In the fields south of the Colorado River, in Río Negro, drought, snow, and fires force a rethink of production to ensure animals survive in extreme conditions. This scenario, common in large areas of Patagonia, was the starting point for Juan Andrés Balogh, a producer at Idevi in Valle Inferior and a graduate in Foreign Trade, to find an innovative solution in hydroponic green fodder.
The Covid-19 pandemic had led him to close a home alarm business and reinvent himself on the family farm. The subsequent drought pushed him to seek alternatives, and hydroponic fodder became his lifeline.
Over time, Balogh incorporated technology and robotics into the fodder module, increasing its efficiency and ensuring year-round production. When energy subsidies were reduced, he found another solution: he designed a proprietary substrate made from beer bagasse, which he already used to feed pigs. This patented product demonstrated great moisture retention and resistance to extreme temperatures.
The venture gained recognition in 2023 by winning the Banco Patagonia contest in Río Negro. In 2025, Balogh represented the province in Argentine Ventures, where he reached the finals as a standout semifinalist.
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