Tumba, Sweden, 16 September. DeLaval has completed a major expansion of Hamra Farm, our commercial dairy farm and a key centre for research and training, located in Tumba, Sweden. The new facilities will enable Hamra Farm to nearly double the number of milking cows – from 260 to 550 – bringing the total herd to over 1,000 animals. This increased capacity will significantly boost milk output and further strengthen support for the dairy industry.
The development – the largest in the farm’s history and covering 12,000 m², roughly the size of two football pitches – includes three new barns: a maternity and calf barn, a heifer barn, and a VMS barn that doubles as a visitor centre. The VMS barn features four DeLaval VMS™ V310 and one DeLaval VMS™ V300.
Animal welfare has remained the top priority throughout the planning and design process. Every detail – from barn layout and milking system to bedding, swinging cow brushes and ventilation – has been designed to promote cow comfort. The barns are equipped with advanced technologies to support herd health and reproduction, including artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools which detect cows at risk of illness. Automated somatic cell counters help improve milk quality and udder health, while behaviour analysis tools track activity, rumination, and feeding patterns.
Paul Löfgren, President & CEO of DeLaval, says: “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.”
The herd size was carefully planned to fit the land available for growing feed and managing manure. Hamra Farm stays self-sufficient on grass, maize, and grain. Manure is collected and spread on the same fields to keep the soil healthy and reduce the need for commercial fertilisers. This way, the farm keeps a closed nutrient cycle.
Johan Bjurevall, Managing Director of Hamra Farm, says: “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.”
Acquired by company founder Gustaf de Laval over 130 years ago, Hamra Farm has long been regarded as the ‘heart of DeLaval’. It plays a vital role in the company’s innovation efforts, serving as a centre where new dairy technologies are developed, tested, and demonstrated to customers, and where close collaboration with researchers helps drive progress across the dairy value chain. It is also recognised as one of Sweden’s most productive dairy farms.
Key upgrades when fully operational
Read Press release Hamra Farm expansion marks new era for DeLaval innovation