In the fields south of the Colorado River, in Río Negro, drought, snow, and fires force a rethink of production to ensure animals survive in extreme conditions. This scenario, common in large areas of Patagonia, was the starting point for Juan Andrés Balogh, a producer at Idevi in Valle Inferior and a graduate in Foreign Trade, to find an innovative solution in hydroponic green fodder.
Hydroponic fodder: fresh food all year round
Hydroponic green fodder offers fresh and nutritious food 365 days a year, even on minimal surfaces and with very little water. In fields ravaged by fires or covered in snow, having a daily ration of fresh grass is almost like finding water in the desert.
Balogh began experimenting with this system in 2021 when a drought forced him to sell much of his production. With just four daily trays of fresh grass and the little forage available on the farm, he managed to keep his business afloat.
From crisis to technological innovation
The Covid-19 pandemic had led him to close a home alarm business and reinvent himself on the family farm. The subsequent drought pushed him to seek alternatives, and hydroponic fodder became his lifeline.
Over time, Balogh incorporated technology and robotics into the fodder module, increasing its efficiency and ensuring year-round production. When energy subsidies were reduced, he found another solution: he designed a proprietary substrate made from beer bagasse, which he already used to feed pigs. This patented product demonstrated great moisture retention and resistance to extreme temperatures.
Recognition and institutional support
The venture gained recognition in 2023 by winning the Banco Patagonia contest in Río Negro. In 2025, Balogh represented the province in Argentine Ventures, where he reached the finals as a standout semifinalist.
The Ministry of Economic and Productive Development of Río Negro, through its Agriculture area, supported the project’s growth with two key financings, promoting its expansion and sustainability.
Efficient and adaptable production
The hydroponic fodder system differs from hydroponic vegetable cultivation:
- Produces between 30 and 45 kilos daily of tender, protein-rich pasture.
- Requires just 200 liters of water weekly.
- Operates in extreme conditions, from -22 °C to over 40 °C.
This stability makes it a strategic tool for areas affected by climate, where the loss of animals can mean years of wasted effort. Additionally, it replaces part of the traditional roll, which tends to be costly and of low quality in dry years.
International projection
The initiative already promises to transcend borders. A Brazilian producer with livestock in Saudi Arabia is negotiating to implement this system in his fields in Southwest Asia, bringing a module from Viedma.
Juan Andrés Balogh’s venture demonstrates how innovation and resilience can transform livestock production in Patagonia. Hydroponic fodder not only guarantees fresh and nutritious food in extreme conditions but also opens the door to a more sustainable, efficient, and exportable model.
