System allows for harvest of approximately 880 pounds of fodder per day
FarmBox Foods LLC has officially launched its hydroponic fodder farm in Sedalia, Colorado.
Fodder is a nutrient-dense hay that’s used as a dietary supplement for horses, cows, pigs, goats, chickens, sheep, rabbits and alpacas.
By growing fodder on site year-round, farmers and ranchers can avoid supply chain disruptions, sourcing issues and spikes in hay prices. The controlled-climate farms provide a reliable, hyperlocal source of fresh food while shielding the barley fodder from weather and climate impacts, including drought, heat waves, freezes and floods. The farms are housed inside upcycled, insulated shipping containers outfitted with plumbing, electrical and sensors to control conditions inside. The 320-square-foot farms also capture, filter and recycle water for maximum water efficiency.
Protein-rich fodder improves the overall health of livestock, supplements hydration and adds weight to beef cattle. It also promotes the production of better-quality milk for dairy cows and goats, improves fertility rates, reduces the likelihood of illness, and decreases methane output because of its superior digestibility compared to traditional alfalfa hay.
Because barley fodder requires only a seven-day growth cycle, a staggered schedule allows farmers and ranchers to harvest approximately 880 pounds of fodder per day.
