Hydroponic Fodder Systems

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Two reasons why a FodderTech system is more water-efficient

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Field being irrigated

Growing green feed with a fodder system, any fodder system, is going to be far more water-efficient than growing a comparable amount of feed in an irrigated field.  But a fodder system from FodderTech is going to be far more water-efficient than competing fodder systems.  Here are two reasons why a FodderTech system can save you hundreds of gallons of water every day:

1.  NFT vs. Overhead Spray.  Many fodder systems use overhead sprayers to irrigate the seed in the system.  The problem is, overhead sprayers also irrigate walls, floors and system components outside the growing trays.  This not only creates additional opportunities for mold to develop, but is also wasteful of water.

The FodderTech system uses NFT (nutrient film technique) to water seeds from below.  This allows us to more evenly water the grain in the system, without any overspray or moisture anywhere in the fodder room besides in the growing trays.

2.  Recover and recirculate vs. send water to the drain after each irrigation.  Fodder systems need to keep seeds which are germinating moist by irrigating several times daily.  In most systems, this becomes waste water.  It isn’t reused because it get’s dirty, contains mold spores and the design of a typical fodder system makes collection of waste water difficult.

The FodderTech system is a closed-loop system meaning the water stays in the system and the system doesn’t need a continuous connection to an outside water source or drainage.  The design of our system makes the collection of water easy and a proprietary water treatment system keeps the water clean, optimally conditioned and mold-spore free.  It also uses much less water than competing fodder systems, and in many parts of the US and the world, that isn’t inconsequential.

Here’s the best thing:  most of the water you put into our system, ends up in the fodder itself, keeping your animals hydrated and healthy.

US milk market to grow robustly driven by health conscious consumers

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Sprouted barley fodder in fodder system

A recent study indicates the US milk market will continue robust growth over the next several years.  A key driver will be a recognition by health conscious consumers of milk as a nutrient rich food.  Presumably then, better quality (healthier) milk will be in higher demand as long as cost doesn’t become prohibitive.

This coincides with a couple of other trends which should be of interest to dairy producers:  a demand for more locally sourced food, and technological advances which will allow consumers to reconnect with farms.

Smart dairy operations will be able to take advantage of each one of these trends.  Here’s how a fodder system will help:   [Read more…]

The hidden costs of a fodder system

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sprouted barley fodder growing in fodder system

A hydroponic fodder system has the potential to help solve a number of problems faced by farmers almost since the beginning of farming.

  • The ability to expand livestock operations with limited land.
  • Lower feed cost.
  • Improve feed quality.
  • Improve animal health, lower vet bills and antibiotic use.
  • Better quality meat and dairy.
  • Less water usage, higher drought resistance of your operation.
  • Smaller environmental footprint.

It sounds great, and it can be, but there are hidden costs to consider before you purchase a fodder system.  The FodderTech commercial fodder system is specifically designed to address and reduce each of these costs.  When you invest in a fodder system, you plan to use if for a long time. While purchase price is certainly a factor, a bigger consideration is the cost of operation over a one, two, five or 10 year time period.  Here are the big ones:   [Read more…]

Why do FodderTech systems use long growing trays?

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hydroponic sprouts growing in fodder system

A few fodder system manufacturers are growing fodder in small trays which produce fodder “biscuits” which weigh around 16lbs and are admittedly conveniently sized, especially for smaller operations where you’re distributing fodder rations by hand to a few animals.

We use 13 foot long growing trays and are occasionally asked why we don’t use smaller trays.  There are a few good reasons why our system is designed the way it is including the ability to harvest, clean and reseed the system quickly, producing as much fodder as possible in a limited space, and reducing the number of moving parts in the system which are subjected to a lot of handling causing wear-and-tear.

But the most important reason has to do with mold-prevention and the type of irrigation we use in our systems.   [Read more…]

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…]

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…]

What kind of building do I need to grow fodder?

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One of the first questions that come up when we talk to customers shopping for a fodder system is “what do I need in terms of a building, and how much space does your fodder system require?”  FodderTech fodder systems don’t have any special requirements in terms of facilities other than a sufficiently large space where temperature and humidity levels can be carefully controlled.

Many of our customers utilize an existing barn or building.  Here is a steel building which a rancher has recently repurposed as a fodder shed with a 2.5 ton per day FodderTech 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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