Stay ConnectedThinking Outside The Soil is the next evolution of a podcast with more than 160 episodes behind it. It began as a broader exploration of hydroponics and agriculture.
Now, the show narrows into a focused format on the real-world operators using hydroponic fodder for horses and chickens. Expect straight talk on outcomes, constraints, economics, and implementation.
New episodes drop every Tuesday for horses and every Friday for chickens.
Today I talk about birds that eat hydroponic fodder. These would be our winged friends like chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other game birds. It seems if it flies, it loves hydroponic fodder. Though birds prefer certain crops, poultry performs well when eating fresh, green hydroponic fodder.
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If you want to learn more about how hydroponic fodder helps farmers save water, improve livestock quality, and become better stewards, check out thinkingoutsidethesoil.com
I am running a special offer so you can get a copy of your book. I bought a bunch, and all I ask is you take care of S&H. Way better deal than you can find online or at a book store, so don't miss out on the next agricultural revolution.
Today's episode is about the ABCD'S of Hydroponic Fodder. This is a term I coined that nods to the Merchants of Grain and our kindergarten caroling.
Many field crops or weeds that farmers use to feed livestock are candidates for hydroponic fodder. But some crops do better than others. Seed selection is important to produce the highest quality fodder and manage your farm.
This episode introduces the seven crops that will be a major part of this show - alfalfa, barley, corn, cowpea, clover, duckweed, and sunflower.
These seven major crops are used in field cultivation and are commonly used for animal feedstuffs. Based on the published data, we will discuss the availability, yield, water use efficiency, and nutritional value of hydroponic fodder versus field forage. So, what should you grow for your animals?
Well, you grow what you already know and buy for your animals. That could be the forage seed you plant and pasture. Or it could be the hayseed or grain you harvest. Seed selection will largely depend on the animals you raise.
Check out more in our following episodes but if you can't wait, get a copy of the book and jump into chapter 4!
If you want to learn more about how hydroponic fodder helps farmers save water, improve livestock quality, and become better stewards, check out thinkingoutsidethesoil.com. I am running a special offer so you can get the book. I bought a bunch, and all I ask is you take care of S&H. This is a way better deal than you can find online or at a bookstore, so don't miss out on the next agricultural revolution!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com
Happy Monday from the farm!
Today is December 26th, 2022. And I hope you all had a wonderful holiday yesterday.
Welcome to Thinking Outside The Soil. Where we talk about the farmers and ranchers that use hydroponic practices to grow the crops and creatures we need to eat.
I am your Host, Sean Short, and thank you for being with me on this beautiful morning!
Today touches on thinking about agriculture differently.
Agriculture is the cultivation and production of food, fuel, fiber, and other goods through land, labor, and capital. It is an important sector of the economy that provides the world with the necessary resources to sustain human life.
When thinking differently, it is not necessarily a matter of replacing the 12,000-year-old model of agriculture, as this model has evolved and adapted over time to meet the needs of different societies and cultures. We can work towards a more sustainable and equitable food system by considering different approaches to agriculture.
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If you want to learn more about how hydroponic fodder helps farmers save water, improve livestock quality, and become better stewards, check out thinkingoutsidethesoil.com
Western SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) is a program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that aims to advance sustainable agriculture in the western United States. The program aims to promote adopting sustainable agriculture practices that are economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially responsible. Western SARE funds projects in the following areas:
If you want to learn more about how hydroponic fodder helps farmers save water, improve livestock quality, and become better stewards, check out thinkingoutsidethesoil.com
Thank you for joining me on another episode, and have a Merry Christmas!
An introduction to hydroponic fodder
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com
Good morning, Good morning, and Happy Monday from the farm!
Today is December 19th, 2022
Welcome to Thinking Outside The Soil. Where we talk about the farmers and ranchers that use hydroponic practices to grow the crops and creatures we need to eat.
I am your Host, Sean Short
Today I am going to talk about The USDA.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an executive department of the federal government. They are responsible for developing and executing federal policies related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food. The department was created in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
The USDA's mission is to "provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management."
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The USDA supports the research and development of hydroponic systems through its National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). NIFA sponsors research projects and grants that aim to improve the efficiency and sustainability of hydroponic systems. They also explore the potential for using hydroponics to address food security and environmental challenges.
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If you want to learn more about the USDA, visit USDA.gov. And to learn more about how hydroponic fodder helps farmers save water, improve livestock quality, and become better stewards, check out https://thinkingoutsidethesoil.com
Thank you again, and have a lovely day!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com
Sustainable Agriculture and Hydroponics
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com
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