The unit, when in full production, has the capacity to produce approximately 1 tonne of green feed per day. The dry mix nutrient formulation is purchased directly from the unit's manufacturer. The water supply on the farm is two bores - there is no running water source. The irrigation cycle is usually about one minute every three hours, though the frequency can be increased in summer if required. To maintain consistent production, the house is kept at a temperature of around 21oC, via a climate control unit which activates the heating and cooling as required.
Heating is provided by a single gas heater, fed by a couple of gas bottles outside the shed.
For summer cooling there is an evaporative cooler at one end of the shed, and two exhaust fans at the opposite end - the fans draw the cool air through the building. Costings Fodder Factory was no small investment. But the Sheans believe that in the long term, it compares favourably with other drought strategies and will help to give their stud cattle a competitive edge. Ongoing running costs include such things as nutrient, electricity, gas and seed - these vary somewhat with the number of cattle being fed. For this reason, they now wean their calves straight onto the green fodder.