Designing for cow comfort and profitability – our approach at Hamra Farm
What works on our farm could work on yours too
Real cows, real work, real results. At Hamra Farm – DeLaval’s own commercial farm in Tumba, Sweden – farming isn’t staged; it’s lived every day, just like on your farm. As one of Sweden’s most productive dairy farms, we face the same realities you do: herd‑health challenges, pressure to improve efficiency, and the responsibility of keeping cows comfortable while staying profitable.
To keep moving towards these goals, in 2025 we undertook our biggest building initiative yet: the Hamra Farm Expansion Project. This wasn’t just about creating more space; it was about planning for the future of farming. From construction and layout to equipment and cow flow, we asked ourselves: How can this project genuinely improve the life of our cows – and the people who care for them?
Every decision was guided by one principle: animal welfare and cow longevity. We redesigned barn layouts, improved ventilation, optimised resting areas, and streamlined flow – all to create an environment where cows can thrive for years.
Now that the work is complete, we want to share what we’ve learned – the thinking behind the design, the features that matter, and the results we’re already seeing.
We’ll do this through videos and blog posts that take you behind the scenes.
Because if something we’ve discovered can help improve welfare, milk quality, or efficiency – even a little – that’s a win for all of us.
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Good barn design
Our new barns – built as part of the 2025 expansion project, along with those redesigned during the process – have been designed with ventilation at it's core. Wide central aisles, high ceilings and open ridge vents allow air to move freely, reducing heat build-up and improving air quality. The structure combines natural light and airflow to create a stable, comfortable environment for the herd.
VMS Barn
In particular, our new VMS Barn is a standout example of this approach – and one we’re very proud to talk about. It takes cow comfort even further by optimising space planning, ensuring all animals stay comfortable. The design minimises heat pockets and ensures fresh air reaches every part of the barn, helping maintain cow health and productivity even during the hottest summer days.
Click below to take a virtual tour inside the Hamra Farm barns and see for yourself. First up is the VMS Barn, but once you step inside you can explore the others too – just as if you were right here on the farm. Welcome in!
Cow longevity
Cow longevity is at the heart of what we do at DeLaval. That’s why, at Hamra Farm, we have designed every barn with one goal in mind: helping cows live long, productive lives. When cows stay healthier for longer, farmers benefit from stronger profitability – and the environment benefits too. DeLaval has spent many years developing and refining our cow longevity programme, because we believe it is one of the most effective ways to reduce environmental footprint: by keeping cows healthy, comfortable and productive for more lactations through smarter design, better routines, innovation, training and advisory support.
Water access and quality
Keeping cows hydrated for health and productivity.
Coming soon! Discover how we planned our water set‑up, and learn how we also make use of Swinging Cow Brushes (SCB).
Hoof care
Preventing lameness and supporting longevity.
Coming soon! Inside our hoof‑care planning.
Comfort bedding and mats
Designing spaces that improve lying comfort and reduce stress.
Coming soon! How we planned the cubicles and alleys at Hamra Farm.
Biosensors
How technology is helping support longer, more productive lifespans for our cows.
Coming soon! Discover the latest sensor technology and artificial intelligence we’re using
Hamra Farm: Our story, our people
Take a closer look at Hamra Farm. For more than 130 years, Hamra Farm as been at the heart of dairy farming progress— combining tradition with cutting-edge technology.
Explore:
- Our heritage – A proud history of shaping modern dairy farming.
- The expansion project – See how we’ve grown to meet the future of dairy farming.
- Meet the team – The passionate people behind our herd and research.