Fodder Feed Farm Systems
Elevated nutrition.
Fodder farm feed systems provide a reliable and sustainable solution for nourishing your livestock, improving their overall health and well-being, and ensuring the highest quality products for your customers. Set your livestock operation apart with Cultivatd!
FODDER FEED FARMING
Healthy feed, healthy livestock, healthier margins.
Modern fodder farm feed systems are meticulously designed to tackle feed-supply instability and enhance livestock health. Fodder presents a sustainable solution, offering a consistent supply of fresh, green, nutrient-packed sprouted grains every day, regardless of weather or season. These grains are cultivated without the use of chemicals or pesticides.
Fodder systems produce hydroponically sprouted microgreens, serving as highly-digestible organic feed for a variety of livestock including cattle, horses, camels, rabbits, sheep, chickens, and pigs. They can thrive in any climate without the need for chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides.
Grains such as alfalfa, barley, or wheat are sprouted in trays, nurtured for approximately seven days, and then provided as feed to livestock. The animals consume all components of the sprouts, including seeds, stalks, and roots.
Fodder systems operate efficiently in diverse locations worldwide, from bustling cities to remote, challenging environments like food deserts. This flexibility empowers farmers to manage costs and uphold quality standards while bypassing the difficulties associated with sourcing or importing feed and supplements. Moreover, it presents a viable business opportunity for growers to cater to the needs of livestock farmers in their communities.
Introducing fodder into your livestock’s diet can lead to improved energy levels and fertility rates, as well as healthier coats in horses, cleaner eggs in laying hens, and higher milk yields in goats, camels, and dairy cattle. Talk to us about your plans today!
MODULARITY
Capitalizing on global transportation standards, shipping containers have presented themselves as the ideal mobile farm. Container farms can be moved and stacked together to accommodate farm growth and expansion. The same can be said for pre-built systems provided there is infrastructure to support it.
SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCY
A combination of protection against the elements, and a perfectly controlled environment allow for consistent and reliable production and yields. Because of its protection against adverse weather, containers and indoor farming systems can provide resilience for food supply, ensuring food is consistently available.
ANIMAL HEALTH
Production and show animals including cows, horses, chickens, pigs, goats, and camels can benefit from fresh forage. Hydroponic micro-greens are an incredibly efficient source of livestock feed, resulting in increased value per pound of feed fed. Supplementing fodder can improve animal health resulting in greater income over food costs.
WATER EFFICIENCY
Hydroponic fodder reduces the water requirements by over 90% to grow the same pound-for-pound feed.
CROP CHOICES
Barley, alfalfa, and wheat micro-greens are among the most popular.
RELEASES FARMLAND
80% of agricultural land in the United States is dedicated to livestock feed. Fodder systems free up the land for other uses. One container can free up to 55 acres a year.
REDUCED EMISSIONS
Fodder removes the need for transportation, ground work, and the equipment involved in cultivating feed outdoors.
NO CHEMICALS
A short and efficient production cycle is maintained without the use of chemical fertilizers, harmful herbicides or toxic pesticides.
HUMAN BENEFITS
As humans, we benefit upstream from the health and production of livestock.
DID YOU KNOW?
A 320 square-foot fodder farm feed system can produce 2000lbs (900Kg) of fodder and replace up to 50 ACRES of farmland.
FODDER CULTIVARS
Fodder is formulated to meet specific nutrition requirements for livestock at different life stages, and is composed of entire plants – including the leaves, stalks, and grain, of such forages as alfalfa, barley, wheat, and sorghum.
Growing fodder allows farmers to recreate lush, nutrient-dense grass that promotes healthier livestock through increased digestibility, quicker weight gains, and greater resistance to illness and disease. Fodder, such as barley, is highly palatable, very digestible, and significantly increases the overall nutritional value of the livestock’s feed. Further analysis of fodder highlights its high sugars, high neutral detergent fibre, and net energy comparable to the original grain used.
Because of its high nutritional value, availability, and high seed weight to fodder production ratio, barley seed is often the grain of choice for fodder production. Generally speaking, one pound of barley grain produces six pounds of fodder in approximately one week.
Here are some of the most common plants grown for fodder:
ALFALFA
Nutrient-rich sprouts for strong and healthy livestock.
BARLEY
High-quality fodder for efficient livestock growth and productivity.
CLOVER
A natural source of protein for healthy and happy livestock.
GRASS AND MEADOW GRASSES
Rich in fiber and essential nutrients for robust livestock.
CORN (MAIZE)
Energy-dense fodder for fast-growing and thriving livestock. MILLET – A nutritious and cost-effective feed for all types of livestock.
OATS
High-protein sprouts for optimal livestock health and performance.
SORGHUM
Drought-tolerant fodder for resilient and thriving livestock.
WHEAT
High-quality sprouts for strong and productive livestock.
MIXED SPROUTS
A diverse blend of nutrient-rich sprouts for happy, healthy, and thriving livestock.
BENEFIT TO LIVESTOCK
When introducing fodder to their livestock’s diet, operators can expect healthier animals, with increased energy levels and fertility rates, glossier coats in horses, cleaner eggs in laying hens, and higher milk yields in goats, camels, and dairy cattle.
BENEFITS TO DAIRY CATTLE
Many traditional farmers depend entirely on paddy straw to feed their dairy cattle. This affects both milk yield and the health of the animal. Consuming fresh fodder can provide several benefits to dairy cows, including:
- Improved milk yield and quality
- Fodder is digested more easily in the rumen, being over 80D, enabling the digestive system to conserve energy during digestion. Saved energy maintains condition and promotes fertility.
BENEFITS TO BEEF CATTLE
When properly processed, mixed, and fed, fodder is an excellent feed for beef cattle. Because it is processed more efficiently in the cow’s digestive system than grain is, fodder can be used in growing and finishing diets for cattle. This approach provides many benefits, including:
- Improved weight gain
- Improved coat shine and body condition
- Lower cost of feeding
- Improvement in overall herd health
- Increase in Income Over Feed Costs (IOFC)
- Better quality meat
BENEFITS TO GOATS
Because fodder closely replicates what goats would naturally forage for in the wild, it compliments the goat’s well-developed digestive system. As such, consuming fresh fodder can provide several benefits to goats, including:
- Faster weight gain and better quality meat
- High-grade fibre
- Improved milk production and quality
- Improved hoof health
- Improved fertility
BENEFITS TO POULTRY
Sprouted fodder is considered a complete ration for poultry and contains all of the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed for optimal meat and egg production. Incorporating fodder into poultry diets can result in the following benefits:
- Better quality eggs with deeper yolk color
- Enhanced egg taste
- Natural diet
- Reduced sticky droppings
- Higher quality meat with better texture
- Improved health and energy levels
BENEFITS TO PIGS / SWINE
The volumes of fresh, green sprouts that fodder provides, gives pigs and swine nutritional advantages to promote good health and optimal performance. Consuming fresh fodder can provide several benefits to pigs and swine, including:
- Accelerated growth rates and weight gain
- Sows came into heat much quicker
- Heavier, longer milking period, enabling piglets early growth rates
- Feeding costs reduced
BENEFITS TO CAMELS
Fodder is an excellent feed for camels, particularly in the Mena region. Because it is a sustainable and cost-effective feed that can be grown locally and onsite, fodder can be used as a primary feed for camels, providing many benefits, including:
- Improved weight gain and milk production
- Increased resistance to disease and stress
- Better overall herd health and reproductive success
- Reduction in feed costs and wastage
- Improvement in camel’s physical fitness and stamina
- Higher quality of meat and milk products
Consistent feed quality, nutrition, and supply for your livestock. 🐪 🐐 🐓 🐑 🐄
FODDER FEED FARMING GALLERY
Insert gallery overview here…
Resources
September 27, 2023
Cultivatd AgraME Platinum Sponsor
Cultivatd is proud to be Platinum Sponsor of AgraME 2023, Dubai October 9-10 2023
September 12, 2023
VertiFarm 2023 – Cultivatd will be there! BOOTH 4.F46
Cultivatd will be at VertiFarm vertical farming event on 26–28 September 2023, Messe Dortmund, Germany.
September 7, 2023
Cultivatd Partners With Seasony To Accelerate CEA Adoption Of Mobile Robotics Automation.
Cultivatd expands automation options to increase grower yields with reduced labor costs.
May 29, 2023
Large Scale Vertical Farming
The Reality of Large Scale Vertical Farming - OnePointOne Interview
Feed Them Fodder!
Purpose-built, onsite fodder farm feed systems are designed to seamlessly integrate with your livestock farm. Safeguard your operation, anticipate the unexpected, talk to Cultivatd today!
Vertical Farming
Unlimited canopy.
Advanced vertical farming methods and technologies make it possible to produce large and consistent quantities and quality of food in any space.
VERTICAL FARMING IS MATURE
Today’s indoor plant growth systems represent decades of advances, setbacks, and resulting innovation. They are the most capable and efficient way to grow consistently healthy crops at maximized yields.
Vertical farm systems are available as self-contained, turnkey modular solutions packaged inside climate cells, containers, or any shape and configuration to fit your unique space. Starting at approx. $250K (USD), vertical farming can produce more food per square meter than any other growing solution; a one acre indoor area for example, can produce the equivalent of four to six acres of outdoor farmland.
Cultivatd only works with the most engaged and proven technology providers on the planet. No matter your region, budget, or crop; the best, fit-for-purpose agtech to meet your specific needs starts with Cultivatd!
SMALLER ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT
Vertical farming consumes less land surface area, and is less disruptive to native plants and animals. This helps to improve biodiversity and leads to further conservation of the local flora and fauna.
EXTENDED GROWING SEASONS
Enjoying a sheltered placement indoors, crops are resistant to weather disruptions. All-season farming multiplies the productivity of the farmed surface by a factor of four to six, depending on the crop.
LOW LABOUR COSTS
Fully automated indoor growing systems do not need huge amounts of manual labour to achieve successful year-round production. Staffing is required to sort and pack harvests, but labour overheads will remain low – even if production is scaled upwards.
WATER CONSERVATION
Using 95% less water than traditional agriculture, vertical farms have the ability to capture all water not consumed by the crops resulting in the most efficient use of water possible. Controlling the flow of water also mitigates the type of agricultural run off that leads to pollution and the eutrophication of water bodies.
CLEAN EATS
A controlled environment allows crops to reach their end of life without the use of pesticides or herbicides. These crops are also protected against issues such as contamination from neighboring agricultural practices. Eg. E Coli from fecal contamination.
SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE
An indoor farm can be placed almost anywhere, securing the local food supply chain as crop cycles are uninterrupted leading to consistent yields.
CROP DIVERSIFICATION
Indoor environments can be modified to satisfy any crop needs. This will allow suppliers access to crops that may not have a long shelf life, by removing the time spent during transportation.
HYBRID USE
Aquaponic solutions allow farmers to combine aquaculture and horticulture for multiple revenue streams.
VERTICAL FARMING GALLERY
Vertical Farms are surreal environments to spend time in. The lighting, the smell, the breeze, for many growers, there’s no place they’d rather be.
Resources
September 27, 2023
Cultivatd AgraME Platinum Sponsor
Cultivatd is proud to be Platinum Sponsor of AgraME 2023, Dubai October 9-10 2023
September 12, 2023
VertiFarm 2023 – Cultivatd will be there! BOOTH 4.F46
Cultivatd will be at VertiFarm vertical farming event on 26–28 September 2023, Messe Dortmund, Germany.
September 7, 2023
Cultivatd Partners With Seasony To Accelerate CEA Adoption Of Mobile Robotics Automation.
Cultivatd expands automation options to increase grower yields with reduced labor costs.
May 29, 2023
Large Scale Vertical Farming
The Reality of Large Scale Vertical Farming - OnePointOne Interview
May 8, 2023
Cultivatd is Attending GreenTech Amsterdam 2023
From June 13-15 2023, Cultivatd will be attending the GreenTech Amsterdam conference event at the RAI Amsterdam Convention…
February 24, 2023
Indoor Farming Reports and Webinars
This collection showcases research reports and webinars prepared by Cultivatd team members to educate and inspire indoor…
February 4, 2023
Understanding The Challenges Facing Lettuce Producers [WEBINAR]
Experts identify challenges facing lettuce producers, discuss factors that influence lettuce prices, and recommend solutions…
The Only Way is Up!
The most advanced plant growth systems in the world are available at Cultivatd.
Greenhouses
Natural exposure.
An intermediate solution between controlled environment and traditional agriculture, greenhouses have the ability to harness daylight, and provide shelter from climate and harsh conditions.
GREENHOUSE FARMING
With protection from the elements, greenhouses surpass field-grown crop quality, using less water. Vine crops flourish, yielding over twice as much as traditional agriculture, with shorter cycles thanks to the ability for growers to create optimized environmental conditions for a particular crop. Further, by adding lights and layers, you can extend your greenhouse capabilities with 24/7 plant growth.
Ideal for a variety of farming requirements; garden centers, market growers, and research facilities, greenhouses accommodate diverse needs from vegetable production, flowers, and trees to ornamentals. Cutting-edge technology maximizes productivity with climate control, automated irrigation, high-efficiency lighting, sensor networks, and AI-driven analytics for pest management and decision-making, while robotic systems can be added to streamline tasks.
Selecting glass or composite panels depends on factors like budget, climate, light, and crop requirements. Options include single-layer glass for standard use, double-layer/twin-wall glass for improved insulation, durable polycarbonate with UV protection, shatter-resistant acrylic, light-diffusing fibreglass, and cost-effective polyethylene film for temporary setups.
For prosumer-grade equipment to multi-acre commercial builds, put the power of the sun to work in a high-capacity greenhouse with Cultivatd.
WATER EFFICIENCY
The use of hydroponics reduces the overall consumption of water. Solutions like trough systems, flood benches, and flood floors can lessen both the water and human labor needed to irrigate.
SMALLER CARBON FOOTPRINT
By using alternative energy resources, reducing or eliminating waste production, and modifying operations to maximize use from fewer materials, commercial greenhouse growers emit less carbon dioxide.
CONTROL THE ENVIRONMENT
Reduce or eliminate the use of chemical pesticides, adverse environmental / weather conditions, and external contaminants.
AN ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT
By reducing the use of natural resources, excluding artificial or inorganic substances, and the saving of energy and water, greenhouse growers are more successful at cultivating products that can be certified and labeled as organic and sustainable.
EXTENDED GROWING SEASONS
By increasing control over climate, irrigation, and heat, a greenhouse can extend the grow season, improve harvests, and boost a farm’s profit margin.
CONTROL HEATING AND COOLING TEMPERATURES
With the use of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, separate zones can be established within the greenhouse, ensuring that crops thrive.
NATURAL LIGHT
Save on energy costs by using sunlight as a lighting source, further minimizing your carbon footprint.
GREENHOUSE FARMING GALLERY
Your crops, powered by the sun, and a little help from the latest agtech.
Resources
September 27, 2023
Cultivatd AgraME Platinum Sponsor
Cultivatd is proud to be Platinum Sponsor of AgraME 2023, Dubai October 9-10 2023
September 12, 2023
VertiFarm 2023 – Cultivatd will be there! BOOTH 4.F46
Cultivatd will be at VertiFarm vertical farming event on 26–28 September 2023, Messe Dortmund, Germany.
September 7, 2023
Cultivatd Partners With Seasony To Accelerate CEA Adoption Of Mobile Robotics Automation.
Cultivatd expands automation options to increase grower yields with reduced labor costs.
May 29, 2023
Large Scale Vertical Farming
The Reality of Large Scale Vertical Farming - OnePointOne Interview
May 8, 2023
Cultivatd is Attending GreenTech Amsterdam 2023
From June 13-15 2023, Cultivatd will be attending the GreenTech Amsterdam conference event at the RAI Amsterdam Convention…
February 24, 2023
Indoor Farming Reports and Webinars
This collection showcases research reports and webinars prepared by Cultivatd team members to educate and inspire indoor…
February 4, 2023
Understanding The Challenges Facing Lettuce Producers [WEBINAR]
Experts identify challenges facing lettuce producers, discuss factors that influence lettuce prices, and recommend solutions…
Talk to Us!
Don’t leave your harvest to chance – Grow 24/7 with Cultivatd today!
Container Farms
Self-contained.
Container farms are a versatile solution that thrive in any location around the world; from the densest of cities to remote worksites, and the harsh environments of food deserts.
CONTAINER FARMING
Whether you’re an experienced farmer scaling up your operation or starting a new venture, container farms offer all the latest agtech innovation in an all-in-one package.
Imagine having your own customized farm that fits your space and needs perfectly. Ideal for remote and urban areas, container farming allows you to add, stack, and rearrange your farms as your business grows.
Container farms provide a controlled environment that minimizes risks associated with the introduction and spread of pests and disease without the need for chemical pesticides. Cultivate an array of crops, from leafy greens to strawberries, all residue-free, ready-to-eat straight from your farm!
With prices starting around $150K(USD) for a purpose-built complete turnkey plant growth system that can easily be shipped anywhere, your road to becoming a farmer is within reach.
MODULARITY
Capitalizing on global transportation standards, shipping containers have presented themselves as the ideal mobile farm. Container farms can be moved and stacked together to accommodate farm growth and expansion.
SIZE
Large enough to support the agriculture needs of hundreds of people, shipping container farms are available in 10', 20', and 40' lengths. Their spacious interiors offer a central walking path with growing areas at arm’s length on each side. Container farms are tall enough to support vertical farming on multiple levels, and turnkey systems can include complete prep and harvesting facilities built-in.
COMMODITIZATION
Used containers are plentiful, and new containers are being mass-produced and have pricing that is predictable. Also, many of the components of a container farm can be re-purposed from other industries, making them readily available and easy to acquire.
SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCY
A combination of protection against the elements, and a perfectly controlled environment allow for consistent and reliable production and yields. Because of its protection against adverse weather, containers and indoor farming systems can provide resilience for food supply, ensuring food is consistently available.
BIOSECURITY
People get into vertical farming for different reasons. Some are passionate about sustainable agriculture and finding new ways to grow food, and for many, making money is the driving-force behind their investment in farming technology and indoor farming ventures. This makes choosing the right equipment, employing the right techniques, and being saavy in your market most important.
WATER EFFICIENCY
Container farming uses 90% less water than traditional agriculture.
PESTICIDE-FREE
A controlled environment reduces the need for the use of harsh inputs such as pesticides.
REDUCED EMISSION
Local, indoor produce reduces the impact of equipment for harvest and transportation. Less time on the road also means less produce wasted.
RE-PURPOSED FARMLAND
Placing crops indoors allows farmers to re-purpose farm land for other uses, helping diversify our production.
FRESHER PRODUCE
Local means less time in a truck and more time in your fridge.
INCREASED YIELD
Stacking plants vertically in a container farm can produce up-to 5 times their footprint.
CONTAINER FARMING GALLERY
Insert gallery overview here…
Resources
September 27, 2023
Cultivatd AgraME Platinum Sponsor
Cultivatd is proud to be Platinum Sponsor of AgraME 2023, Dubai October 9-10 2023
September 12, 2023
VertiFarm 2023 – Cultivatd will be there! BOOTH 4.F46
Cultivatd will be at VertiFarm vertical farming event on 26–28 September 2023, Messe Dortmund, Germany.
September 7, 2023
Cultivatd Partners With Seasony To Accelerate CEA Adoption Of Mobile Robotics Automation.
Cultivatd expands automation options to increase grower yields with reduced labor costs.
May 29, 2023
Large Scale Vertical Farming
The Reality of Large Scale Vertical Farming - OnePointOne Interview
May 8, 2023
Cultivatd is Attending GreenTech Amsterdam 2023
From June 13-15 2023, Cultivatd will be attending the GreenTech Amsterdam conference event at the RAI Amsterdam Convention…
February 24, 2023
Indoor Farming Reports and Webinars
This collection showcases research reports and webinars prepared by Cultivatd team members to educate and inspire indoor…
February 4, 2023
Understanding The Challenges Facing Lettuce Producers [WEBINAR]
Experts identify challenges facing lettuce producers, discuss factors that influence lettuce prices, and recommend solutions…
Turn the Key!
Cultivatd LOVES container farms for sooooooo many reasons… Want to find out why? Click here.
Cultivars
What's growing on inside?
The range of cultivars being harvested indoors is expanding every day... What are you going to grow?
INDOOR FARMING CULTIVARS
From nutrient-rich leafy greens to aromatic herbs and vibrant fruits, vertical farms offer a thriving environment for a huge variety of crops. While vertical farming is often associated with growing smaller plants such as herbs, microgreens, and leafy greens, nurseries, for instance, grow larger plants, shrubs, and even give trees a head-start in vertical farms.
Farms with taller growing spaces and more advanced growing systems can accommodate larger plants such as strawberries and dwarf fruit trees, and some vertical farms are even experimenting with growing grains such as wheat, oats, and barley.
Although these plants are typically grown on a larger scale in outdoor fields, the controlled environment of a vertical farm can help mitigate the challenges associated with traditional farming methods such as pests, weeds, and weather-related crop failures as we continue to research, study, and advance vertical farming capabilities to meet the challenges the planet faces.
With the right equipment, vertical farming becomes a compelling and flexible way to cultivate multiple crops in the same space, which can help you meet changing consumer demands with maximized yields.
The range of crops that can be grown in vertical farms is constantly, ahem, growing… Innovations in technology, farming techniques, and even seed development is rapidly evolving for growing in controlled environments. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular crops growing inside…
POPULAR CROPS
One of the most appealing aspects of vertical farming is the ability to grow almost anything. With fit-for-purpose technology, vertical farmers can achieve success not only in high-yield staple crops but also in lower yield specialty crops, offering a diverse range of products that cater to different market demands and price points. Here is a look at some of the most popular crops.
LEAFY GREENS
Leafy greens are always in high-demand due to their nutritional value and versatility in various culinary applications.
Day-to-day Operations: Planting, inspecting, harvesting, sanitation, and packaging.
Challenges: Managing humidity, temperature, and light levels to ensure optimal growth conditions.
Capex: Can be high, particularly for larger-scale operations.
Opex: Ongoing operational costs include electricity, water, nutrients, and labor.
Best-suited Cultivars: Lettuce, kale, spinach, and arugula.
MICROGREENS
Microgreens are gaining popularity for their concentrated flavor, vibrant colors, and nutritional benefits.
Day-to-Day Operations: Planting, inspecting, harvesting, sanitation, and packaging.
Challenges: Short growth cycle can make it difficult to ensure consistent quality, correct issues, and prepare for timely harvest.
Capex: Can be moderate depending on the technology required to meet your offtake needs.
Opex: Ongoing operational costs include electricity, water, nutrients, and labor.
Best-Suited Cultivars: Sunflower, pea shoots, wheatgrass, radish, and many more.
MUSHROOMS
Mushrooms offer unique flavors and textures and have a growing demand in culinary and medicinal industries.
Day-to-day Operations: Inoculation, maintenance, harvesting, sanitation, and packaging.
Challenges: Maintaining consistent temperature, humidity, and sanitation.
Capex: With no need for lighting arrays, can be low to moderate.
Opex: Ongoing operational costs include substrate materials, utilities, and labor.
Best-Suited Cultivars: Oyster, shiitake, lion’s mane, and other gourmet varieties.
MEDICINAL CROPS
Medicinal crops offer significant market demand due to their therapeutic properties and health benefits.
Day-to-day Operations: Cultivating, maintaining, harvesting, and processing medicinal crops for various applications.
Challenges: Ensuring proper cultivation practices and adhering to quality standards for medicinal plants.
Capex: Requirements can vary depending on the scale and complexity of the operation, especially for specialized facilities or large-scale cultivation.
Opex: Ongoing operational costs include utilities, labor, processing, and compliance.
Best-suited Cultivars: Ginseng, echinacea, and tumeric
* Crops suitable for medicinal purposes may vary depending on the region and legal regulations in place. It’s essential to research and comply with the legal requirements and regulations pertaining to the cultivation and sale of medicinal crops in your area.
FODDER LIVESTOCK FEED
Fodder production is crucial for livestock farmers seeking sustainable and cost-effective feed solutions.
Day-to-day Operations: Seed soaking and feeding.
Challenges: Ensuring consistent quality and mixtures with traditional livestock forage.
Capex: Moderate to high, depending on the scale of the operation.
Opex: Ongoing operational costs include seeds, utilities, and labor.
Best-suited Cultivars: Barley, wheat, alfalfa, and other grains and legumes suitable for animal feed.
EXTRACTS
Extracts offer a lucrative opportunity in the agricultural industry, allowing for the extraction, refinement, and packaging of valuable compounds found in various plants.
Day-to-day Operations: The daily operations involve the extraction, refining, and packaging processes to create high-quality extracts.
Challenges: One of the primary challenges is ensuring consistency and potency of the final product, maintaining the desired properties and meeting customer expectations.
Capex: The capital expenditure for extract production can range from moderate to high, depending on the scale of the operation and the equipment required.
Opex: Ongoing operational costs include raw materials, solvents, utilities, labor, and quality control measures.
Best-suited Cultivars: Plants like saffron, ginger, turmeric, and ginseng offer unique compounds that can be extracted for various applications.
RESEARCH AND TRIAL CROPS
Research and trial crops play a crucial role in agricultural innovation, enabling the development of new varieties and cultivation techniques.
Day-to-day Operations: Planting, harvesting, processing, and packaging.
Challenges: Complying with regulations, quality standards, and data logging to ensure accurate and reliable research outcomes.
Capex: The capital expenditure for research and trial crops varies depending on the scale and complexity of the research project.
Opex: Ongoing operational costs include seeds, utilities, labor, and research equipment.
Best-suited Cultivars: Echinacea, saffron, chamomile, and other medicinal herbs and plants that are commonly studied and researched for their unique properties.
* It is important to note that research and trial crops require meticulous planning, attention to detail, and adherence to ethical guidelines to generate meaningful results and contribute to the advancement of agriculture.
WHICH CROP IS RIGHT FOR ME AND MY CUSTOMERS?
It’s crucial to consider the demand, suitability, and profitability of each cultivar. Making connections with buyers for your offtake is an exciting part of the farming experience, and vital for maximizing your farm’s profitability. Building relationships with local markets, restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers can ensure a consistent demand for your harvest.
By starting out with flexible GROW EQUIPMENT, you can align your crop choices with market trends and consumer preferences, setting the foundation for a successful indoor farming business. This enables you to introduce new flavors and crop varieties to meet the demands of your customers while adapting to changing market needs.
But… Where’s a good place to start?
🧑🍳 Local restaurants and cafes: Supply fresh and high-quality produce directly to local eateries, offering chefs and restaurateurs a reliable source of locally grown ingredients grown to taste!
🛒 Grocery stores and supermarkets: Consistent, year-round supply give you a competitive advantage for contracting with grocery retailers looking to offer fresh produce to their customers regardless of season.
🧑🌾 Farmers markets: Participating in farmers markets allows vertical farmers to connect with the local community (!), showcasing your unique and sustainable farming methods while selling freshly harvested crops directly to consumers is a satisfying accomplishment 🥹
📦 Direct-to-Consumer / Online delivery services: With the rise of online grocery shopping, vertical farmers can partner with delivery platforms or set up your own online stores to reach a broader customer base and offer convenient home delivery of your produce.
🍱 Specialty food stores: The cultivation of specialty crops and unique varieties that appeal to health-conscious consumers or those seeking specific ingredients for niche cuisines provides an opportunity for higher-value harvests.
🏫 Institutions and food service providers: Vertical farmers can supply educational institutions, hospitals, corporate cafeterias, and other large-scale food service providers, meeting their demand for fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced produce.
Farming Agility.
Following market trends and consumer demand requires flexible agtech. Avoid getting pigeonholed by the wrong equipment – talk to us today!
Indoor Farm Equipment
Grow tech.
So much success is riding on the indoor farm equipment you deploy. Let Cultivatd help you take the guesswork out of it.
Types of vertical farming
CHOOSE YOUR VERTICAL FARM EQUIPMENT...
Cultivatd specializes in vertical farms, container farms, greenhouses, and fresh livestock forage (fodder) equipment. Many of these systems look similar in form but have different performance characteristics, efficiency, and maintenance costs associated with them.
Cultivatd recommends the best indoor farm equipment to meet growers needs and budget – Let’s have a look!
CONTAINER FARMING
Container or modular farming involves the use of shipping containers to grow crops. The containers are modified to create a controlled environment – optimal for plant growth, with built-in features such as LED lighting, irrigation systems, and climate control.
GREENHOUSE FARMING
Greenhouse farming grows crops under glass or plastic structures using the sun as a primary lighting source. The structures provide a controlled environment for plant growth, with features such as ventilation systems, heating, and cooling.
VERTICAL FARMING
Vertical farming incorporates stacked layers or vertical panels to grow crops. The layers are arranged vertically to maximize the use of space, and features such as LED lighting and hydroponic systems are used to create a controlled environment.
FODDER ANIMAL FEED FARMING
Fodder farming grows crops that are used as animal feed. This type of farming is becoming increasingly popular, as it provides a sustainable alternative to traditional, resource-intensive animal feed production methods.
Advanced indoor farm equipment and agtech components help your system do more with less! 🦾
AUTOMATION
Automation can optimize your farm by integrating robotics, sensors, and AI to monitor various functions. It enables precise control of environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, ensuring optimal plant growth and development. Automated systems monitor and adjust nutrient delivery, irrigation, and pH levels, maintaining ideal conditions for crops. Robotic systems handle tasks like seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, reducing manual labour to improve overall efficiency. AI algorithms analyze data to make informed decisions, allowing for predictive analytics and real-time adjustments. Automation in indoor CEA farming streamlines operations, improves productivity, and maximizes resource utilization, ultimately leading to higher crop yields and quality.
At Culitvatd, we understand the significance of automation in transforming indoor CEA farming. Our company offers cutting-edge technologies and solutions to enhance farming practices. We will evaluate your plans, and when it makes sense to do so, will help you navigate the world of automation to provide options for robust and reliable solutions that fit your specific indoor farming needs.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
AI transforms vertical farming by leveraging advanced algorithms and machine learning to enhance various aspects of the cultivation process. It analyzes vast amounts of data collected from sensors and monitors to optimize environmental conditions, ensuring precise control over temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and lighting. AI algorithms can predict plant growth patterns, detect diseases or nutrient deficiencies at an early stage, and recommend tailored solutions. This enables growers to make data-driven decisions, optimize resource allocation, and maximize crop productivity.
We offer state-of-the-art AI solutions tailored for indoor farms of all types, including smart monitoring systems, predictive analytics tools, and AI-powered crop management platforms. With our network of expertise at your fingertips, you can find optimized farm practices, increased yield, and cost savings across your operation.
SENSORS
Vertical farming sensors play a crucial role in optimizing crop production and environmental conditions. By monitoring crop key parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and nutrient concentration specialized sensors act as the eyes and ears of the farm, continuously collecting data and ensuring precise control of resource utilization and early detection of potential issues.
With real-time data collection and analysis, you’ll be able to make informed decisions early and fast and with an archive of logged data you’ll be able to to follow plant growth patterns and fine-tune environmental variables to create the ideal growth conditions for your crops.
We recognize the huge selection and immense value the right sensor functionality can bring to your farm. Work with us to determine the best integrated sensor system for your operation.
Step inside.
From prosumer components to vertical farming super-systems; Cultivatd has you covered 🙂
What is Vertical Farming
Farm. Anywhere.
Vertical Farming is about growing what you want, when you want, where you want.
WHAT IS VERTICAL FARMING?
Vertical farming is a method of cultivating crops in vertically stacked layers or structures, often soilless, in a climate-controlled environment. This technique optimizes space usage, significantly reduces resource consumption, and enables year-round production. Controlled environments provide the optimal conditions for crop growth, ensuring consistent yields and reduced waste.
Indoor farming makes it possible to grow crops in urban areas, as well as in harsh environments such as deserts, tundras, and even outer space. The freedom to grow anywhere is a game-changer for sustainable agriculture, as it reduces the need for dwindling resources and arable land, and further, growing fresh produce where people live and work eliminating long-distance transportation and food insecurity in areas with limited access to fresh produce.
SUSTAINABILITY
Vertical farming is a sustainable agricultural practice that promotes food security and reduce the carbon footprint of the food industry, as it encourages the production of fresh, locally grown, and nutritious food in urban areas, thereby reducing food waste and emissions from transportation ensuring food supply for generations to come.
RESILIENCE
By reducing reliance on external factors and increasing efficiency the optimal growing conditions for crops, vertical farms can grow crops year-round regardless of external weather conditions. This means that crops can be produced consistently, reducing the impact of climate-related crop failures or disruptions in the supply chain caused by natural disasters or other unexpected events. Additionally, vertical farms use significantly less water and land compared to traditional agriculture, making them more efficient and sustainable.
SELF-RELIANCE
Improve self-reliance in remote and isolated living-conditions or land constrained, densly populated areas.
With the ability to grow your own crops, regardless of weather conditions or geographical location, you secure a reliable supply of fresh, healthy food year-round without relying on external sources or suppliers.
UNLIMITED CANOPY
With the ability to grow crops in stacked layers, vertical farm systems offer practically unlimited canopy options, and customization to maximize the use of all available space, even irregular or unused spaces in existing buildings.
INCREASED CROP YIELD
With vertical farming, crops can be grown in multiple layers, maximizing the use of available space. This vertical arrangement, combined with optimized growing conditions, can lead to higher crop yields per square foot compared to traditional farming methods.
REVENUE
People get into vertical farming for different reasons. Some are passionate about sustainable agriculture and finding new ways to grow food, and for many, making money is the driving-force behind their investment in farming technology and indoor farming ventures. This makes choosing the right equipment, employing the right techniques, and being saavy in your market most important.
Join a community of forward-thinking growers taking control of their harvest! 👨🌾👩🌾
HOW DO CROPS GROW INSIDE?
Crops grown in a controlled environment need the same components they would require to grow outdoors – That is nutrients, light, water, air, and space. Indoor farming allows you to precisely optimize the amount of each, giving your crops consistently better health, yield, taste, and growth cycles.
Feeding Crops
When it comes to nourishing your crops, there are several effective techniques to consider. HYDROPONICS, for example, involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water solutions, while AEROPONICS utilizes a misting system to deliver nutrients directly to the plant roots. AQUAPONICS, on the other hand, combines hydroponics with aquaculture, creating a symbiotic ecosystem where fish waste provides nutrients for the plants. These innovative feeding methods offer precise control and optimal growth conditions for your crops.
Irrigating Crops
Water is essential for plant growth, and efficient irrigation is a key aspect of indoor farming. Automated irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation or nutrient film technique (NFT), ensure precise and controlled water delivery to your crops. These systems, when combined with innovative technologies like nanobubbles, help conserve water, prevent water wastage, and provide optimal hydration to your plants, resulting in healthy growth and higher yields.
Illuminating Your Farm
Proper LIGHTING is crucial for indoor farming, and there are various options to choose from. LED lights provide energy-efficient and customizable lighting solutions, allowing you to adjust the light spectrum for different plant growth stages. High-intensity discharge (HID) lights, such as metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, offer powerful illumination and are commonly used in larger-scale indoor farms. Each lighting category has its own advantages and considerations, so selecting the right one depends on your specific needs and crop requirements.
Maintaining the Ideal Environment
Creating and maintaining the ideal environmental conditions within your indoor farm is vital for crop health and productivity. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems play a crucial role in regulating temperature, humidity, and air circulation. With proper HVAC design and controls, you can ensure optimal growing conditions, prevent disease and mold, and maximize your crop yields.
Choosing the Right Growing Media
The choice of growing media significantly impacts plant development and nutrient absorption. Common growing media options include soilless mixes like coco coir, peat moss, or rockwool, which provide excellent moisture retention and aeration for root growth. Each medium has its own characteristics and suitability for different crop types, so it’s important to select the one that aligns with your specific farming goals.
Optimizing these essential components, or “recipes” as it is frequently referred to, will bring harmony to your growing experience.
WHAT PROBLEMS DOES VERTICAL FARMING ADDRESS?
Vertical farming tackles several key issues in agriculture. It solves the problem of limited land by taking advantage of unused space in urban areas. It conserves water through advanced irrigation systems. With farms closer to cities, it reduces food miles, ensuring fresher produce, lower carbon emissions, and less waste.
Vertical farming is the efficient and eco-friendly food production solution the world is counting on to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
WATER USAGE
Vertical farming uses up to 95% less water compared to traditional agriculture, saving thousands of gallons per crop cycle.
CHEMICALS
Vertical farming significantly reduces or eliminates the need for pesticides and herbicides, resulting in pesticide-free produce.
ARABLE LAND
Vertical farming reduces the need for land clearing. Crop cultivation in urban areas and repurposed underutilized spaces, make use of every underutilized space available.
REDUCES FOOD MILES
Vertical farms located near urban centers or remote regions reduce transportation distances, minimizing carbon emissions and food miles by up to 90%.
Locally grown produce significantly reduces your carbon footprint.
REDUCES FOOD WASTE
Vertical farming enables precise control over production, reducing crop spoilage and food waste by up to 50%.
Local supply means less days on the road and less waste... All contributing to a more sustainable food system.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Vertical farming utilizes energy-efficient LED lighting and advanced climate control systems, reducing energy consumption by up to 70% compared to traditional farming methods.
Innovation in every component.
HYDROPONICS
Hydroponics is a cultivation technique that involves growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions. This method offers precise control over nutrient uptake, resulting in accelerated growth and high yields. Hydroponics is favored for its efficient use of resources and ability to grow crops in limited spaces.
Day-to-Day Operations:
Regular monitoring of pH levels, nutrient concentrations, and water quality is crucial. Planting, transplanting, and maintaining proper lighting and temperature conditions are essential for optimal plant growth and development.
Challenges:
Maintaining nutrient balance, preventing root diseases, and ensuring proper aeration of the root zone are key challenges in hydroponic farming. Strict control over environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, and light, is necessary for consistent crop performance.
Capex:
The capital expenditure for setting up a hydroponic farm varies depending on factors such as system design, infrastructure, nutrient delivery systems, grow media, lighting, and monitoring equipment.
Opex:
Ongoing operational costs for hydroponic farms typically include expenses for water, nutrient solutions, energy consumption (for lighting and pumps), periodic replacement of grow media, and maintenance.
Best-Suited Cultivar Species:
Hydroponics is suitable for a wide range of cultivar species, including leafy greens, herbs, strawberries, and tomatoes.
AEROPONICS
In Aeroponic systems, plant roots are suspended in the air and misting them with a nutrient-rich solution. This technique allows for precise control over nutrient delivery and maximizes oxygenation for optimal plant growth and development.
Day-to-Day Operations:
Monitoring and adjustment of misting intervals, nutrient concentrations, and root health are crucial here as well. Regular maintenance of misting systems, filters, and monitoring equipment is necessary to ensure efficient operation.
Challenges:
Maintaining an optimal misting environment, preventing clogging or blockages in misting nozzles, and preventing root diseases are common challenges in aeroponic farming. Adequate control of environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and nutrient balance, is essential for successful crop cultivation.
Capex:
The capital expenditure for setting up an aeroponic system depends on factors such as system design, misting equipment, nutrient delivery systems, and monitoring tools. Investments in high-pressure misting pumps, misting chambers, and supporting infrastructure are typically involved.
Opex:
Ongoing operational costs for aeroponic systems include expenses for nutrient solutions, maintenance of misting systems, energy consumption (for pumps and misting), and periodic replacement of misting nozzles and filters.
Best-Suited Cultivar Species:
Aeroponics is well-suited for a variety of cultivar species, including leafy greens, herbs, strawberries, and flowering plants.
AQUAPONICS
Aquaponics is a combination of hydroponics and aquaculture (fish and / or aquatic plant production), creating a system where fish waste provides nutrients for plants, and plants help purify the water for the fish. This method of circular farming is frequently operated inside greenhouses offering a sustainable and integrated approach to growing both fish and crops.
Day-to-Day Operations:
Close monitoring and maintenance of water quality, fish health, and plant nutrition. Regular feeding of fish, managing water parameters, and ensuring proper plant growth are important aspects of aquaponic farming.
Challenges:
Maintaining a balanced ecosystem, managing nutrient levels for both fish and plants, and preventing disease outbreaks in the fish population are key challenges in aquaponic systems. Proper filtration, aeration, and system design are crucial for the overall health and productivity of the system.
Capex:
The capital expenditure for setting up an aquaponic system includes investments in tanks, filtration systems, grow beds, fish rearing infrastructure, and monitoring equipment. The scale and complexity of the system will influence the overall cost.
Opex:
Ongoing operational costs for aquaponics include expenses for fish feed, maintenance of filtration systems, energy consumption (for pumps and lighting), and periodic replacement of filtration media.
Best-Suited Cultivar Species:
Aquaponics can be used to grow a variety of plants, including leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables. The choice of fish species and plant varieties depends on factors such as water temperature, nutrient requirements, and market demand.
LIGHTING
Proper lighting is crucial for indoor farming, and there are various options to choose from. LED lights provide energy-efficient and customizable lighting solutions, allowing you to adjust the light spectrum for different plant growth stages. High-intensity discharge (HID) lights, such as metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, offer powerful illumination and are commonly used in larger-scale indoor farms. Each lighting category has its own advantages and considerations, so selecting the right one depends on your specific needs and crop requirements.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) Lighting
Due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and ability to provide specific light wavelengths. The latest LED lights can be customized and adjusted with an app to match the ideal spectrum for different plant growth stages.
Fluorescent Lighting
T5 and T8 tubes, are popular for their energy efficiency and versatility. They are suitable for seedlings, young plants, and low-light crops.
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting
Metal Halide (MH) and High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) bulbs, are known for their high output and intensity. MH bulbs emit a blue spectrum, ideal for vegetative growth, while HPS bulbs emit a red spectrum, suitable for flowering and fruiting stages.
Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) Lighting
With a combination of MH and HPS technologies, CMH Lights provide a full spectrum of light that closely mimics natural sunlight. They are known for their high efficiency and color rendering capabilities.
Induction Lighting
Known for their long lifespan and low heat emission. They are suitable for areas where maintenance access is limited.
Each lighting category has its advantages and considerations, and the choice depends on factors such as the plant’s growth stage, energy efficiency, cost, and specific requirements of the crop being cultivated.
HVAC
HVAC systems ensure optimal growing conditions for crops – regulating temperature, humidity, and air quality to create a controlled environment. They also facilitate proper air circulation and ventilation, enabling the exchange of gases necessary for photosynthesis.
A turnkey vertical farming system will typically include a built-in HVAC system which simplifies the setup process and ensures efficient environmental control for the specific application.
Purpose-built HVAC systems are designed to handle the requirements of enterprise-scale farm. Beyond the basics, these robust units are tasked with creating and protecting the environment of high-capacity / value growth ventures. Making them unique, is their ability to treat the air as a whole, rather than as separate systems – forcing other components in the system to respond to constantly changing conditions.
GROW MEDIA
Choosing the right grow media is crucial for promoting optimal plant growth and supporting healthy root development in vertical farming. Options such as coco coir, rockwool, perlite, and hydroponic clay pellets serve as stable substrates, allowing plants to anchor their roots and access essential nutrients and water. These media provide excellent drainage, preventing waterlogging and ensuring proper root zone aeration.
By creating an ideal environment for root growth, the chosen grow media facilitates robust nutrient uptake, efficient water absorption, and overall plant vitality. Selecting the appropriate grow media tailored to your specific crop requirements is a vital step in maximizing the success of your vertical farming endeavors.
Resources
September 27, 2023
Cultivatd AgraME Platinum Sponsor
Cultivatd is proud to be Platinum Sponsor of AgraME 2023, Dubai October 9-10 2023
September 12, 2023
VertiFarm 2023 – Cultivatd will be there! BOOTH 4.F46
Cultivatd will be at VertiFarm vertical farming event on 26–28 September 2023, Messe Dortmund, Germany.
September 7, 2023
Cultivatd Partners With Seasony To Accelerate CEA Adoption Of Mobile Robotics Automation.
Cultivatd expands automation options to increase grower yields with reduced labor costs.
May 29, 2023
Large Scale Vertical Farming
The Reality of Large Scale Vertical Farming - OnePointOne Interview
May 8, 2023
Cultivatd is Attending GreenTech Amsterdam 2023
From June 13-15 2023, Cultivatd will be attending the GreenTech Amsterdam conference event at the RAI Amsterdam Convention…
February 24, 2023
Indoor Farming Reports and Webinars
This collection showcases research reports and webinars prepared by Cultivatd team members to educate and inspire indoor…
February 4, 2023
Understanding The Challenges Facing Lettuce Producers [WEBINAR]
Experts identify challenges facing lettuce producers, discuss factors that influence lettuce prices, and recommend solutions…
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