Argentina Launches 3–4TPH Alfalfa Bale Pellet Plant with RICHI Machinery Technology

Recently, Argentina’s forage industry has taken a new step forward with the successful start-up of a 3–4 tons per hour alfalfa bale pellet production line, engineered and delivered by RICHI Machinery. The project marks a significant milestone in helping local producers transform the country's abundant alfalfa resources into high-value feed products for both domestic use and export markets.

Why This Project Matters for Argentina

As one of the world’s leading alfalfa producers, Argentina cultivates millions of hectares of high-quality forage each year. Much of it is exported as hay, but growing demand from international livestock markets—particularly in the Middle East and Asia—has pushed local agribusinesses to look for value-added processing options.

Pelletizing alfalfa not only reduces storage and transportation costs but also enhances nutritional consistency, extends shelf life, and opens new opportunities in markets where compressed, uniform pellets are preferred over bulky hay bales.

The client behind this project is a mid-sized forage exporter in central Argentina, who saw pelletizing as the next strategic move to diversify product offerings and capture premium buyers abroad.

Tailored to Local Raw Materials

Unlike conventional grain-based feed mills, this plant is designed specifically for direct bale-to-pellet processing. Farmers in Argentina often harvest alfalfa in large, sun-dried bales, which are stored for months before processing. To accommodate this raw material, RICHI customized the production line with heavy-duty shredding and milling systems capable of handling dense, fibrous alfalfa.

The production process includes:

1. Bale breaking and shredding – opening and loosening compacted alfalfa bales.
2. Fine grinding – reducing fiber size for optimal pellet density and digestibility.
3. Pelletizing – using RICHI’s precision-engineered ring die alfalfa pellet making machine to compress fibers into durable pellets.
4. Cooling and screening – stabilizing pellet temperature and removing fines.
5. Packing and storage – flexible options for 25kg bags, 1-ton jumbo bags, or bulk loading for export containers.

This configuration ensures that even tough, stem-heavy alfalfa varieties common in Argentina can be processed efficiently without compromising quality.

Equipment at the Core

The line integrates several of RICHI Machinery's proven solutions:

• RICHI CZLH520 grass pellet machine– specially reinforced for forage applications, ensuring long die life and stable output.
• High-capacity hammer mill – optimized for fibrous materials, reducing wear while achieving the required particle size.
• Conveyor and dust control systems – maintaining a clean, safe working environment.
• Fully automated PLC system – allowing operators to adjust formulations, monitor energy use, and track output in real time.

The plant is designed to operate continuously, with minimal downtime and simplified maintenance, a key advantage for exporters who need predictable production schedules.

Market Outlook and Opportunities

With production now underway, the facility is expected to supply both local feedlots and international buyers. In Argentina, feedlots are increasingly seeking pelleted forage to streamline feeding operations and improve ration accuracy. Meanwhile, export markets—particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and China—continue to show strong demand for alfalfa pellets due to their ease of handling and transport.

Industry analysts project that the new plant will help the client reduce logistical costs by as much as 30% compared to shipping loose bales, while also commanding higher market prices thanks to product uniformity.

RICHI's Added Value

For this project, RICHI Machinery didn't simply ship equipment; the company provided:

• Customized plant design to fit local bale sizes and moisture levels.
• On-site installation and commissioning handled by experienced technicians.
• Operator training to ensure local staff could run the plant smoothly from day one.
• After-sales service and spare parts supply, giving the client confidence in long-term reliability.

One project engineer from RICHI remarked:

“Argentina’s forage sector is one of the most advanced in the world. Our goal was to bring equipment that could match that level of professionalism and help producers expand their reach in international trade. The result is a line that is both robust and flexible, perfectly aligned with local conditions.”

Client's Perspective

Following the successful start-up, the client expressed strong satisfaction:

“We had been considering pelletizing for years, but we needed a partner that understood our raw materials and export goals. RICHI provided more than machines—they gave us a complete solution, from technical guidance to staff training. With this new plant, we can serve more markets and deliver a consistent, premium product that represents Argentina’s agricultural strength.”

Looking Ahead

As the line ramps up to full production, it is expected to produce over 20,000 tons of alfalfa pellets annually, positioning the client as a leading supplier in both domestic and export markets.

For RICHI Machinery, the project stands as further proof of its expertise in designing specialized forage pellet solutions, adaptable to the diverse raw materials and market conditions found worldwide.

The successful launch of the 3–4TPH alfalfa pellet production line in Argentina highlights how advanced engineering, local adaptation, and long-term service support can create lasting value for agricultural businesses. With RICHI Machinery’s technology at the core, Argentina’s alfalfa industry has taken another important step toward global competitiveness and sustainable growth.