Construction of new research dairy barn to begin next year in Jokioinen, Finland

According to the original schedule, the new research dairy barn in Jokioinen was supposed to be completed last year. However, rising construction costs delayed the project. Today, Senate Properties announced that construction of the new barn for the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) will commence at the beginning of next year. The barn is estimated to cost around 10 million euros and will be built in the village of Minkiö, next to the existing research barn, which has been in use since 1982 and has reached the end of its lifespan.

Anu Kaukovirta, head of Luke’s Production Systems unit, noted that the old barn has significantly affected operations. “We have had to renovate the old barn for safety and efficiency reasons. We have also had to reduce the number of cows, as the old facility is no longer suitable for animal welfare,” she stated. The new barn, covering 6,000 square meters, will accommodate approximately 200 cows, compared to over 120 in the old barn.

A notable addition will be the installation of robotic technology, as Luke has not previously utilized robots in their operations. The design of the new research barn is already underway, and it will be equipped with the latest milking, feeding, and measurement technologies, meeting international research standards while addressing the welfare of animals and staff.

Jokioinen is a hub for feeding and fodder production research, which involves developing livestock that can efficiently use feed. Additionally, the facility conducts greenhouse gas research and studies effective manure management. The new barn is expected to be operational by the end of next year. Last year, Senate Properties also built a biogas facility, a new separation building, and a slurry tank at Luke’s research site to enhance the competitiveness of Finnish livestock production through sustainable practices and circular economy solutions.