Hi-tech 'super cells' that cut conventional farming costs by up to 700% unveiled at AGRA Middle East exhibition - "high speed, low cost, controlled farming is ideal for region's arid climate," says expert
A space age system set to revolutionise the production of animal feed worldwide - particularly in regions with arid climates, was launched today at AGRA Middle East the region's leading agricultural industry exhibition.
The Almighty Fodder system developed in Australia is similar to the technology used on space stations and proposed for future manned colonies on the Moon and Mars to produce food. The system can produce low cost, lush and nutritious fresh fodder for over 100 cattle or other grazing animals such as camels every day after only seven days.
Kevin Murphy, Director of Almighty Fodder, claimed, "It costs over US$ 320 per day to feed 100 head of cattle but less than US$ 50 per day using our technology. Considering that it takes over 400 days to bring cattle to market size, that's a substantial saving up to 700%."
Farmers in Australia are already feeling the benefit, according to Murphy, "Farmers who previously used traditional methods are making savings of up to US$ 6,000 per month per 100 head of cattle when leasing the Almighty Fodder module."
"Modern technologies, equipment and expertise which are being showcased at AGRAme are crucial in helping the region develop its agriculture sector and overcome climate, limited water resources and poor soil conditions to build indigenous production," commented Jim Meltz, Exhibition Manager, AGRA Middle East.
The process:
The system which fits in a 12 metre shipping container is operated by loading 1.5 kilos of barley seed to each of 600 trays. Water tanks which are housed outside of the container are filled and nutrient added. A timer is fitted and vapourised water is dispensed directly onto the seed, reducing any potential wastage.
To cut down on energy consumption, the container is kept at a constant temperature, if the temperature increases, a thermostat trips the air conditioning and cool air is passed through the container until the temperatures drops to the optimal level. The process continues for six days until all trays are loaded and growing.
At just seven days, the farmer can remove 800 kilos of high protein feed for his animals from the tray rotation, enough for more than 100 head of cattle with all the nutrition they require, at a considerably lower cost than traditional animal feed methods. The fully grown trays that are fed to the cattle are simply replaced by new trays of seed, providing a constant supply of fodder, 365 days a year, irrespective of the environment or weather outside.
The process of germinating grain for fodder provides a continuous supply any season of the year. The market potential for this technology in a region such as the Middle East where the growing of pasture is almost impossible is potentially enormous. Even condensation from air conditioning units is returned to the system for further use.
Environmentally Friendly:
"Another benefit that our module provides is the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Cattle are responsible for over 20% of worldwide greenhouse gasses. Using our nutrients methane emissions from the cattle are reduced by 30% to 60%. If all of the world's cattle were fed using our module we could cut greenhouse gas emissions globally by a minimum of 7%," added Murphy.
In addition, using conventional methods it takes 26 weeks, before a farmer can harvest a crop suitable for fodder. A further two cuts could be taken within the first year. Typically to produce a tonne of fodder, half an acre of land would need to be cultivated and it would consume 80,000 litres of water. "Compare that with our module which uses just 1,200 litres of water to produce the same amount and our containers can even be partially run on solar energy," stated Murphy.
This would be encouraging news for GGC governments after recent reports suggested that Saudi Arabia was cutting wheat production due to the amount of precious water Saudi farmers were using to cultivate the crop, preferring to import instead.
Organic & Halal approved:
The Almighty Fodder system also accommodates organically certified seed supplies and complies with the Organic certification issued by the Biological Farmers of Australia. The system can also produce all of the requirements in breeding and growing Halal meat.
-Ends-
About AGRA Middle East:
The event which is taking place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre until Thursday 10 April 2008, is four closely linked exhibitions under one roof showcasing the latest advances in agriculture and irrigation; animal husbandry and poultry farming; floriculture and horticulture; plus fisheries and aquaculture. This year's event features over 150 exhibitors from more than 30 different countries, a 60% year-on-year increase.
Platinum sponsors of AGRAme are Cairo Three A, a group of integrated companies in the supply of agricultural commodities across the Middle East North Africa including trading and charging/discharging services, storage facilities, transportation and distribution.
For media enquiries please contact:
Steven Jones
Director
Shamal Marketing Communications
PO Box 24459
Dubai
UAE
Tel: + 971 50 455 9769
Email: steven@theshamalgroup.com
Website: www.smc-pr.com
© Press Release 2008
