A healthier barn climate at a dairy farm in Gerkesklooster with Multifan AirBreeze fans
In the summer of 2025, Arjan Schenkel and Lisette Groeneveld, owners of Dairy Farm Groeneveld in Gerkesklooster (the Netherlands), decided to replace the fans in their barn. Approximately 90 dairy cows are kept on the farm. With the new Multifan AirBreeze fans, the farmers aim not only to create more comfort for the animals during warm days, but also to ensure a more consistent and healthier barn climate throughout the year.
Situation before the new Multifan AirBreeze ventilation
Previously, the barn was equipped with one large helicopter (HVLS) fan in the center and two Multifan basket fans at the ends of the barn. However, this combination proved insufficient to create the desired wind-chill effect during warm days. “During hot days, the cows would gather in the areas with the most ventilation,” says Arjan Schenkel. In the days following higher temperatures, the dairy farm also experienced a drop in milk production as a result of heat stress in the cows.
Installation of energy-efficient Multifan AirBreeze ECplus fans
To address this issue, four Multifan AirBreeze fans were installed in the summer of 2025 by Swaving Stalinrichting, a reliable partner and installer of Multifan fans.
The ECplus version of the Multifan AirBreeze was selected. “These fans are equipped with a frequency controller, allowing the speed to be precisely adjusted,” explains Mark Swaving. A key advantage of this is energy consumption: 50% fan speed equals only 25% power consumption. In addition, the cabling between the fan and the controller is fully shielded, preventing interference with other sensors in the barn, such as milking robots.
Continuous air exchange and a healthier barn climate for dairy cattle
As a result, the fans can be used effectively not only during warm days, but also year-round at lower speeds. This ensures continuous air renewal in the barn, allowing harmful substances and emissions such as ammonia to be removed more effectively, keeping the barn climate healthier for both animals and humans.
All fans can also be controlled from a single central point, both manually and automatically based on temperature. “From 15 degrees Celsius, our fans already start running at a low speed,” says Lisette Groeneveld.
“Due to the low ceiling, it was not possible to install the fans in the row of cubicles,” explains Mark Swaving. “For that reason, they were mounted above the feed alley and positioned at an angle towards the cubicles, ensuring optimal air distribution over the resting areas.”
Better distribution of cows and drier cubicles through ventilation
According to the farmers, the difference is clearly noticeable. “The cows are more evenly distributed throughout the barn during warm days because the climate is more comfortable everywhere,” says Lisette Groeneveld. “In addition, the airflow over the cubicles helps to keep them drier, creating a cleaner, more comfortable resting area for the cows.”
Wet cubicles in dairy farming can lead to health problems such as an increased risk of mastitis (udder inflammation), reduced lying comfort, and ultimately lower milk production. Previously, this issue was addressed by using additional bedding material (flax), but thanks to the improved airflow in the barn, this is now less necessary.
The owners are also very pleased with the wide and powerful air throw of the fans, which ensures an even distribution of airflow over the cows. Since the installation of the fans, the drop in milk production after hot days has also been noticeably reduced.
Comfort in the barn due to low noise level and reduced presence of cobwebs
In addition to the improved climate, the low noise level of the fans stands out compared to the previous fans. “We also notice that the barn stays cleaner in areas where air movement occurs, with less dust and fewer cobwebs,” adds Arjan Schenkel.
Dairy farm well prepared for the warm months with Multifan AirBreeze
With the installation of the Multifan AirBreeze fans, Dairy Farm Groeneveld is well prepared for the upcoming warm months. The improved barn climate provides greater comfort for the cows and contributes to a healthy and pleasant living environment in the barn.
Swaving Stalinrichting: specialist in dairy barn equipment
Swaving Stalinrichting is a reliable partner within the Dutch agricultural sector, specializing in the supply and installation of barn equipment. Thanks to their extensive knowledge of climate technology, they deliver solutions that perfectly match the specific needs of each dairy farm and barn environment.
