Global Feed Production Rebounds

Global feed production saw a 1.2% increase in 2024, rising from 1.380 billion metric tons to 1.396 billion metric tons, according to Alltech’s 2025 Agri-Food Outlook. This rebound, following a stagnant 2023, highlights the resilience of the global agricultural industry despite challenges like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), climate fluctuations, and economic uncertainty.

The report draws on Alltech’s 14th annual global feed survey, covering 142 countries and 28,235 feed mills. By analyzing compound feed production and prices, it provides a comprehensive overview of the industry, serving as a key indicator for the livestock sector and identifying trends, regional challenges, and growth opportunities.

In 2024, the top 10 feed-producing countries accounted for 65.6% of global output, with 52% concentrated in just four nations: China (315.030 million metric tons, down 2.03%), the U.S. (269.620 million metric tons, up 0.68%), Brazil (86.636 million metric tons, up 2.43%), and India (55.243 million metric tons, up 4.56%). Mexico, Russia, Spain, Vietnam, Türkiye, and Japan also ranked among the top 10, showing varied growth patterns.

Poultry feed production grew, with broiler feed up 1.8% and layer feed up 1.4%. Broiler feed, the largest segment at 27.6% of total tonnage, benefited from chicken’s affordability as a protein source. Demand surged in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa, driven by rising red meat prices and increasing incomes. Despite HPAI challenges, broiler feed production is expected to see moderate growth in 2025 due to export opportunities.

Pig feed production fell by 0.6% to 369.293 million metric tons, with declines in Africa, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Oceania offsetting gains in Europe and Latin America. Recovery from African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks and export demand supported growth in some regions, but the sector faces uncertainty, with disease control and feed cost stability critical for future progress.

Dairy feed production rose by 3.2% to 165.500 million metric tons, fueled by strong consumer demand, favorable milk prices, and a shift to intensive farming. Growth occurred in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Latin America, while Oceania saw a slight decline due to reliance on pastures. Modernization and higher milk yields are expected to drive further growth, though lower milk prices in China may cap global gains.

Beef feed production increased by 1.8%, from 131.6 million metric tons in 2023 to 134.1 million metric tons in 2024. Gains in North America, Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Oceania were driven by export demand amid tight global supply. Forage shortages in some regions pushed producers toward commercial feeds, while oversupply and lower prices led to declines in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

Alltech emphasizes that the agricultural industry’s resilience and adaptability to challenges like diseases, weather volatility, and economic shifts will be crucial for growth in 2025.

Tags: compound feed