Key Takeaways
- Forever Feed Technologies (FFT) has completed the FFT Innovation Center at River Ranch Farms in Hanford, California, housing the world’s largest Automated Sprouted Grain (FFT-ASG™) feed mill.
- The feed mill produces up to 50 tons of ASG daily, reducing water usage and supporting dairy and beef cattle feed rations.
- FFT-ASG technology addresses sustainability challenges by helping farmers mitigate risks from droughts and severe weather while contributing to Net-Zero goals by 2030.
- Commercial-scale mills, beginning as early as 2025, will support the diets of over 2,500 dairy cows per mill.
- The Innovation Center integrates FFT’s proprietary growing protocols with JR Automation’s material handling systems for dependable year-round feed production.
Advancing Livestock Feed with FFT-ASG Technology
A Milestone in Livestock Sustainability
Forever Feed Technologies has completed the FFT Innovation Center in Hanford, California, marking a significant milestone in sustainable livestock feed production. The feed mill uses Automated Sprouted Grain (FFT-ASG™) technology to produce fresh, high-quality feed daily with drastically lower water requirements compared to traditional field-grown alfalfa.
This first-of-its-kind facility serves as a precursor to commercial-scale feed mills that aim to produce up to 50 tons of ASG per day, capable of supplementing the total feed ration for over 2,500 dairy cows according to the company.
Innovations in Feed Mill Design
Collaboration with JR Automation
The design of the FFT feed mill began in 2022, with JR Automation, a Hitachi, Ltd. company, integrating material handling systems with FFT’s patent-pending indoor growing protocols. These innovations ensure the system can reliably produce fresh feed year-round to meet the demands of large-scale dairy and beef operations.
“Completing the Innovation Center is a milestone that will enable us to refine the mechanical systems and protocols needed to build our larger commercial-scale feed mills,” said Jack de Jong, CEO of Forever Feed Technologies and owner of River Ranch Farms.
Scaling for Commercial Impact
The company plans to begin construction of commercial-scale mills as early as 2025. These larger facilities will be capable of supplementing feed rations for thousands of cattle daily, providing both economic and sustainability benefits to farmers.
Supporting Farmers with Fresh, Sustainable Feed
Proven Benefits of Fresh Feed
Farmers understand the value of incorporating fresh feed into livestock diets, as it improves animal health and increases production. However, prior to FFT’s innovation, there were no indoor sprouted grain mills large or dependable enough to meet the daily feed demands of commercial-scale operations.
Ambition To Transform Agriculture
The FFT Innovation Center aims to demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of the FFT feed mill technology, enabling farmers to meet the growing demand for dairy and beef products while improving sustainability across their operations.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to revolutionizing livestock feed production and sustainability,” de Jong said. “Our goal is to deliver reliable, year-round feed solutions that meet the high demands of the agriculture industry.”
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