Forever Feed Technologies Secures Strategic Investment from JR Automation Valued at Over $4,000,000
The investment in Forever Feed Technologies by JR Automation, a subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., will be used to deploy multiple indoor animal feed growing systems in drought prone regions, significantly reducing on-farm water use.
HANFORD, Calif., HOLLAND, Mich., SEP 22, 2025/PRNewswire/ -- Forever Feed Technologies (FFT) today announced that JR Automation (JRA), has made a strategic investment valued at over $4,000,000 to deploy eight indoor FFT Grow Systems™, with core components ordered in Q4/2025. Each FFT Grow System, will produce up to 50 tons of ForeverFeed™ sprouted grain per day using 95% less water than field grown alfalfa. FFT integrated its proprietary indoor growing protocols with JRA’s automation and digital technology expertise to design and build a patented, large-scale growing system capable of feeding more than 2,500 dairy or beef animals.
Forever Feed Technologies contracted with JR Automation, a global leader in advanced automation, to complete the first FFT Grow System™ in October 2024 at the FFT Innovation Center on the River Ranch Dairy in Hanford, California. This combined effort produced the world’s best commercial-scale indoor growing system for animal feed. Multiple FFT Grow Systems will soon be deployed on large dairies and beef operations to give producers added security and resilience from any disruption to feed supplies or market conditions. The FFT Grow System will also help farmers meet the industry’s long-term sustainability goals.
“The FFT Grow System is cutting-edge AG technology,” commented Jack de Jong, CEO of Forever Feed and owner of River Ranch Farms. “We’ve been adding ForeverFeed sprouted grain to the diet of our study group of dairy cows for nearly a year and are seeing greater “feed-efficiency”, meaning they are eating less feed but still producing the same or even more milk. We believe our technology will give dairy and beef operators the ability to improve production, reduce water and climate challenges, and meet the growing demand for sustainably produced high-quality animal feed.”
“This investment reflects Hitachi’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation,” noted Dave DeGraaf, CEO of JR Automation and General Manager of Hitachi’s Automation Division. “By partnering with Forever Feed Technologies, we’re helping preserve vital natural resources like water and land while advancing scalable solutions for the future of agriculture. I have full confidence in the Forever Feed leadership team and their ability to deliver meaningful impact through this groundbreaking technology.”
In many regions, one FFT Grow System replaces up to 700 acres of field grown feed, in addition to reducing transportation, fuel costs, and emissions. More benefits can be found at Foreverfeed.com.
©2025 Forever Feed Technologies
ABOUT FOREVER FEED TECHNOLOGIES
Forever Feed Technologies is the leading producer of automated indoor feed growing systems for large commercial scale animal agriculture operations; providing profitable, dependable, and intelligent technologies that produces high-quality feed year-round using a small fraction of the water, land, and fossil fuel needed for traditional farming. Founded and funded by farmers, Forever Feed signifies a profound leap towards reducing seasonal risks and enabling operators to grow their farms while also working towards achieving sustainable agriculture practices. One FFT Grow System™ can produce up to 50 tons of fresh ForeverFeed™ sprouted grain per day. The company has operations in both Hanford, California and American Fork, Utah.
ABOUT JR AUTOMATION
JR Automation is a global leader in integrated manufacturing solutions, enabling digital transformation across industries. With over 45 years of innovation and engineering excellence, we design and deliver scalable automation systems that drive productivity, efficiency, and long-term value for our customers. As part of the Hitachi Group of Companies, we leverage advanced technologies and a global network of ~2,000 team members across 21 facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. Our proven track record of solving complex manufacturing challenges positions us for continued growth in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. Visit us at jrautomation.com.
The investment in Forever Feed Technologies by JR Automation, a subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., will be used to deploy multiple indoor animal feed growing systems in drought prone regions, significantly reducing on -farm water use. The first FFT Grow System™ at River Ranch Dairy, Hanford, California began operating the world’s first commercial scale indoor grow system in October 2024 to grow dairy and cattle feed on less than 95% of the water needed for field grown alfalfa. Construction of full-scale FFT Grow Systems will begin as early as 2025 and grow more than 50 tons of ForeverFeed™ sprouted grain daily, capable of supplementing the total feed ration of over 2,500 dairy cows.
