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R&D and Greenfeed Fodder Background:
HISTORY REPEATS:
In 1969 we first setup R&D Aquaponics for the research, development and promotion of hydroponics as a viable technique for growing crops. It took almost 15 years before it finally became an established technique particularly with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicums, and a broad range of flowers such as carnations, roses, gypsophila, and herbs. The early hydroponic growers have now established themselves as the leaders in their particular markets. It is interesting to note that hydroponic lettuce now accounts for over 70% of the lettuce grown, while hydroponic tomato and hydroponic cucumber accounts for over 90% of the quality produce category, and hydroponic flowers in the top quality flower category.
Research and Development:
Hydroponic greenfeed fodder has also had a slow growth since we first started our original research and development in 1975. Our first major sheds were built in the early 80’s. We continued our research and development and promotional activities including a chapter in the book “Hydroponic Crop Production”. Our continued development has led to a vastly improved system to that originally developed.
So what has changed?
R&D Aquaponics has the technology and the capability of producing the controlled environmental chamber. A joint partnership was formed into the company Greenfeed Technologies Pty Ltd.
Is Greenfeed Cost Effective?
So why consider Greenfeed fodder ? A similar situation occurred with hydroponic lettuce production. Conventional lettuce production produced three to four crops per year, however with hydroponic it is standard practice to produce 8-10 crops per year. Even though the cost of setting up, operating, and labour are higher, the carrying capacity is vastly improved, the quality of the produce is better, and income return profits are substantially higher.
Some owners of greenfeed fodder units use the unit to maintain consistent production to even out the peaks and troughts in weather conditions and pastures. Others use it as a seperate source of income such as for fattening up lambs, weaners and young steers, finishing off beef stock, conditioning stock for market, etc.
Greenfeed fodder can be available on demand all year irrespective of natural disasters including drought, floods, frosts, snow, and fires or normal seasonal conditions. Hydroponic greenfeed or fodder is made for Australian conditions because it offers maximum carrying capacity of even the smallest holding with a minimum of effort, water usage, and cost.
Don't rely on the elements. Now there is available the means by which greenfeed is available irrespective of natural disasters including droughts, floods, frosts, snow and fire but more importantly seasonal factors. In summer the grasses are burnt off by the hot weather and in winter natural feed is slow to grow and burnt off by frosts.
With production under controlled environmental conditions it is possible to produce 6-8 kilograms of greenfeed 30 cm high from every one kilogram of seed within 7 days. Hence it is possible to produce highly nutritous fresh green feed for livestock at very short notice. The hydroponically grown green feed is 95 to 98 percent digestable unlike grain or crushed grain which is at best 30 percent digestable. Also greenfeed has a high moisture content and pectins hence it reduces the problem of colic.
Costs:
The cost of setting up a basic environmentally controlled chamber which produces 280 kilos of feed per week is equivalent to the sale of 3-5 beef cattle or about $6000. However, the weekly production of this unit will feed up to 10 beef cattle a week. The cost of operating the unit is the basic cost of the grain. Because of the design of this environmentally controlled unit the power usage is minimal because heat losses are reduced and the cooling required is minimal.
Range of units available
There are a number of standard units available. A growing chamber 15 square meters, similar to a shipping container can produce 200,000 kilos per year of fresh green fodder or the equivalent of 25 acres of good crop pasture.
The smaller greenfeed unit produces 280 kilos of greenfeed per week and costs $6,100 plus freight and GST. This unit fits on a standard pallet and is 2.2 meters high. The output of this unit can be almost doubled if needed. The unit comes complete and ready to start producing ..... Simply connect up to the 240 volt power source and fill the nutrient reservoir with water and add the fodder nutrient with agitation. This unit will operate using solar power if desired.
The larger unit produces 580 kilos per week and costs $11,000 plus gst and freight. It measures 1.5 meters wide by 2.4 meters long and 2.2 meters high. This unit is mobile and can be moved around. The unit comes complete including the nutrient reservoir. The nutrient solution is recirculated.
Water Usage:
Compared to conventional field grown green feed which requires on average 80 litres of water to produce one kilogram of feed it takes only about 6-7 litres of water to produce 5 kilograms of hydroponic greenfeed. The cost of the hydroponic nutrient is only about two dollars for every 1000 litres of water used. The labour usage is minimal including soaking the seed overnight, adding it to the trays, then 7 days later taking the tray from the shelves, emptying the feed into a bin, and rinsing off the tray ready for reuse. The growing chamber is simple to operate. Irrigation, cooling, heating, and lighting are all controlled automatically. The system is the culmination of over 15 years of developmental effort by Joe Romer and staff.
Rent or Purchase :
The smaller unit can be bought outright or rented out for periods of 6 months with an option plan to purchase at any time.
Joseph Romer - Manager
R&D Aquaponics
PO Box 6238
Wetherill Park 2164
New South Wales Australia
Tel (02) 9756 1833
Fax (02) 9756 2207
romerja@optusnet.com.au
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