Decrease text Increase text

RDP project database

Standard Cattle House Project

Summary

The Standard Cattle House Project is a national, three-year development project funded by the EU and the Finnish government which focuses on the planning, structuring, and the construction process of building cattle housing.

Background

The Standard Cattle House Project responds to the needs of milk-producers for ready-to-use basic planning solutions that have been tested and proved to be successful.

Objective

The project aims at lowering the costs of building cattle houses through standardised structures and methods. This requires established practices in the construction process and clear and coherent rules for site management and supervision. Other factors include the cattle house remaining functional throughout its life cycle, occupational health and safety during construction, animal welfare, fire-safety, and environmental issues to be taken into consideration.

Main activities

The project is carried by a team of specialists; and monitored by a steering group of 15 people nominated by the funding provider. Four or five construction projects will be selected as pilot sites - to refine the new solutions and models. A farm can qualify as a pilot site if it consists of a detached new building and a cowshed that can be expanded. The milking system used is not relevant. Four pilot sites have already been selected: two will be handled in 2012 and another two in 2013.

Results & Benefits

The project will provide planners with standard solutions. Providers of cattle house structures will be available, and builders of cattle houses can place orders for standard parts or even entire units. As a result, the construction of a cattle house will become more controlled as a process with standarised technical solutions and with a budget that keeps construction costs under control.

Lessons learnt

Cooperation with the industry should start as soon as construction plans begin to be formed. The planning group is constantly developing models designed to improve the construction process. Involving professionals in the planning process has lowered the investment and construction costs.

Project location and other information

Finland

RDP Territory

Mainland

Total project cost (€)

525 000

EAFRD contribution (€)

236 625

National contribution (€)

288 375

Contact name

Ari Roininen

Telephone

+358 40 7044 844

Languages for contact

English, Finnish, Swedish

At a glance

Country

Finland

Final beneficiary type

Individual farmers

Budget range

> €500 000

Start date:

01/01/2011

End Date:

31/12/2013

Theme / Measure:

• Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
• Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
• 125. Infrastructure related to the development and adaptation of agriculture and forestry

Keywords:

Animal welfare, Housing, Cattle, Livestock husbandry, Farm buildings

Last update

14/03/2014