As persistent drought conditions and aquifer depletion threaten the future of American livestock production, Sprouting Gear Inc. is earning attention from researchers, ranchers, and sustainability advocates for its water-efficient hydroponic barley fodder system.
Sprouting Gear's proprietary 3-stage, climate-controlled growing system can reduce water usage for feed production by over 95%, offering a powerful adaptation strategy for ranchers operating in water-stressed regions. Designed to be built adjacent to feedlots, the system produces up to 19 pounds of fresh, nutrient-rich barley fodder per 2 pounds of seed—without the use of tractors, field irrigation, or heavy transport.
© Sprouting GearHydroponic fodder systems in various growth stages, powering scalable, on-site feed production for ranchers
"Our goal is to help producers grow feed that's independent of rain, irrigation, or rising costs," said Paul Pluss, Founder and CEO of Sprouting Gear. "The system is built for resilience, and we're seeing growing interest from operators looking to drought-proof their operations."
Key drought adaptation benefits include using over 95% less water compared to conventional irrigated hay or silage. This method eliminates the need for center pivots, pumps, or tractors. Additionally, it enables the growth of feed year-round, even in conditions of drought, extreme heat, or water restrictions.
© Sprouting GearCattle feed on fresh, nutrient-rich hydroponic barley fodder mats produced by Sprouting Gear's indoor system.
The system aligns with national priorities around climate-smart agriculture, regenerative practices, and localized feed production.
"Water is now the single biggest constraint on U.S. cattle production," Pluss noted. "Sprouting Gear gives ranchers a way to take control of their feed supply and their future."
For more information:
Sprouting Gear
info@sproutinggear.com
https://sproutinggear.com/