1-2T/H Alfalfa Pellet Production Line in Mexico

Client Background: A Cooperative Vision

The client behind this alfalfa pellet production line in Mexico project was not a multinational feed company or a giant ranching group. Instead, it was a regional agricultural cooperative located in central Mexico, not far from Querétaro. This cooperative was formed by a group of local cattle and poultry farmers, each of whom had struggled with rising feed costs and limited storage for fresh forage.

When they first reached out to us on November 10, 2022, their message was ambitious:

“Please provide us with cost related to a 3–5 TPH full alfalfa feed pellet production line.”

At the time, the cooperative dreamed of running a large-scale facility that could supply not just their members, but also other farmers in neighboring states. However, after careful financial analysis, they realized their budget could not sustain such a large investment immediately. Instead, they decided to start smaller—with a 1–2t/h alfalfa pellet production line, which would serve as a foundation for growth. The final contract was signed on December 14, 2022, after one year of discussions, technical adjustments, and financial planning.

Raw Materials in Mexico: Why Alfalfa?

Mexico has long been one of the most dynamic forage producers in Latin America. Regions such as Chihuahua, Jalisco, and Guanajuato have favorable climates for alfalfa cultivation. The crop grows well under irrigation and provides excellent protein content, which is essential for both dairy cows and poultry.

For this alfalfa pellet production line in Mexico project, the cooperative's main feedstock consisted of alfalfa bales, which were readily available in their region. However, unlike some of the large-scale plants that rely on pure alfalfa, this smaller cooperative opted for a mixed formula:

• 60% alfalfa hay (in bales)
• 25% corn stover and sorghum residues (widely available after harvest in central Mexico)
• 15% cracked maize and bran (added for energy balance and better pellet durability)

This mix not only reduced costs but also reflected the realities of Mexico's diversified cropping systems. While alfalfa provided protein and digestibility, the crop residues kept expenses low, and maize bran made pellets more attractive for poultry producers within the cooperative.

The Processing Technology: Tailored for Scale

Unlike industrial mega-plants, which often prioritize sheer volume, this 1–2t/h alfalfa pellet production line in Mexico had to emphasize efficiency, flexibility, and affordability. RICHI Machinery engineers designed a continuous but compact pelletizing line that could be operated by just 3–4 workers per shift, with minimal training required.

The process included the following steps:

1. Bale Breaking & Chopping
   Alfalfa bales were fed into a bale breaker, which loosened the compacted hay.
   A chopping system then reduced the forage into fibers between 20–30 mm, suitable for grinding.
2. Grinding
   The chopped alfalfa and crop residues were passed through a hammer mill.
   Particle size was reduced to 4–6 mm, ideal for pelletizing and uniform mixing.
3. Mixing with Additives
   Cracked maize, bran, and other nutritional additives were dosed into the system.
   A horizontal mixer ensured homogeneity across batches.
4. Conditioning & Pelletizing
   Material entered the conditioner, where steam and slight moisture adjustment improved binding.
   Pellets were formed in a 1–2t/h capacity alfalfa grass pellet machine, producing sizes of 6mm and 8mm, depending on whether the feed was intended for poultry or cattle.
5. Cooling & Screening
   A counterflow cooler reduced pellet temperature to near ambient levels.
   A screener removed fines, which were recycled back into the system.
6. Bagging & Storage
   Finished pellets were bagged in 25–40 kg bags, ready for local distribution.

This streamlined process enabled the cooperative to transition from bulky hay storage—where nutrient loss was common—to a pelletized format that was compact, easy to store, and convenient to transport.

Equipment Supplied by RICHI Machinery

The machinery set for this alfalfa pellet production line in Mexico project was customized for both affordability and performance. The configuration included:

• Bale breaker with integrated conveyor
• 55 kW hammer mill with cyclone system
• Horizontal ribbon mixer (500 kg/batch)
• RICHI CZLH350 alfalfa pellet making  machine (1–2t/h rated capacity)
• Counterflow cooler
• Vibratory screener
• Automated bagging scale and sewing machine
• Central control cabinet for semi-automatic operation

Despite being a relatively small investment, this setup provided industrial-grade performance, with robust build quality and low maintenance requirements—key for a cooperative that could not afford frequent breakdowns.

Market Outlook: Why Pellets Matter in Mexico

One of the strongest motivations behind this alfalfa cattle feed production line project was the market potential for alfalfa pellets in Mexico. Fresh forage often suffers from inconsistent supply and high transport costs. Pellets, on the other hand, offer:

• Longer shelf life
• Reduced storage volume
• Uniform quality
• Wider marketability, including potential exports to countries like Saudi Arabia, which imports forage products from Mexico

For the cooperative, this alfalfa pellet production line in Mexico opened up new revenue streams. They could now:

• Supply consistent alfalfa-based pellets for their own cattle and poultry farms
• Sell excess pellets to neighboring farmers
• Explore contracts with feed distributors in Jalisco and Guanajuato

In short, the move to pelletizing transformed the cooperative from being price takers in the raw forage market to value creators in the processed feed industry.

RICHI's Added Value: Beyond Equipment

While the hardware itself was crucial, what impressed the cooperative most was the service dimension of the partnership. RICHI Machinery provided:

• Pre-investment consultation: Helping the cooperative downsize from their initial 3–5t/h request to a realistic 1–2t/h project within budget.
• Engineering design: Tailoring the plant layout to the cooperative’s limited warehouse space.
• On-site installation & training: Ensuring local workers could operate the line smoothly.
• After-sales support: Including spare parts supply and online troubleshooting in Spanish.

This holistic approach gave the cooperative confidence to proceed, knowing they had a partner invested in their long-term success.

Broader Implications for Mexico's Feed Industry

The success of this small-scale alfalfa pellet production line in Mexico project sends a strong message: innovation does not belong only to big players. With the right technology and design, even small cooperatives or family-run businesses can enter the value-added feed sector.

For Mexico—where livestock production is growing, but feed costs remain volatile—localized pellet plants can reduce dependency on imports, stabilize nutrition supply, and improve profitability for farmers. Moreover, such initiatives contribute to rural development, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.

Customer Testimonial

At the inauguration of the plant, the cooperative’s spokesperson shared their thoughts:

“When we first contacted RICHI, our plan was too big for our budget. Many suppliers might have turned us away, but RICHI worked with us, step by step, to find a solution that was both realistic and scalable. Today, we see the difference in our operations—pellets are easier to handle, our animals are performing better, and we are even selling to neighboring farms. This investment has strengthened our cooperative and given us new opportunities. We look forward to working with RICHI again as we expand.”

The story of this 1–2t/h alfalfa pellet production line in Mexico is not about the largest budget or the biggest machinery. It is about smart adaptation, strategic scaling, and empowering smaller players in the agricultural sector.

RICHI Machinery's ability to provide tailored solutions—without compromising on quality—ensures that even modest projects can deliver transformative results. For farmers and cooperatives across Mexico and beyond, this case stands as proof that the path to modernization can begin with small but decisive steps.