PAG | December 2021

However, the use of the GLS 808 Grow System

provides feed for up to 2,000 cows—again scalable,

so that four units would feed 8,000 cows. Perrotin

provided the example of 12 modules of the GLS 808

Grow Systems, capable of producing 25-million lbs

(11,339,809.25 kgs) of feed each year for 2,000 cows.

The Grow Systems create live, green feed of barley

or wheat—depending on the farmer preference or

budget—that allows the farmer to harvest after just

six days. Of course, the idea is to not have to wait six

days for the next harvest, but to have a constant daily

harvestable feed available to provide the freshest

sprouts for the cows. It’s why the HydroGreen systems

work best with multiple units.

But will the cows eat what is grown, and is it

nutritious? High in sugars, low in starch, enzyme-rich

to promote digestion, low potassium, the six-day feed

is both highly palatable and digestible.

After several trials at Crosswind Jerseys Inc. jersey

dairy farm in Elkton, South Dakota, Perrotin said

HydroGreen found data to support favourable

increases in milk production, cow health and cow

fertility after calving, such as increases of:

•

12 percent rumination activity and dry matter

intake;

•

13 percent milk weights; and

•

17 percent conception rates.

Peak nutrition cow feed available in six days—and

every day should the farmer seed the units that way—

regardless of the weather. Sustainability-wise, he said

that HydroGreen sees itself as part of the circular

farming program, and is always looking for partners to

become even more involved.

Perrotin summed up: “It’s more than a feed grow

system. It’s also about looking to provide net-zero

farming (opportunities), and feed is a part of it.”

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