Global Feed Survey Data and Future Trends

Global Feed Production in 2021

Estimated 1.2355 billion tons, up 2.3%

The 11th Annual Alltech Feed Survey reports data from more than 140 countries and more than 28,000 feed mills. Despite a challenging year, global feed production has grown by 2.3% over the past year to an estimated 1,235.5 million tonnes in 2021, compared to 1,207.9 million tonnes in 2020.

Many industries continue to focus on innovation and partnerships, which have proven critical to sustaining business over the past year. Looking to the future of agriculture, there are many reasons to be optimistic. The agri-food industry’s resilience in the face of the challenges of COVID-19, disease and supply chain disruptions, along with continued growth, modernization and increased sustainability amidst these challenges, is proof that the industry is on the right track.

Dr. Remark, Alltech’s Global President and CEO, said, “The results of the Alltech Agri-Food Outlook 2022 reinforce our confidence and optimism about the future of the agri-food industry. Resilience in the face of challenges such as disease and supply chain disruption, and more importantly, we see growth, modernization and the adoption of more sustainable practices advancing simultaneously.”

Regional results of global feed production

The Asia-Pacific region recorded the highest growth rate of 5.7%, and is also home to several countries in the top 10 feed producers, including China, India, and Japan.

North America grew steadily by 1.9% last year, and the United States is still the second largest feed producer in the world, second only to China.

The Latin American region achieved a modest growth of 0.5%. Brazil is still the leader in feed production in this region and ranks third in the world.

Affected by issues such as African swine fever and high raw material costs, European feed production fell by 1.2%, coupled with the impact of low end product prices, declining ruminant feed production, and government regulations related to COVID-19.

Feed production in Africa increased by 2.4%, despite high raw material prices, foot-and-mouth disease and geopolitical tensions affecting animal food exports and leading to raw material shortages in some regions, but Africa still faces challenges.