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
Project website
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