Frequently Asked Questions

System Overview and Innovations

Q: What is the key innovation introduced by Sprouting Gear Inc.? A: Sprouting Gear Inc. has developed a climate-controlled vertical farming system that reduces land and water usage by up to 95% while maintaining optimal nutrition and growth rates for finishing cattle in feedyards.

A: The system replaces traditional feeds like alfalfa, grass hay, and corn with hydroponically grown barley fodder. This fresh, living feed contains natural probiotics and digestive enzymes that enhance digestion, promote faster weight gain, and lower cattle water intake.

A: The system’s production capacity varies based on facility size, from 35 tons daily in a 40,000 sq. ft. facility to 432 tons daily in a 500,000 sq. ft. facility.

Projected Production Capacity

Facility Size (sq. ft.)	Number of Systems	Daily Output (tons)	Monthly Output (tons)	Annual Output (tons)
40,000	160	35	1,038	12,458
100,000	400	86	2,595	32,147
250,000	1,000	216	6,489	77,868
500,000	2,000	432	12,978	155,736

Operational Advantages

Q: How does the barley fodder production method compare to traditional feed production?

A: Unlike traditional feed production, barley fodder production is simple, requires minimal training, and does not depend on fuel-powered machinery, resulting in significant savings in labor, land, water, and fuel.

A: The controlled indoor environment simplifies the production process, reduces the need for skilled operators, and eliminates the frequent transportation between barns and fields seen in traditional systems. Workers also benefit from stable, year-round employment in a comfortable 68–70°F setting.

A: The hydroponic barley fodder system eliminates the need for costly machinery and fuel, offering a more efficient and sustainable solution compared to traditional feed production methods.

Sustainability and Environmental Benefits

Q: How sustainable is the barley fodder system?

A: The system eliminates waste by ensuring zero water loss, even from evaporation. It maximizes feed output per square foot and guarantees a reliable, year-round supply regardless of extreme weather, drought, or rising feed costs.

A: It significantly reduces water, land, and fuel use, cutting costs by 95% and providing a sustainable feed source while protecting operations from environmental challenges like droughts and water restrictions.

System Capacity and Support

Q: How does the SGI system’s capacity support feedyard operations?

A: The system can produce hundreds of tons of feed monthly, ensuring a steady and efficient supply for cattle while reducing reliance on traditional land- and water-intensive feeds.

A: Feedyards can adopt the system through a low-cost, low-risk licensing model. This includes ownership of the building and infrastructure, blueprints for foundation, electrical, and plumbing, and assistance with bidding for a clear-span metal building.

A: The package includes affordable leasing of growing systems, parts, repairs, training, ongoing research, and a flat licensing fee per system scalable to feed needs.

A: This innovative system revolutionizes feedyard efficiency by reducing land, water, and fuel costs by up to 95%. It provides sustainable, high-nutrition feed while mitigating risks associated with traditional feed production methods.

Learning and Getting Started

Q: How can interested parties learn more or get started?

A: Interested parties can schedule a Zoom call to discuss details and review available resources on the website.

Advantages of Using Barley Fodder

Q: Why is water availability critical for crop selection?

A: Water availability determines the suitability of crops for specific regions, influencing their growth, yield, and sustainability in agricultural production. Barley stands out as a crop that thrives in low-water environments.

A: Barley requires the least water among the compared crops, needing only 12-18 inches (300-450 mm) per season. Its ability to grow in rain-fed systems and tolerate drought conditions makes it ideal for water-scarce regions.

A: Barley is highly water-efficient, producing a reasonable yield with minimal water input. This makes it a cost-effective choice for farmers prioritizing water conservation.

A: Barley has the shortest growing season, lasting only 90-120 days, which reduces its cumulative water demand compared to crops with longer growing seasons like feed corn or perennial crops like alfalfa.

A: While barley has a shallow root system, which limits its ability to access deep soil moisture, this is balanced by its low water needs and suitability for rain-fed systems. It performs well in semi-arid regions with timely rainfall.

Comparisons with Other Crops

Q: How does barley compare to feed corn and alfalfa in terms of irrigation dependence?

A: Barley is the least dependent on irrigation and can often grow successfully in rain-fed conditions, unlike feed corn and alfalfa, which require moderate to high irrigation to achieve optimal yields.

A: Barley has the lowest water demand (12-18 inches per season), while feed corn requires nearly twice as much water, and alfalfa demands the most (30-60 inches per season).

Yield and Efficiency

Q: How does barley’s yield compare in water efficiency terms?

A: Barley provides a moderate yield with minimal water input, making it the most water-efficient choice. It may not produce as much biomass as feed corn or alfalfa, but it delivers consistent results in water-limited conditions.

A: Yes, barley offers a sustainable option for livestock feed in regions where water conservation is a priority. While it may not match the total biomass yield of alfalfa, it is an efficient choice for dry areas.

A: Farmers in dry regions or areas with limited irrigation should prioritize barley fodder due to its drought tolerance, minimal water needs, and ability to grow successfully in rain-fed conditions. This ensures sustainable and cost-effective agricultural practices.