Global Haying And Forage Machinery Market Size, Share Analysis Report By Equipment (Mawers, Balers, Tedders, Rakes, Forage harvesters, Conditioners, Wrappers, Others), By Application (Haymaking, Silage Production, Crop Residue Processing), By Operation, Manual (Semi-Automatic, Fully Automatic) , By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2026-2035

Report Overview

The Global Haying And Forage Machinery Market size is expected to be worth around USD 21.4 Billion by 2035, from USD 14.2 Billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. In 2025, North America held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 39.2% share, holding USD 5.5 Billion revenue.

The haying and forage machinery industry covers mowers, conditioners, rakes, tedders, balers, forage harvesters, loaders and precision systems used to cut, dry, collect, bale and process forage crops for livestock feed and biomass use. The industry is positioned as a productivity-critical segment of agricultural machinery because forage quality directly affects dairy and beef output, feed cost control and farm operating efficiency. In the U.S., hay and haylage remains a large operating base, with 2024 dry hay production estimated at 122.5 million tons across 49.4 million harvested acres.

Key Takeaways

• Haying And Forage Machinery Market size is expected to be worth around USD 21.4 Billion by 2035, from USD 14.2 Billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%.
• Mawers held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 31.8% share of the haying and forage machinery market.
• Silage Production held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 45.2% share of the haying and forage machinery market.
• Fully Automatic held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 59.1% share of the haying and forage machinery market.
• North America held a dominant position in the global haying and forage machinery market, accounting for 39.2% of the total market share and reaching a value of USD 5.5 billion.

The current industrial scenario remains mixed: equipment demand is supported by feed-security needs, but farm-income pressure has softened machinery purchases. AGCO reported 2025 net sales of USD 10.1 billion, down 13.5%, while tractor retail sales declined 10% in North America and 7% in Western Europe, showing a cyclical slowdown in farm equipment. CLAAS, however, sustained a high operating scale, reporting EUR 4.9 billion in fiscal 2025 sales and EUR 230 million net income, supported by product launches in forage harvesters, tractors and balers.

Key driving factors include rising animal-protein demand, mechanization of forage handling and sustainability programs. The OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034 projects global output of meat, dairy products and eggs to rise 17% by 2034, with livestock inventories expanding 7%, directly increasing the need for efficient fodder systems. It also projects world milk production to reach 1,146 Mt by 2034, growing 1.8% per year.

AGCO signed a 10-year virtual power purchase agreement in 2025 linked to a 100 MW solar PV project in Spain expected to generate about 200 GWh annually from late 2026, showing how machinery producers are aligning operations with lower-carbon supply chains

Energy-linked opportunities are also emerging as forage, residues and manure systems intersect with biogas and biomethane supply chains. The IEA states that more than 50 new biogas-related policies have been introduced globally since 2020, and global biogas and biomethane production is expected to expand 22% from 2025 to 2030. This supports future demand for reliable harvesting, chopping and biomass-handling equipment.

Policy support also strengthens equipment modernization. Energy-linked demand is another opportunity, as the IEA states modern bioenergy accounts for almost 55% of renewable energy and over 6% of global energy supply, encouraging more efficient biomass and residue handling.

Government and energy-transition policies also support future opportunity. USDA conservation programs provide financial and technical assistance for practices improving soil, water, air and habitat outcomes, while the EU Common Agricultural Policy is valued at about €387 billion for 2021–2027. In energy-linked demand, the European Commission targets 35 bcm of biomethane by 2030, and the IEA notes that sustainable biogas and biomethane potential remains materially underused.

By Equipment Analysis

Mawers dominates with 31.8% share due to its strong presence in high-capacity forage harvesting and handling equipment.

In 2025, Mawers held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 31.8% share of the haying and forage machinery market. The company maintained its leadership through a well-established portfolio of forage harvesting, baling, and crop handling equipment that caters to both large-scale commercial farms and medium-sized agricultural operations. Demand for efficient forage management solutions increased during the year as farmers focused on improving feed quality and reducing harvesting losses. Mawers benefited from this trend by offering machinery known for durability, operational efficiency, and compatibility with modern farming practices.

By Application Analysis

Silage Production dominates with 45.2% share driven by growing demand for high-quality livestock feed and efficient forage preservation.

In 2025, Silage Production held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 45.2% share of the haying and forage machinery market. The segment’s strong performance was largely supported by the increasing need for preserved and nutrient-rich feed for dairy and livestock operations. Farmers continued to invest in machinery used for cutting, harvesting, chopping, and storing forage crops to ensure year-round feed availability. The ability of silage to maintain nutritional value while reducing feed losses made it a preferred choice among livestock producers.

By Operation Analysis

Fully Automatic dominates with 59.1% share as farmers increasingly prefer high-efficiency machinery that reduces manual work.

In 2025, Fully Automatic held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 59.1% share of the haying and forage machinery market. The segment benefited from the growing need for faster and more efficient forage harvesting operations across both large and medium-scale farms. Farmers increasingly adopted fully automatic equipment to reduce labor dependency, improve operational accuracy, and complete harvesting tasks within limited weather windows. These machines offered advantages such as consistent performance, lower operational delays, and improved forage quality through precise handling.

Key Market Segments

By Equipment

• Mawers
• Balers
• Tedders
• Rakes
• Forage harvesters
• Conditioners
• Wrappers
• Others

By Application

• Haymaking
• Silage Production
• Crop Residue Processing

By Operation

• Manual
• Semi-Automatic
• Fully Automatic

Emerging Trends

Precision Farming and Smart Machinery Are Becoming the New Trend in Haying and Forage Operations

One of the latest trends in the haying and forage machinery market is the growing use of precision farming technologies and smart equipment. Farmers are increasingly adopting machinery equipped with GPS guidance systems, sensors, automated controls, and real-time monitoring tools to improve harvesting accuracy and reduce forage losses. These technologies help operators manage field activities more efficiently while improving feed quality for livestock.

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), only 27% of U.S. farms and ranches used precision agriculture practices between 2022 and 2023, showing that there is still significant room for future adoption. As labor shortages continue to affect agricultural operations, farmers are turning toward automated haying and forage equipment that can complete tasks faster with less manual effort.

Digital Agriculture Investments Are Supporting Advanced Forage Management

Another important trend shaping the market is the broader digital transformation of agriculture. Governments, agricultural organizations, and equipment manufacturers are investing heavily in technologies that improve farm productivity and sustainability. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has highlighted that digital technologies are playing a major role in modern agricultural development, helping farmers improve decision-making and resource management.

FAO also notes that digital farming solutions can improve productivity while reducing unnecessary input use such as fuel, fertilizers, and water. As livestock farms become larger and more commercialized, the demand for connected forage machinery continues to rise. Farmers are increasingly looking for equipment that can collect field data, automate harvesting functions, and support long-term feed planning. This shift toward digital and technology-driven farming is creating strong opportunities for advanced haying and forage machinery across both developed and emerging agricultural markets.

Drivers

Rising Livestock Feed Demand is Increasing the Need for Haying and Forage Machinery

One of the biggest drivers of the haying and forage machinery market is the steady growth in livestock farming and animal feed consumption across the world. Dairy farms, cattle operations, and meat producers depend heavily on high-quality forage such as hay and silage to maintain animal health and productivity. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), livestock consume around 6 billion tonnes of feed dry matter every year, and nearly half of that comes from grass and forage-based resources.

The organization also states that 86% of global livestock feed intake comes from materials that are not edible for humans, highlighting the importance of forage crops in the livestock sector. As demand for milk, meat, and other animal products continues to rise, farmers are under pressure to improve forage harvesting efficiency and reduce feed losses. This has encouraged wider adoption of haying and forage machinery, including mowers, balers, rakes, and forage harvesters, helping farms manage larger volumes of feed more effectively.

Government Support and Dairy Expansion are Encouraging Farm Mechanization

Government programs focused on agricultural modernization are also supporting the growth of haying and forage machinery. Many countries are promoting farm mechanization through subsidies, equipment financing, and training programs aimed at improving productivity and reducing labor dependency. At the same time, the expansion of dairy and livestock industries is creating long-term demand for forage equipment.

FAO reports that the demand for animal products in developing countries is expected to more than double by 2030, driven by population growth, urbanization, and changing food consumption patterns. Growing livestock populations require a consistent supply of nutritious feed, making forage production more important than ever. Farmers are increasingly investing in modern harvesting and forage management equipment to improve feed quality and ensure year-round availability.

Restraints

High Machinery Costs Remain a Major Challenge for Small and Medium-Sized Farmers

One of the biggest restraints in the haying and forage machinery market is the high cost of advanced agricultural equipment. Modern forage harvesters, balers, rakes, and mower conditioners require significant investment, which many small farmers struggle to afford. This challenge is especially visible in developing countries where farm sizes remain limited and agricultural income levels are lower.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), farms smaller than 2 hectares account for 84% of all farms worldwide, yet they operate only around 12% of the world’s agricultural land. Many of these farmers work with limited financial resources and often prioritize essential farming expenses over machinery purchases. As a result, adoption of expensive forage equipment remains slow in several rural regions. Even where governments provide subsidies or financing support, the upfront cost, maintenance expenses, and fuel requirements can discourage investment.

Limited Access to Credit and Farm Financing Slows Equipment Adoption

Another major factor restricting market growth is the lack of affordable financing options available to farmers. While mechanization can improve productivity and reduce labor costs, many farmers do not have access to long-term agricultural credit needed to purchase modern machinery. The World Bank estimates that there are around 500 million smallholder farming households globally, many of which face difficulties accessing formal financial services and agricultural loans. These farmers often rely on seasonal income, making it difficult to invest in large equipment purchases.

In addition, rising interest rates and fluctuating farm revenues can further delay machinery upgrades. Governments in several countries have introduced mechanization programs and rural credit schemes, but coverage remains uneven, particularly in remote agricultural regions. Without stronger financial support systems, a large number of livestock and forage producers continue using outdated equipment, which limits the wider adoption of advanced haying and forage machinery.

Opportunity

Growing Dairy and Livestock Production Creates Strong Opportunities for Haying and Forage Machinery

One of the biggest growth opportunities for the haying and forage machinery market comes from the continuous expansion of dairy and livestock farming worldwide. As demand for milk, meat, and animal-based products increases, farmers need larger volumes of high-quality forage to maintain animal health and productivity. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global milk production increased from 524 million tonnes in 1992 to 930 million tonnes in 2022, showing growth of more than 77% over three decades.

This sharp rise in dairy production has increased the need for efficient forage harvesting, baling, and storage equipment. Farmers are increasingly investing in advanced haying machinery to reduce feed losses and improve forage quality. Modern forage equipment helps livestock producers manage larger farming operations while meeting growing feed requirements. As dairy farms expand in countries such as India, China, and Brazil, demand for mechanized forage solutions is expected to create long-term opportunities for machinery manufacturers and equipment suppliers across both developed and emerging agricultural markets.

Government Mechanization Programs and Rising Feed Demand Support Future Market Expansion

Another major opportunity comes from government efforts to modernize agriculture and improve livestock productivity. Many countries are encouraging farmers to adopt advanced agricultural machinery through subsidy programs, low-interest loans, and rural development initiatives. At the same time, global demand for livestock products continues to rise. FAO estimates that meat consumption could increase by nearly 73% by 2050, while dairy consumption may grow by around 58% compared to current levels.

Growing demand for animal protein is pushing livestock producers to improve feed production efficiency, making forage harvesting equipment more important than ever. Farmers are increasingly focusing on silage preparation and forage preservation to ensure stable feed supplies throughout the year. This trend is creating strong demand for high-capacity mowers, balers, forage harvesters, and automated machinery. As agricultural mechanization expands and livestock production becomes more commercialized, the haying and forage machinery market is expected to benefit from significant growth opportunities in the coming years.

Regional Insights

North America dominates the Haying and Forage Machinery Market with a 39.2% share, valued at USD 5.5 Billion.

In 2025, North America held a dominant position in the global haying and forage machinery market, accounting for 39.2% of the total market share and reaching a value of USD 5.5 billion. The region’s leadership is strongly supported by its large-scale livestock and dairy industries, which require a consistent supply of high-quality forage throughout the year.

The United States remains the primary contributor to regional demand, driven by extensive cattle and dairy farming operations. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the country had more than 86 million head of cattle and calves in recent years, creating substantial demand for hay, silage, and forage crops. This has encouraged widespread adoption of advanced forage harvesters, balers, mowers, and rakes across commercial farming operations.

The region also benefits from a high level of agricultural mechanization and strong farmer awareness regarding forage quality management. Large farm sizes and labor shortages have accelerated the use of automated and high-capacity equipment capable of improving harvesting efficiency and reducing operational costs. In addition, government-backed agricultural programs and equipment financing initiatives continue to support machinery replacement and modernization efforts.

Key Regions and Countries Insights

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

AGCO is a major participant in the haying and forage machinery market, offering a broad portfolio of equipment through brands such as Massey Ferguson and Fendt. The company operates in more than 140 countries and manages over 3,000 dealer and distribution locations worldwide. AGCO continues to invest in precision agriculture technologies, automated harvesting systems, and digital farm solutions.

John Deere remains one of the most recognized names in agricultural machinery, serving customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. The company employs over 80,000 people globally and operates numerous manufacturing and technology centers. Its haying and forage machinery portfolio includes balers, mower conditioners, forage harvesters, and windrowers. John Deere continues to expand its precision agriculture capabilities through GPS guidance, automation, and connected farming technologies.

Claas KGaA is a well-established agricultural machinery manufacturer with operations spanning more than 140 countries. The company employs approximately 12,000 people globally and maintains multiple production facilities across Europe and other regions. Claas offers a wide range of forage harvesting solutions, including forage harvesters, balers, mowers, and tedders. The company is known for integrating advanced automation and harvesting technologies into its equipment.

Top Key Players Outlook

• AGCO
• Claas KGaA
• John Deere
• Kongskilde
• Krone
• Kubota
• Kuhn Group
• Morra Group
• Tonutti-Wolagri

Recent Industry Developments

In 2025, Krone remained active in the haying and forage machinery sector through new product development, digitalization, and capacity-focused investments. The company’s forage portfolio includes more than 240 models, covering disc mowers, tedders, rakes, forage wagons, round balers, square balers, BiG M mower conditioners, and BiG X forage harvesters up to 1,156 hp. In 2025, Krone introduced the BiG Pack 1290 HDP II baler at AGRITECHNICA, strengthening its position in high-density baling. For 2024/2025, Krone Group reported around €2.3 billion in revenue, compared with €2.4 billion a year earlier, while continuing investments in automation, digital systems, and production flexibility.

In fiscal 2025, Deere reported USD 45.684 billion in net sales and revenues, while equipment operations net sales stood at USD 38.917 billion. Its Production & Precision Agriculture segment generated USD 17.311 billion, and Small Agriculture & Turf generated USD 10.224 billion. No major haying and forage merger or acquisition was reported in 2025, but the company continued investing in precision technology, automation, connected machines, and dealer support to strengthen its forage equipment business.

Report Scope