Schumacher Agrar Improved Efficiency and Working Conditions with an Automatic Washing Robot

Schumacher Agrar, located in Holtrup, Vechta, is a large-scale pig farming operation with approximately 2,500 sows, including nursery and finishing. The farm employs around 10 to 12 workers in the sow barn, where maintaining hygiene is a top priority to ensure animal health and operational efficiency.

Manual washing of the pig barns was a challenge and was a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. A single worker would spend three to three and a half hours washing one section with 32 pig pens, requiring extensive effort. Additionally, hiring and retaining reliable workers for washing tasks proved challenging, as many employees did not speak German, required training, and were sometimes unreliable.

As a Solution, Schumacher Agrar discovered Washpower’s automatic washing robot at the EuroTier trade show back in 2016 and decided to invest in the technology. Their decision was driven by key factors such as time savings, water efficiency, and improving working conditions for their employees.

The Results

• Significant Time Savings: The washing robot reduced the cleaning time per section from over three hours to just 30 minutes, dramatically improving efficiency.
• Improved Workforce Conditions: Employees found the robot easy to use and were relieved from the physically demanding washing tasks. It also ensured a more structured workflow, making it possible to wash entire sections with a tight deadline.
• Reliable Performance: The washing robot has proven to be highly reliable with minimal issues, providing consistent and thorough cleaning without disruption.

The conclusion for Schumacher Agrar, who is washing on a weekly cycle, that an automatic washing robot is a game-changer. Schumacher Agrar’s experience demonstrates that investing in washing automation not only enhances efficiency but also improves employee satisfaction and ensures a cleaner, hence more biosecure environment for livestock.

Schumacher Agrar will for sure recommend this solution to other farms. Their experience showcases the benefits of automation in modern pig farming, setting an example for others looking to optimize their operations.

We asked Farm Manager Maximilian Arnold directly: If he would recommend it to other farmers? And Maximilian answered:

“Definitely. Especially for larger farms that work on a weekly cycle – it’s a huge relief.”

Farm Manager Maximilian Arnold, at Schumacher Agrar.