21st Century Technology
Traditional planting of cattle feed in soil exposes the food to contaminants found in groundwater. Hydroponic Fodder (Above-ground cultivation) is free of pesticides or harmful chemicals that impact the health of cattle.
Greenfield Hydroponics Automated Fodder Systems are specifically designed to insure fresh fodder provided daily to your cows.
Click here to download the Fodder As A Service Brochure
The customized plant facility is constructed on your farm in direct proximity to the Point-of-Consumption. Equipment includes Computerized Control System, Trays with Illumination, AC, Fans & Airwalls and Plumbing at our expense with no investment cost by the farmer.
Technical Processes of the GHI 8000 Cultivation System
The GHI 8000 growing system, designed by Greenfield Hydroponics Inc., is a state-of-the-art solution.
Built entirely in aluminum, guaranteeing a robust, durable and corrosion-resistant structure. This
automated system integrates
all stages of the hydroponic forage production process, from grain handling
to harvest, optimizing efficiency and minimizing human intervention.
Below are the key phases of the system:
Grain Feeding
The system starts with an external hopper, which acts as the transfer point from the external storage silo
to the processing line.
Technical specifications of the hopper:
Material: Stainless steel or aluminum to avoid grain contamination.
Capacity: Adaptable according to the required production, generally between
500 kg and 1 ton per cycle.
Feeders: A system of electronically controlled gates that regulate the flow of
grains to the processing line.
Grain Separation
Before starting the crop, the grains go through a mechanical separator, which
has two main functions:
Removal of broken or damaged grains: Uses a vibration system and size-adjustable
screens to sort grains.
Removal of impurities: An airflow or suction removes light residues such as dust or organic debris.
Technical specifications of the separator:
Capacity: Processes between 500 and 1,000 kg/h, depending on the configuration.
Efficiency: Guarantees a level of cleanliness above 95%, eliminating particles that could affect germination.
Grain Washing and Disinfection Washing Chamber
The classified grains are transported to an automated washing chamber, where traces of dirt and
microorganisms that may affect the quality of the crop are eliminated.
Technical Process:
Rinsing phase: The beans are subjected to a flow of pressurized water that removes surface particles.
Disinfection: A non-aggressive component solution or similar agent is used, followed by rinsing to ensure
food safety.
Drainage: A filtration and drainage system ensures the reuse of treated water, minimizing waste.
Specs:
Water consumption: Approximately 10-15 liters per 100 kg of grains.
Process time: Between 5 and 10 minutes per batch.
Distribution on Conveyor Belts Conveyor System
The cleaned and disinfected grains are automatically distributed on a system of
independent conveyor belts.
Each ribbon corresponds to a germination and cultivation cycle. The grains are spread evenly to ensure a homogeneous density that maximizes production.
Technical Specifications:
Tapes material: Food-grade polyethylene resistant to moisture and wear.
Movement: Programmable straps with position sensors for precise synchronization.
Automatic control: Weight sensors and optical cameras verify the uniformity of the planting.
Automated Cultivation Germination Cycle
Once distributed, the beans enter the germination and cultivation phase, which lasts 6 days.
The automated system controls the key parameters:
Irrigation: Micro-spray nozzles deliver water and nutrients in programmed cycles.
Lighting: LED lamps of specific spectrum (red and blue) ensure optimal growth.
Temperature and Humidity: Sensors monitor and regulate the environment in real time.
Centralized Control System
All processes are managed by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), connected to sensors and actuators that optimize crop conditions.
Interface: Touchpad for local monitoring and remote connectivity for real-time monitoring and adjustments.
Harvest Phase Automatic Activation
On the sixth day, the system activates the movement of the conveyor belts to the harvest area.
The fully developed forage is automatically transported to an unloading belt, where it can be collected in trays or transported directly to its destination.

No Transportation costs or waiting for delays in feed deliveries.