In one example, a foddering machine is provided that includes a number of seeding trays and a transport system engaged with the seeding trays and operable to move the seeding trays between a variety of vertical and horizontal positions. The transport system includes two or more sheaves, a transport sprocket, a transport chain configured to engage the sheaves and transport sprocket, and motor coupled directly, or indirectly, to the transport chain. As well, a watering system dispenses water into the seeding trays, and a lighting system provides light to contents of the seeding trays. The seeding trays are filled by way of a hopper positioned to dispense seed into successive seeding trays. Finally, an automatic control system is coupled to the transport system, watering system, lighting system and hopper, and operates to automatically control the operation of the transport system, watering system, lighting system and hopper.
