farmbox foods Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Hydroponic Container Farms and Mushroom Farms

Moving Forward: FarmBox Foods Supports Projects Affected by Freight Farms’ Closure

The recent closure of Freight Farms has created a ripple effect across the controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) industry, leaving many projects stalled and uncertain about their future. We’ve heard from people across multiple industries who are looking for help getting their projects back on track.

We understand the challenges this unexpected news has brought to communities, institutions and entrepreneurs who were preparing to implement or expand sustainable farming solutions. We want you to know that you are not alone, that there is a path forward.

As a pioneer and trusted manufacturer of high-quality, controlled-climate container farms, FarmBox Foods is uniquely positioned to step in and help. With several years of experience building advanced container farms and supporting operations around the world, we have the infrastructure, expertise and team in place to get planned projects back up and running in a quick and efficient manner.

Our diverse line of modular, turnkey farms — including hydroponic, mushroom and fodder farms — are designed for resilience, efficiency and adaptability in any location. Whether your project was slated for a school, a resort, a nonprofit, a business park, a zoo, or a remote community, we can help you transition smoothly with a system that meets (and even exceeds) your original goals. We’re committed to maintaining project momentum and avoiding costly delays.

FarmBox Foods offers more than just hardware. We provide comprehensive support, from training and installation to ongoing farm management assistance and remote monitoring. We know firsthand that the success of a container farm depends on more than just technology — it requires reliable support and a shared commitment to growing fresh, local food sustainably. Our team takes that commitment seriously and has since our inception.

If you or your organization were planning to work with Freight Farms and now find yourself seeking an alternative, we encourage you to reach out via our web form or info@farmboxfoods.com. We’ll review your original plans, timelines and objectives, and work alongside you to provide a tailored path forward using FarmBox Foods technology. We aim to make the transition as seamless and productive as possible so you can focus on feeding your community and meeting your mission.

This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of controlled-environment agriculture. While change is never easy, it’s often an opportunity to build something even stronger. We at FarmBox Foods are excited to work with new partners who share our vision for resilient food systems and long-term sustainability. Let’s move forward — together.

Please contact us today to learn how we can support your project and keep your vision alive. The world needs more local food production, not less, and we’re here to help you grow and succeed.

From Our Farm to Your Fork: Explore FarmBox Foods Fresh!

Introducing FarmBox Foods Fresh: Gourmet Mushrooms Grown Locally in Sedalia

FarmBox Foods is thrilled to announce the official launch of FarmBox Foods Fresh, a new subsidiary dedicated to cultivating high-quality, chef-grade gourmet mushrooms right here in Sedalia, Colorado. With weekly harvests and an unwavering commitment to freshness and sustainability, FarmBox Foods Fresh is redefining what it means to eat locally.

From restaurants looking for unique ingredients to food lovers seeking fresh flavors, FarmBox Foods Fresh offers a delicious variety of mushrooms that are grown with care and precision. These gourmet mushrooms are harvested throughout the week and are available for both pick-up and delivery, Monday through Friday.

Now Available: A Flavorful Assortment

Our current June harvest includes a colorful selection of gourmet mushrooms:

Blue Oyster – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)
Black King Trumpets – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)
Lion’s Mane – $12/lb (5-20 lbs), $10/lb (21+ lbs)

Coming Soon

Chestnut – $10/lb (5-10 lbs), $9/lb (11-20 lbs), $8/lb (21+ lbs)
Golden Oyster – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)
King Blue Oyster – $10/lb (5-10 lbs), $9/lb (11+ lbs)
Pink Oyster – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)
King Trumpets – $12/lb (5-10 lbs), $10/lb (11+ lbs)
Snow Oyster – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)

Whether you’re a chef sourcing premium mushrooms for culinary creations or a home cook on the hunt for nutrient-rich, flavorful ingredients, these mushrooms are as versatile as they are visually stunning.

Exciting new varieties are also in the works, with pre-orders now being accepted. Keep an eye on our website for updates as we expand our offerings.

Visit or Contact Us

Located at 5389 Plum Ave, Sedalia, CO 80135, FarmBox Foods Fresh offers convenient pick-up and delivery options to make fresh, local food more accessible. For ordering, questions, or pre-orders, reach out to us:

📧 sedalia@farmboxfoods.com
📞 (303) 285-4076
🌐 farmboxfoodsfresh.com

To learn more about each mushroom’s flavor profile and recommended culinary uses, visit our website and explore how FarmBox Foods Fresh is bringing gourmet fungi to your table — fresh from Sedalia.

What You Need to Know About Mushroom Extracts

It seems that the buzz about mushroom extracts has only gotten louder over the last few years.

It’s not just a passing fad. They’ve gained attention for their potential to support overall wellness, and people are increasingly turning to them as natural supplements. These extracts are typically derived from medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga and turkey tail. They’re usually concentrated into powders, tinctures or capsules, making it easier to incorporate their health-boosting compounds into a daily routine. Extracts often contain higher levels of beta-glucans, triterpenes and other active compounds than raw mushrooms, which is why they’re prized in herbal and functional medicine.

(Shameless plug: FarmBox Foods Fresh will soon be taking orders for freeze-dried mushroom varieties, including lion’s mane.)

Lion’s mane extract is especially well-known for its impact on brain health. It’s been shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that’s critical for the growth and survival of neurons. People use it to improve focus, mental clarity and even mood, and there’s emerging research that supports its potential in slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. It’s a popular ingredient in nootropic blends and is popular among students, professionals and older adults alike.

Reishi, sometimes called the “mushroom of immortality,” is used for its calming effects and immune-boosting power. Traditionally used in Eastern medicine, reishi extract is believed to help reduce stress, improve sleep quality and support immune function through its adaptogenic properties. It’s commonly found in nighttime teas or taken as a daily supplement to help the body cope with long-term physical or emotional stress.

Cordyceps extract stands out for its role in enhancing energy, stamina and athletic performance. It’s often used by athletes and those looking to improve oxygen utilization and reduce fatigue. Studies have shown that cordyceps may help support respiratory function and increase ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, which is the body’s main source of energy at the cellular level. That makes it a popular addition to pre-workout supplements or endurance training regimens. Some of the world’s top athletes have incorporated it into their diets with positive results.

Chaga and turkey tail are both revered for their powerful antioxidant and immune-modulating effects. Chaga, with its high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score, is often taken to fight inflammation and neutralize free radicals. Turkey tail, on the other hand, is especially rich in polysaccharopeptides like PSP and PSK, which have been studied for their ability to enhance immune response and support cancer therapies. Both are frequently used as part of holistic approaches to chronic illness and immune system support.

Overall, mushroom extracts offer a wide range of health benefits that span from brain and immune support to stress reduction and increased energy. Their uses continue to grow as more scientific research backs up centuries of traditional use. Whether you’re brewing them into a tea, mixing them into smoothies or taking them in capsules, these fungi are proving to be versatile allies in modern wellness routines.

Using Tech to Improve Food Access, Reduce Supply Chain Impacts

There are countless ways in which today’s tech can help mitigate long-standing challenges related to food access, food waste and environmental impacts associated with our food supply chain.

Long-distance food supply chains present significant environmental considerations. Transporting food over great distances, especially by air, results in high greenhouse gas emissions, with air freight producing up to ten times more CO₂ than sea or land transport. Additionally, the intensive farming practices needed to meet global demand often strain natural resources such as land, water and energy. While the concept of “food miles” sometimes oversimplifies the environmental impact by focusing only on transportation distance, it remains clear that long-haul shipping contributes substantially to climate change. But in this day and age, innovations in food production make it possible to farm within a few miles of the consumer.

Operational vulnerabilities are another major downside of extended food supply chains. These complex networks are susceptible to disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters or pandemics, which can sever supply links and lead to shortages. The reliance on lean inventory systems and limited refrigeration capacity further exacerbates these risks during crises. Moreover, the complexity of multi-tier supply chains makes traceability difficult, delaying responses to contamination or safety issues and increasing the risk to consumers.

Food quality and safety also suffer in long-distance supply chains. Extended transit times and inconsistent temperature control increase the likelihood of microbial contamination, such as Salmonella or E. coli outbreaks. Perishable goods, even when refrigerated, often experience a decline in freshness and nutritional value during prolonged transport, which can reduce consumer satisfaction and increase food waste.

Economic and social challenges arise from the dominance of large retailers in global supply chains. These powerful entities often prioritize cost reduction over sustainability, creating power imbalances that disadvantage smaller suppliers. These long supply chains also tend to obscure unethical practices, including forced labor or poor working conditions in upstream production stages. The pressure to standardize products for global markets also diminishes regional food diversity and undermines traditional artisanal food practices.

That being said, implementing sustainability measures within long-distance food supply chains presents some barriers. Smallholder farmers and lower-tier suppliers often lack the resources, knowledge or incentives to adopt eco-friendly practices such as crop rotation or composting. Infrastructure gaps and limited coordinated investment in sustainable technologies further hinder progress. These challenges highlight the difficulty of balancing the benefits of global food access with the need for resilient, ethical and environmentally responsible supply networks.

Ops Support Manager Named One of Colorado’s Leaders in Ag

Nick Brooks, operations support manager for FarmBox Foods, was named by the Denver Business Journal as one of the 20 leaders in agriculture for the whole state of Colorado. He was honored at a ceremony on March 20 at CSU-Spur.

Nick joined us as an intern in mid-2022 while he was still studying agricultural business at Colorado State University. He’s become a valuable part of our team, running farms on our campus in Sedalia, Colo., and training customers on how to grow successfully in our FarmBoxes. Congratulations, Nick! This is a well-deserved recognition!

We also want to mention that another member of FarmBox Foods’ extended family, Don Richards, was announced as one of the honorees this year, too. Don is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet and, as an active member of the local farm bureau, he advocates for farms and farmers of all types. We’re immensely grateful to have his unwavering support. Congratulations, Don!

Food Security and Clean Energy Meet at UN Climate Week

FarmBox Foods LLC and New Alternative Green Energy, Inc. (New A.G.E.) announced the signing of a partnership that will provide food security to underserved communities and support initiatives related to clean energy and environmental stewardship.

FarmBox Foods is a Colorado-based manufacturer of tech-driven, controlled-climate farms housed in shipping containers, and New A.G.E. is a veteran-owned technology company with a portfolio of patented solutions aimed at improving global quality of life.

The containerized farms will be used to produce approximately 100 million servings of nutrient-dense food for people and animals over the duration of the partnership in 450 strategic locations throughout the world. Representatives from both FarmBox Foods and New A.G.E. are attending Climate Week NYC, the largest annual climate event of its kind, from Sept. 22-29, to discuss the companies’ missions and how they fit into larger sustainability goals.

FarmBox Foods brings its agricultural technology to food deserts throughout the world, empowering individual communities to grow their own nutritious food, eliminating supply chain issues and weather-related disruptions, and reducing emissions and other impacts associated with farming and food transport. FarmBox Foods will participate in extended collaborations with other sustainability-oriented companies in New A.G.E.’s portfolio.

Rusty Walker, CEO of FarmBox Foods

“This is disruptive technology that has the ability to change the status quo for the better,” said Rusty Walker, CEO of FarmBox Foods. “We’re eager to work alongside New A.G.E. to collectively make a difference in the world.”

New A.G.E. is launching large-scale hydrogen infrastructure projects focused on making clean energy more accessible.

New A.G.E. leads the way in sustainable solutions with its diverse portfolio, encompassing
on-site hydrogen production, innovative fueling stations, advanced vehicle hydrolysis units to increase fuel efficiencies while reducing emissions, next generation solar technology integration, and water purification technologies. This comprehensive approach addresses environmental challenges across transportation, energy production, and agriculture, fostering a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

Michael C. Wilson, Jr., founder and Chairman of New Alternative Green Energy

“We are always working to change the way that things have always been done if there is a better way to do it”, said Michael C. Wilson, Jr., founder and Chairman of New Alternative Green Energy. “We are excited to work with FarmBox Foods to bring sustainable agriculture and energy together to work towards our mission, the Restoration of Creation, and to change the world.”

New A.G.E. also plans to create farm-to-table communities, also called agrihoods, in record numbers as part of broader economic development initiatives. The mixed-use villages offer residential living with a farm-to-table focus for families seeking a lifestyle centered around simplicity and sustainability.

About New A.G.E

New A.G.E. is a veteran-owned, mission-driven technology company with a portfolio of patented solutions aimed at improving global quality of life. The company’s core focus is on developing clean energy infrastructure, specifically that which makes hydrogen power more accessible, and to reduce the overall environmental impact of the existing infrastructure through its use of Vehicle Hydrolysis Units.

About FarmBox Foods

FarmBox Foods is a Colorado-based manufacturer of controlled-climate container farms that provide communities with the ability to sustainably grow healthy food year-round, anywhere in the world. The privately funded company brings food security and decentralized food production to areas in need through agricultural technology in the form of a Vertical Hydroponic Farm (VHF), Gourmet Mushroom Farm (GMF) and Hydroponic Fodder Farm (HFF). The high-yield, low-carbon-footprint container farms offer an alternative to traditional outdoor agriculture, which is subject to disruption from inclement weather, drought, conflict and more. The cutting-edge farm designs promote easy operation and maintenance while reducing the risk of food-borne illnesses.

Tech Advancements Reshaping What Farming Looks Like

Technological advancements in farming have dramatically transformed the way we grow and manage crops. Precision agriculture, which uses GPS, sensors, and data analytics, allows traditional farmers to monitor soil conditions, water usage, and crop health in real-time. This technology helps optimize resource use, reduce waste, and increase yields. When applying inputs like water and fertilizers more precisely, farmers can achieve better results with less environmental impact.

Automation is another significant breakthrough in modern farming. Robotics and AI-driven machinery are increasingly used for tasks such as planting, weeding, and harvesting. These technologies reduce labor costs and improve efficiency, especially in large-scale operations. Drones are also becoming more common, helping farmers survey their fields from above, monitor crop growth, and even apply treatments like pesticides more accurately.

Vertical farming, a method of growing crops in stacked layers, has gained popularity as a space-efficient and environmentally friendly solution. This approach uses less water, eliminates the need for soil, and allows for year-round production regardless of weather conditions. By controlling the environment, vertical farms can produce consistent and high-quality yields with fewer resources compared to traditional farming.

Container-based farms, a specific type of vertical farming, are an exciting innovation and have been developed in part by FarmBox Foods. These farms repurpose shipping containers into self-contained, climate-controlled growing environments. Equipped with advanced hydroponic or aeroponic systems, they enable food production in urban areas or places with limited agricultural space. Container farms are highly efficient, using up to 90% less water than traditional methods and often running on renewable energy.

Tech advancements like precision agriculture, automation, vertical farming and container-based farms are revolutionizing the farming industry. They make it possible to grow more food with fewer resources, reduce environmental impact, and bring fresh produce closer to consumers, even in urban settings. These innovations are not just enhancing productivity but also paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

Jason Brown Named Colorado Leader in Ag

We’re incredibly proud to announce that Jason Brown, our VP of Operations, is one of 22 people in the entire state of Colorado to be named as a Leader in Agriculture by the Denver Business Journal. Jason was employee No. 1 at FarmBox and he designed and built our very first container farm from scratch.

A general contractor by trade, Jason has dived into his leadership role and oversees the deployment of all of our farms, among many other responsibilities. We’re fortunate to have a hardworking, forward-thinking person like Jason on our team, and we appreciate all that he’s contributed to our company and the world.

Jason was honored alongside the other 21 recipients during a ceremony on March 28, 2024, at the CSU Spur Hydro Building.

The Growing Popularity of Gourmet Mushrooms Explained

Gourmet mushrooms have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, and there are many factors at play to explain this growing fungi phenomenon.

There is increasing awareness and appreciation for diverse and unique culinary experiences, with gourmet mushrooms offering a distinctive flavor profile and texture to each dish. The burgeoning interest in plant-based diets has led individuals to explore alternative protein sources, and gourmet mushrooms serve as a nutritious and savory option, especially for vegan consumers.

The rise of sustainable and local food movements has encouraged the cultivation of gourmet mushrooms, which can be grown efficiently in controlled environments using organic materials, such as hardwood pellets and soy bean hulls. This aligns with the growing consumer preference for environmentally conscious and ethically sourced foods. Essentially, more and more people want to know where their food comes from, and how its grown.

The versatility of gourmet mushrooms in various cuisines, coupled with their potential health benefits, has contributed to their popularity. Mushrooms are known for their umami taste, and chefs and home cooks alike appreciate their ability to enhance the overall flavor of a dish. Lion’s mane is used in crab cakes, and is being prepared in a variety of forward-thinking ways by chefs who like to branch outside the proverbial box (lion’s mane filet mignon, anyone?). Oysters also find their way into a plethora of culinary concoctions, like risotto, stroganoff, curries, soups and stews.

And there are many other options, such as enoki, turkey tail, reishi, cordyceps, king trumpets, chestnuts and more.

The accessibility of information and resources for cultivating gourmet mushrooms has increased, empowering individuals to try growing them at home or in commercial-scale, start-to-finish cultivation containers, Like FarmBox Foods’ Gourmet Mushroom Farm. This DIY approach has fostered a sense of connection to food production and a desire for fresh, locally sourced ingredients among consumers, as well as those in the back of the house of farm-to-table restaurants.

In short, the popularity of gourmet mushrooms has increased worldwide due to their unique culinary attributes, alignment with dietary trends, sustainability aspects, versatility in cooking, and the growing interest in the cultivation of healthy foods.

Did you know…?

-China is the world’s leading producer of mushrooms

-Fungi mycelium acts as a neutral network in the forest, connecting and benefitting flora in the vicinity.

-Mushroom cultivation and identification have experienced a big jump in public interest since the release of Paul Stamets’ documentary, “Fantastic Fungi,” in October 2019.

Feeding Your Animals With Hydroponic Fodder

Hydroponic fodder is more digestible than traditional alfalfa and contains essential vitamins and minerals, making it a valuable source of nutrition for livestock.

Feeding livestock with hydroponic fodder — or sprouted grains grown in a soilless, nutrient-rich water environment — can offer several benefits to farmers and ranchers across the globe.

Hydroponic fodder is known for its high nutritional content. It’s often more digestible and contains essential vitamins and minerals, making it a valuable source of nutrition for livestock. Having year-round access to this dietary supplement is crucial, and when you’re growing in a controlled environment, it can be grown year-round, regardless of weather conditions. This ensures a consistent and reliable source of feed, reducing the risk of feed shortages during adverse weather or seasonal fluctuations. It also shields farmers and ranchers from spikes in feed prices.

And consider this: hydroponic systems use significantly less water compared to traditional field crops. The controlled environment allows for precise water management, making it an eco-friendly option, especially in drought-stricken regions with water scarcity concerns. A Hydroponic Fodder Farm made by FarmBox Foods uses around 1 percent of the water needed for a traditional grow with the same annual yield (30-35 acres).

It’s also worth noting that containerized hydroponic fodder systems require far less land than traditional forage crops. This is advantageous in areas where land is limited or expensive.

Hydroponically grown fodder typically grows faster than traditional crops. A fodder FarmBox supports the growth of most cereal grains, but we recommend using barley grain because of its nutritional value and quick growth cycle. This rapid growth can help maintain a consistent supply of feed for livestock, around 850 pounds per day.

Hydroponic systems are also less susceptible to pests and diseases that can affect soil-grown crops. This often results in healthier fodder for your livestock.

While the initial investment in hydroponic fodder systems can be high, the long-term operational costs may be lower due to reduced water usage, improved feed conversion rates and onsite growing that reduces or eliminates the need for outside sources. Over time, this leads to cost savings.

Hydroponic fodder is often more easily digestible by livestock, leading to better feed conversion ratios. This means that animals can convert the feed into weight or milk more efficiently. And because hydroponic fodder is more digestible, the animals emit less methane, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions for larger operations.

The nutritional content of hydroponic fodder can contribute to better overall health and production in livestock, potentially reducing the need for supplements or veterinary interventions. Ingestion of fodder also reduces the likelihood of colic and laminitis.

Environmental sustainability should also be part of the discussion. Hydroponic fodder systems are designed with sustainability in mind, minimizing soil erosion, pesticide usage, and water wastage, which benefits the environment.

Specific livestock dietary needs should be considered before implementing hydroponic fodder as a primary feed source. FarmBox has a full breakdown of nutritional content, dry matter ratios and more so you can have an informed conversation with your veterinarian or livestock nutritionist.