A method 100 of producing livestock feed using a hydroponics apparatus comprises the steps: (i) using an experimental arrangement 102 to measure plant growth characteristics of seeds grown in the hydroponics apparatus as a function of physical parameters that influence the measured plant growth characteristics, wherein a harvesting arrangement is employed for receiving a plant growth material and processing the plant growth material to generate the corresponding livestock feed; (ii) generating a mathematical model 104 based upon the measured plant growth characteristics; and (iii) applying the mathematical model in a data processing arrangement 106 for controlling input resources into the hydroponics apparatus when growing seeds therein. Also disclosed is a system for operating the method. The advantage is a highly efficient technology for producing feed for livestock which is higher in fibre and more nutritious than conventionally grown crops.
