A method and system for breeding insects, using a plurality of individual crates, wherein at least a portion of each crate is filled with a substrate, containing feed stock, and immature phases of insects. Also provided is a climate area housing the crates that has an aeration system. A conveyor system is included in the system for retrieving crates from the climate area and for returning same thereto. An observation system for obtaining observations, including data and measurements, and downstream thereof a feedstock supply station are arranged along the conveyor system. The method includes steps of aerating the substrate and the immature phases of insects with the aeration system, when in the climate area； periodically retrieving at least one individual crate of the plurality of crates by the conveyor system from the climate area and passing it to the observation system； obtaining an observation of the substrate and the immature phases of insects in the at least one retrieved crate； and interpreting the observation of a retrieved individual crate and determining one of a requirement for adding an amount of supplementary feed stock, and a reason to withdraw the insects from further breeding for harvesting or discarding from further breeding. The method and system are further arranged for returning the retrieved individual crate to the climate area via the feedstock supply station, when a required amount of supplementary feedstock has been determined, and transferring the retrieved individual crate to one of an area for harvesting and an area for discarding, when a reason for withdrawal has been determined. The steps of the method are repeated for as long as at least one of the plurality of crates remains in the climate area.
