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One year of fodder, 6 tons per day, 22% protein!

RyanR

RyanR

Joined May 2010
388 Posts | 0+
Stevens Point/Gillett, WI
Apple Creek Whitetails is approaching one year of producing fodder, which is a hydroponically grown in a completely controlled environment. To date we are producing roughly 6 tons per day of a barley/yellow pea fodder. Protein levels are reaching the upper end of 22%! From a herd management perspective fodder is one of the best tools available! Good luck to everyone during fawning/antler growth season!
 

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Each ton of seed costs $225. After soaking in water 7 days we have 8 tons of 22.9% protien feed 90%  digestible. We produce 6 tons per day in 40x60 shed.
 
Scott or Ryan,

Is this something you all do in place of hay in the winter when pasture is unavailable or will they still eat the fodder year round if clover pasture is available?
 
 In some of the pens that cover has been hard to grow it has actually helped to establish seed thus far. We do provide free choice hay year round, but consumption has scaled back. The fodder provides the same roughage, better digestible nutrients/vitamins.
 
We have a natural gas well and I could raise this stuff on the cheap in the winter. It's hard for me to fathom they would eat the fodder here this time of year if they have choice between the fodder and white clover pasture?
 
Most of ours actually have preference for it over most other plant species. It does help that we have been feeding it for a year, but even when first started the deer really liked it. I do know of a couple other farms that are doing this and maybe they will chime in with their experience. Nothing but positive things here. Last summer we actually had to mow pens because plant height was so excessive from them not browsing and filling up on fodder!
 
This sounds like a great idea. When it gets hot and dry here my clover burns out. All I'm left with is grass and a little grazing chicory. There is no way at that stage my pasture is close to the 22%protien of the fodder. Do you mix the pea and barley sprouts all the time or give one for a while and switch to the other if the grain/seed price changes up or down drastically? Are you just buying feed grade whole barley and planting it? Grazing on clover is the best method I've researched to get calcium absorbed by ruminants. Is that why the pea(legume)is included?How much calcium is in the fodder? I am going to try to read up on this process. Sorry for so many questions.
 
We will actually mix the barley and peas at the time of planting. We lay the barley seed down first and then put the peas over the top. The barley seed is applied to the tray dry and has around 90% germination. The peas, which are much harder seed, actually germinate better after they are soaked in water for about 12 hours. Laying the barley down first helps the fodder mat stay together for transportation to the deer pen, the peas have a root system that isn't to great and so planting them atop the barley does wonders. Each tray contains just over 0.40% of absorbable Ca under a dry matter analysis.
 
Important to purchase your seed cleaned. We have semi loads delivered by Deer Creak Seeds Mn. We do sell the trays and drains if interested. I recommend a tour if you are considering feed ing fodder we went through a few gray hairs that we would be happy to share.
 
Just don't ask for the full tour unless you bring chest waders bug spray and exta cable.Just joking but I would love to learn more about how to grow fodder. Seems like the deer really like it.
 
Just simply seeds and water nothing else! We feed on average 6-9lbs per animal per day! If anyone would ever like to discuss over the phone I would love to as well!
 
Ryan give me a call sometime when you have time. Would love to look into this.
 
Where can I get seeds or started plants? Does the fodder have to be planted in the ground or can I plant it in flats and set them near the feeders?
 
Virgil, I just saw this message. I will give you a call, what is the best time to reach you?


 


We buy our seed from Deer Creek Seed. We plant them in plastic trays, in a dark room and then remove and set in a trough in each pen. This gets it off the ground and away from any fecal matter.
 
If you search YouTube, there are numerous videos that can walk you through a small scale operation. Basically you make a shelf that can hold 8 trays. The first seed tray goes on the bottom and gets moved up each day. You place holes on one end of each tray and make the end with holes about an inch lower than the other end so when you water the top tray it drains through and waters them all. Soak the seeds over night then place them in the tray. Water trays twice a day and by day 8 you have a large root mat and several inches of sprouts. I do this for my meat rabbits and chickens.
 
John, have you seen increased production in your animals? As far as birthing/egg rates?
 

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