Think Big
Thinking bigger
Everything we do at DeLaval is about helping dairy farmers sustainably and profitably milk cows. That is why we don’t just have one type of system, but we have all types of systems, which means we can make sure you get the system that is right for you.
Let's think big together
If you are planning to grow, make sure you choose a partner who can grow with you. However big you want to be, and whatever level of automation you want to use to help you get there, DeLaval’s Large Herd Specialists are the team to make sure you succeed. We would love to visit for a no-obligation conversation to find out more about you, your farm and your plans. We are standing by and ready to help you think big.
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How do you like to farm?
Maybe you like to milk with a conventional system, but maybe you don’t. The beauty of our approach is we don’t force you to work the way the milking system works, we do it the other way around – configuring a system that works for you.
Step-by-Step: 6 Stages to go from Thinking Big to Big Actions
Expanding your operations doesn’t have to be difficult. Our experts will be there with you from beginning to end and beyond. These six stages are what you can expect with our expansion projects.
Stage 1 - Objectives
Whether you are looking at a green field site or an existing farm, it is essential that we start by understanding your objectives. This allows us to make sure that everyone is clear on the expectations of the project, and that the plan will help deliver the performance you need as well as meeting your vision of the future.
Stage 2 - Evaluation
The next stage is to match your aspirations with what is possible given your location and farming style. Besides the barn and milking facility planning this can, if needed, involve assessing water availability, soil type, accessibility, wind direction, the angles of the sun, topography, climate, acreage and legislation among other things.
Stage 3 - Design
Stage 3 is the design phase. This includes the type, size and exact location of the barn(s), the housing requirements, including milking centre. This can also, if needed, include treatment, containment and storage areas, and all the components within them.
Stage 4 - Construction
In the fourth stage your contractor takes a lead position on the project. We will retain an oversight function, and will be on-site regularly to make sure the plan is delivered as agreed.
Stage 5 - Installation and sign-off
Stage 5 involves installation and full on-site testing of DeLaval equipment. This is carried out by certified DeLaval technicians, who sign-off that all equipment is fully operational.
Stage 6 - Ongoing operational support
Once your new barn is up and running DeLaval service technicians and Advisory staff are on hand to support you at all times. Whether it's helping you monitor the financial performance, delivering and fitting new liners, or fine-tuning equipment or routines after initial operations, you will find that their support is a huge part of the value of choosing DeLaval as your development partner.
A system designed around you
Fully automated, fully manual or a hybrid of the two? Whatever we find out together works best for your style of farming, we will help you build a system that will help you grow. Below are some examples of systems and stories from farmers, showing how we can help.
Conventional batch milking
Sam Passmore, United Kingdom
Automatic milking
Marijn & Pascal van Thiel, The Netherlands
Automatic batch milking
Renato Aceto, Italy
