The best method of barn cleaning in different countries

In the Netherlands, farmers are bound by countless laws and regulations that do not make doing business any easier. But as soon as you cross the border, it’s very different. Farmers abroad often do not have to meet such strict requirements. How are things done in the barns and sheds in Scandinavia, Switzerland or the Baltic States, for example? And what is the best method of barn cleaning there? We explain more in this blog.

Best method of barn cleaning

JOZ is internationally active in the field of barn cleaning. From Japan to the USA, but also in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the Baltic States. In most countries and regions, there are far fewer legal requirements when it comes to keeping barn walkways clean.

When making investments, larger barns are generally more likely than smaller barns to purchase manure-scrapinginstallations or manure robots. These systems not only offer greater convenience but the farmers who invest in them know that good hygiene in their barns is important for the maintenance of their business.

By keeping the manure alleys clean with a manure scraper or manure robot, farmers keep their cows healthy and offer them greater comfort. Moreover, healthy cows produce more and better-quality milk.

Emission reduction and subsidies

In the Netherlands, we started using low-emission manure 30 years ago. Other countries are gradually looking into this, but it usually takes a long time for national regulations to be applied. In some countries, farmers do receive subsidies from the government. In Switzerland, for example. There, certain regions intend to keep the smaller farms with an average of around 20 cows per farm.

Subsidies can also make it easier for smaller farms to purchase equipment such as manure scrapers and manure robots.

Emission reduction and subsidies

In the Netherlands, we started using low-emission manure 30 years ago. Other countries are gradually looking into this, but it usually takes a long time for national regulations to be applied. In some countries, farmers do receive subsidies from the government. In Switzerland, for example. There, certain regions intend to keep the smaller farms with an average of around 20 cows per farm.

Subsidies can also make it easier for smaller farms to purchase equipment such as manure scrapers and manure robots.

Whether or not to invest

In a country like Denmark, it is not always easy to invest in an automatic manure scraper system to keep your barns clean. Firstly, because dairy farming there went into a deep financial crisis 7 to 8 years ago.  Because of this, some banks even now prohibit entering into a lease contract for the purchase of a manure robot, for example.

Secondly, farmers in Denmark barely receive any subsidies. In the last round of subsidies, for example, only dairy farms with 1500 cows or more received subsidies. And, of course, the smaller and medium-sized farms in that country were anything but happy about that. In conclusion, it is very difficult for farmers in Denmark to make investments at present.

The situation in the Baltic States is also difficult. If there are no European subsidies, farmers barely invest there. Only the larger dairy farms in these countries have prospects for the future. Per country, we are talking about 700 to 900 dairy farms that will continue to invest.

In Finland, on the other hand, farmers are increasingly focusing on the quality of their barns and systems. What then is the best method of barn cleaning in this country? One thing is certain, when farmers purchase a manure scraper or manure robot, they often choose the most comprehensive option. They are willing to invest in good equipment, because they know it will pay for itself over time.

Which system is the best choice?

In general, just as for Dutch barns, farmers base their choice for a manure scraper or manure robot on various factors. It depends on the type and number of animals, for example, the type of floor, the litter used and the size of the barns. If farmers have slatted floors, a manure robot is a good solution in many cases. If they have concrete walkways, a manure scraper is usually the best option.

Taking everything into consideration, the best method of barn cleaning  in different countries, as well as in the Netherlands, depends on various factors. And so, from an international point of view, when it comes to the use of the different manure scrapers and manure robots, farming businesses are quite similar.

More info?

Because the best choice of manure system depends on many different factors, we always recommend that you take good advice. Would you like to know the best method of barn cleaning for your barn? Contact a dealer near you.