Forever Feed Technologies has successfully completed the FFT Innovation Center, which is home to the world’s largest Automated Sprouted Grain (ASG) feed mill.

The FFT Feed Mill has commenced operations, growing ASG to enhance the feed for dairy and beef cattle. This innovative approach utilizes a significantly lower volume of water compared to traditional field-grown alfalfa, marking a substantial advancement in sustainable agricultural practices.

Overview of the FFT Innovation Center

Forever Feed Technologies has officially announced the successful completion of the FFT Innovation Center located at River Ranch Farms in Hanford, California. This state-of-the-art facility houses the world’s largest Automated Sprouted Grain (FFT-ASG™) feed mill, designed to produce fresh ASG on a daily basis. This innovative feed supplement is tailored for dairy and beef cattle, using a minuscule fraction of the water required for conventional alfalfa farming. The company emphasizes that this feed mill is merely the first phase of a larger commercial-scale initiative aimed at producing up to 50 tons of ASG daily. This initiative seeks to mitigate on-farm risks associated with droughts and extreme weather conditions, while also propelling operators toward their sustainability objectives, particularly the ambitious 2030 Net-Zero emissions goal.

Technological Integration and Future Plans

The design and development of the FFT Feed Mill commenced in 2022 when Forever Feed partnered with JR Automation, a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. This collaboration aimed to merge proven material handling technologies with FFT’s proprietary indoor growing protocols. The integration of these advanced systems ensures that the feed mill can reliably supply fresh feed year-round, meeting the high demands of major dairy and beef operations.

“The completion of the Innovation Center represents a significant milestone for us and will enable the refinement of the mechanical systems and protocols necessary for the construction of our larger commercial-scale feed mills,” stated Jack de Jong, CEO of Forever Feed Technologies and owner of River Ranch Farms. “A single commercial-scale feed mill has the capacity to enrich the daily diet of more than 2,500 dairy cows, and we anticipate beginning the construction of these mills as early as this year.”

The Importance of Fresh Feed in Livestock Health

Farmers have long recognized the positive impact of fresh feed on livestock health and productivity. However, the agricultural sector has lacked an indoor sprouted grain feed mill of sufficient scale to demonstrate these benefits consistently on a commercial level. Forever Feed Technologies aims to change this dynamic with its new Innovation Center. This facility is designed to assist farmers in understanding the economic and sustainability implications of the FFT Feed Mill, enabling them to meet the increasing demand for dairy and beef products effectively.

As the agricultural landscape evolves, initiatives like the FFT Innovation Center represent crucial steps toward sustainable farming practices that not only enhance livestock health but also address pressing environmental concerns. Through innovative technologies and sustainable practices, Forever Feed Technologies is poised to make a lasting impact on the dairy and beef industries.