How to begin with dairy barn investment?

How to choose a building site? How to expand the existing barn? How much will it all cost? Here's the best advice to get you started!

Do you want to build a new robot barn or calf barn in the next few years?

Taking the first step is always a challenge.
We've put together a four-point programme to help you get started in an easy and structured way. By following it, you can start preparing now.

To ensure you succeed, do the following:

1. Find out where you are in the process

The investment path for livestock buildings on farms is a long one, with particular attention to permit issues (building and environmental permits and investment aid).

It is also important to find out from the financier what kind of investment your company can afford.

Preparations should start early, about three years before the actual construction starts You can use this checklist to help you work out:

2-3 years before investment	2-3 years before investment	1 year before investment	1/2 - 1 year before investment	During the construction
Create a farmstead plan	Functional design of the barn: - cow flow - daily routines - feeding and manure removal	Required documents: environmental and building permit etc.	Budget for construction period and start-up phase	Monitor the construction budget
Make an initilal financial statements	Building and construction design	Secure financing	Secure equipment suppliers etc. for the contractor	Possible building inspections by municipality
Get preliminary loan approval from the bank	Finalize profitability calculations	Discuss with the contractor		Take care of your own well-being
Ensure sufficient field availability	Update your breeding strategy	Apply for investment subsidy

2. Get information about different ways to build

What is your initial idea for a new building for cows or calves? Are you building new or renovating old? Want to switch to automatic milking system as cheaply as possible? Perhaps you have a completely new construction site that is in need of a comprehensive design.

Find information and visit dairy farms with new or renovated barns. It will help you identify options for you and your livestock. You can ask us for tips on places to visit.

See the thoughts of those who have already built a robot barn or calf barn:

3. Take an expert with you

At some point, it's good to bring your thoughts together. Contact an expert who will ask the questions that are relevant to your dairy farm and point out the strengths of your plan.

4dBarn offers you the opportunity to discuss your investment plan, which could be the changes required for robotic milking. Free of charge and with no upfront commitment.

4. Create a concrete plan

It has been noticed that a dairy farm needs a clear plan to move forward smoothly.

A Concrete and good farmstead plan includes:

A) A list of building investments in timeline of 5-15 years.

B) Site plan draft showing the location of the robot barn, calf barn, heifer barn and other important dairy farm activities

C) Preliminary costs for each stage of investment.

These are all part of the 4dBarn® Invest service.