A visit to Hamra Farm: where the future of dairy farming is happening now
A farm with history – and a purpose
There’s a certain feeling you get when you arrive at Hamra Farm – a blend of heritage, innovation, and hands‑on dairy expertise that gives the place a character any farmer will recognise and value.
More than 130 years ago, Gustaf de Laval acquired Hamra Farm, establishing it as a cornerstone of DeLaval’s identity and a place where ideas, technology and practical farming systems could take shape. That legacy is still very much alive today.
Hamra Farm is, first and foremost, a high‑performing commercial dairy farm. Every day, it operates just like the farms we support around the world – producing milk, caring for cows and running a fully functioning agricultural business.
At the same time, it serves as one of DeLaval’s most important development environments. New solutions are tested and refined here under real‑life conditions, ensuring they are proven, practical and ready for farmers everywhere. Through collaborations with globally leading universities, Hamra Farm connects hands‑on farming with scientific insight, creating a bridge between daily practice and future‑focused innovation.
Today, it remains one of Sweden’s most productive dairy farms – a living example of how tradition, innovation and everyday farming can work side by side.
Inside the biggest expansion in Hamra Farm's history
In 2025, DeLaval completed a major expansion of the farm - the largest in the farm's history. The upgrade nearly doubles the number of milking cows, increasing capacity from 260 to 550 and bringing the total herd to more than 1,000 animals.
Spread across 12,000 square metres (about two football pitches), the new development includes:
- A purpose‑built maternity and calf barn
- A dedicated heifer barn
- A brand‑new VMS™ barn that also doubles as a visitor centre
In this VMS barn, you’ll find four DeLaval VMS™ V310 and one VMS™ V300 milking robots — a setup designed not only to increase efficiency, but to provide farmers with a transparent, real-life view of how the system performs day after day.
Built around the cow – always
One thing becomes immediately clear during any visit: the cows come first, always.
Every detail of the new barns was designed to support animal comfort and long-term health. From airflow to bedding choices, from swinging cow brushes to calm walking surfaces — every element plays a part. And behind the scenes, a suite of advanced digital tools helps the team monitor herd wellbeing:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered insights highlight cows at risk of illness before symptoms appear
- Automated somatic cell counters strengthen milk quality
- Behaviour analysis tools keep track of activity, feeding, and rumination patterns
This combination of cow‑centred design and smart technology creates an environment where animals thrive — and where farmers can see exactly how comfort translates into performance.
Why Hamra Farm matters – in the words of those who run it
Paul Löfgren, President & CEO of DeLaval, sums it up perfectly: “Hamra Farm plays a key role in demonstrating what’s possible in modern dairy farming – well beyond its own gates. As we honour the farm’s rich legacy, we also look ahead to a future defined by progress, enhanced environmental responsibility, and the integration of advanced technology. We are improving the way people experience Hamra Farm – making it easier to engage with and learn from the innovations shaping the future of dairy. Having Hamra Farm right beside our headquarters is a unique advantage, and one we are extremely proud of.”
For the Managing Director of Hamra Farm, Johan Bjurevall, the value is practical, grounded, and farmer-first: “As farmers, we prioritise practical solutions that benefit our cows, our land, and the farm as a whole. This expansion enables us to create optimal conditions for our animals, make wise use of our own resources, and enhance both efficiency and productivity. The new systems are already making a positive impact – our cows are adapting well, and early results are encouraging. By sharing our experience at Hamra Farm, we hope to inspire and support other farmers who come to visit.”
Hamra Farm through the years
Hamra Farm has a rich history – and we’ve captured some incredible moments along the way. The video below shares amazing footage from the past.
Beyond dairy farming
Cropping
The herd is balanced to match the land, keeping the farm self‑sufficient in grass, maize, and grain. Manure is returned to the same fields that grow the feed, creating a closed nutrient cycle that’s as sustainable as it is sensible — something any farmer can appreciate.
Visitors
Each year, more than 3,000 people visit Hamra Farm. Farmers, researchers, students, and people simply curious about modern agriculture all come for the same reason: to see the future of dairy farming in action. And at Hamra, the future isn’t theory — it’s happening every day in the barns, with real herds, real routines, and real challenges.