheep, and goats. The crop’s deep root system allows it to withstand drought conditions, making it one of the most reliable forage plants in the country.

Climatic and Agronomic Factors

Alfalfa requires moderate rainfall (approximately 500–800 mm annually) and thrives in deep, well-drained loamy soils. It performs best in regions with warm summers and cool winters. The crop’s deep taproot enables it to extract moisture from several metres below the surface, giving it resilience during dry periods.
Alfalfa is typically sown once and can remain productive for five to seven years, depending on management practices. Regular cutting promotes regrowth and enhances yield. Irrigation, pest control, and the use of disease-resistant varieties are crucial for maintaining productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid environments.

Economic and Environmental Importance

• Livestock Feed: Alfalfa is a primary feed source for dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, goats, and horses due to its high protein and mineral content.
• Export Commodity: Several countries, including the United States, Spain, and Australia, export large quantities of alfalfa hay and pellets to feed-deficient regions such as the Middle East and East Asia.
• Soil Improvement: Being a legume, alfalfa enriches the soil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers.
• Sustainability: It plays an essential role in crop rotation systems, improving soil structure and preventing erosion.

Global Trade Trends

In recent years, international demand for alfalfa has risen significantly, driven by the growth of livestock industries in regions with limited pasture resources. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, China, and Japan have become major importers of alfalfa hay to support their dairy and meat sectors.
Export-oriented production in nations like the United States and Spain is supported by advanced processing facilities that compress, dehydrate, and package alfalfa for long-distance shipment. Water scarcity and environmental regulations, however, are influencing production patterns and export volumes, particularly in arid exporting countries.

Future Outlook

Global alfalfa production is expected to remain strong, supported by rising demand for animal protein and the expansion of mechanised forage systems. Research and development efforts are focusing on drought-resistant varieties, improved harvesting techniques, and sustainable irrigation practices.
Countries with suitable climates and access to water resources are likely to continue dominating global alfalfa production and trade. Meanwhile, emerging economies with growing livestock sectors are projected to expand cultivation to reduce dependence on imports.