A fodder growing apparatus includes an insulated housing having a draining floor, a door-closable open face, and a plurality of vertically-spaced platforms being supported in a position inclined downward between 3° and about 6°. The apparatus further includes pass-through irrigation system including spray nozzles supported over each of the platforms and supplied with water. An illumination system of the apparatus includes an LED equipped lighting assembly supported over each of the platforms. A ventilation system of the apparatus includes forced ventilation means. The apparatus further includes a programmable controller selected to deliver a time-variant program of at least irrigation and lighting, and temperature control means controlling the temperature within the housing.