Forever Feed Technologies announced that JR Automation has made a $4 million investment to deploy eight indoor growing systems that dramatically reduce water usage for livestock feed production.
Each FFT Grow System will produce up to 50 tons of sprouted grain daily using 95% less water than field-grown alfalfa, according to the company. The systems can feed more than 2,500 dairy or beef animals per unit.
The first commercial-scale system began operating in October 2024 at River Ranch Dairy in Hanford, California, with construction of additional full-scale systems scheduled to begin in 2025.
"The FFT Grow System is cutting-edge AG technology," said Jack de Jong, CEO of Forever Feed and owner of River Ranch Farms. "We've been adding ForeverFeed sprouted grain to the diet of our study group of dairy cows for nearly a year and are seeing greater 'feed-efficiency.'"
Dave DeGraaf, CEO of JR Automation and General Manager of Hitachi's Automation Division, said the investment demonstrates their "commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation."
The company reports that in many regions, one FFT Grow System replaces up to 700 acres of field-grown feed while also reducing transportation costs, fuel usage and emissions.
