Hydroponic Fodder Systems

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Fodder systems and water consumption

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irrigation pivot in dry landscape

One of the key advantages of a hydroponic fodder system is its low water use.  Many parts of the US are currently experiencing drought conditions.  Just today, CNBC reported on the exodus of dairies from California to other states, primarily because of water issues, but even in the Midwest, water is an issue.  While these ongoing droughts will hopefully end soon, higher water prices, increased competition for water rights and water restrictions are probably here to stay.

FodderTech fodder systems are true hydroponic systems.  Unlike many fodder systems, our system recovers and recirculates water.  This means we can grow fodder using 98% less water than it would take to grow a comparable amount of forage in a field.  Many systems also use overhead spraying, which is not only messy and inefficient, but also promotes mold growth.  Our systems use nutrient film technique (NFT) to water from below.   [Read more…]

Why sprouted fodder? Why FodderTech?

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hydroponic barley sprouts

Although hydroponic fodder production is a fairly new concept, especially to farming and ranching operations in North America, it’s actually been around for several decades.  It is true that hydroponically grown fodder can lower your feed costs, reduce land and water use, produce healthier livestock and premium grass-fed products.

Why, you may ask yourself, hasn’t the use of fodder systems become more widely adopted?   [Read more…]

300 acres of pasture in a 900 sq ft building

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You farmers and ranchers with grass-fed operations know the value of feeding fresh, green grass to your livestock.  How many of you would jump at the chance to add 300 acres of good quality pasture to your existing operation for less than the cost of a used tractor?  What if you could water that 300 acres on only 300 gallons of water a day and still have an abundance of new, fresh, green grass?  What if that pasture were able to produce year round regardless of weather conditions and without pesticides or fertilizers?  You’d be able to expand your herds, reduce pressure on your existing grazing areas, while continuing to command premium prices for grass-fed products.

cows grazing in green pasture   [Read more…]

Driest January on record leaves California snowpack dangerously low

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Ranch in California in drought conditionsIt certainly looks like the drought in California and much of the Western United States will continue.  California is experiencing it’s driest January on record.   Marin County, home to at least 17 organic dairies and a number of grass-fed beef ranches, averages 7.7 inches of rain in January.  This year, a recording station in Novato has recorded -0- precipitation in January.  Snowpack levels in the Sierra Nevadas are once again dangerously low.  Hay will be selling at a premium this summer.

There really are no easy answers.  But here at FodderTech, we feel strongly that our fodder systems can provide a big part of the solution.   [Read more…]

Cal State Chico completes fodder study

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dairy cowsThere’s an awful lot of anecdotal information out there that fodder works. It’s a healthier, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly way to feed livestock. What is lacking however, are deep, extensive studies done by agricultural scientists at major universities. Most of the studies people see are a few very limited studies which take the overly simplistic approach of comparing sprouted fodder to hay and grain on strictly a dry matter basis. In terms of the real world results we’re seeing, these studies are useless.
Now here is something we can all sink our teeth into: California State University Chico recently completed a study at the school’s organic dairy involving a small herd of dairy cows fed sprouted barley fodder over the course of a year. Among the findings:   [Read more…]

Introducing the FodderShark

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So fodder is often fed to animals that all feed from the same trough, or in a common pasture or corral. Mature animals generally have no trouble tearing the fodder apart and consuming it. In fact, they do so quite happily.
Many of you however are feeding fodder as part of a TMR (total mixed ration). TMR feeding works best when livestock can’t separate the stuff they like the most from other nutrients thy might otherwise leave aside.
Other’s may find that very young livestock have difficulty chewing up dense mats of fodder.
Our solution to the problem is the FodderShark. The FodderShark is a fodder shredder which quickly shreds fodder mats into nice, fluffy, loose sprouts which can be consumed by animals as young as 2-4 weeks.

foddershark fodder shredder   [Read more…]

How can fodder help you impress consumers and grow your brand?

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Everyone in the farm business is aware that a growing segment of the public is concerned with the direction of our food system.  Among other things, they feel, justifiably or not, that our system for growing food lacks transparency, is too far removed from consumers, and that it fails to protect the environment.

While most farmers are serious about their roles as stewards of the land and with producing healthy, good quality food, only a few are taking advantage of the opportunities modern technology gives them to connect with consumers.  Newer farming technologies, such as hydroponic sprouting systems, are not only economical and smart for business, but can also have a powerful emotional resonance with consumers.   [Read more…]

Is a DIY fodder system a good idea?

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Drought, renewed interest in small and hobby farms, concerns about how our food is produced, increased consumer demand for locally produced and organic foods, and an always-present drive to discover better farming methods have all contributed to a growing interest in fodder systems.  Homemade hydroponic fodder systems have become very popular, especially among hobbyists and small family farms.

You may have asked yourself:  “Should I build a system myself, or should I buy a commercial system?” [Read more…]

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FodderTech Hydroponic Fodder Technology

Our fodder systems were developed by renowned hydroponics expert Peter Doyle. Unique among sprouted fodder systems, our technology was specifically developed to address several challenges which are frequently encountered where hydroponic fodder has been introduced into farming operations. These include mold growth, labor costs, scaleability and yield. Give us a call, we'll show you the FodderTech difference!

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