Summary 2

A company named Gladtime Dairy is located in Pima, Arizona.  In 2012, the owner’s of the farm, Scot Edwards and Bill Underwood, invested in a hydroponic fodder system manufactured by a company named FarmTek.  Hydroponic fodder systems where invented in Australia.  First seed are placed evenly on trays.  Water is supplied on one end and runs down the trays passing through the seeds. Seven days later, sprouts shoot up with a mat of roots underneath.  The fodder is rolled up and harvested, then feed to the livestock.  This particular system cost the farmers $50,000 dollars to grow 4,000 lbs of fodder every day.  This much fodder can enough feed for their livestock.  This system allows them to feed each of their cattle for $2.50 to $3.00 each cow.  This is cheaper than buying hay from others farms.  The cow’s digest 87% of the fodder. This makes the cows healthier and more resistant to diseases. It takes up less space to grow the fodder on racks indoors than it takes for fodder grown outdoors in soil.  It also takes a lot of work for a person to operate the fodder system.  The grower of the fodder needs to protect the fodder from molds, disease, and pests. If done correct, this system can really benefit the farm.  These systems are becoming more popular throughout the United States as an alternative for livestock feed.
 
http://hayandforage.com/hay/drought-proof-forages-hydroponic-production-systems-gain-acceptance