How Better Lighting Helped Omati Dairy Farm Improve Milk Production

At Omati Dairy Farm in Italy, continuous improvement is not a one-time project but an ongoing commitment. The farm is always looking for practical ways to enhance animal welfare, support efficient daily operations, and maintain stable milk production throughout the year.

To support these goals, the farm invested in modern lighting solutions across key areas of the operation. In collaboration with installation partner CGM Impianti, Omati Dairy Farm first implemented the RUDAX lighting system in 2024. Additional lighting lines and lamps followed in September 2025, helping create a more consistent environment for both cows and farm staff.

Results at a glance

Since implementing the HATO lighting solutions, Omati Dairy Farm has experienced:

• More stable winter milk production, reaching 38.8 litres per cow
• Positive improvements in overall cow performance
• Very low energy consumption despite extended lighting hours
• Improved visibility throughout the milking parlour
• Calmer cow movement during milking routines
• Faster entry and exit from the milking parlour
• A more comfortable and efficient working environment for staff

Creating better conditions for production

For dairy producers, consistency is often just as important as peak performance. Creating the right environment allows cows to maintain productive routines throughout the year, even when natural daylight conditions change.

At Omati Dairy Farm, lighting has become an important management tool within that approach.

The structured lighting programme helps create a predictable environment that supports daily rhythms and contributes to stable production levels during the winter months.

Rather than focusing solely on production figures, the farm views lighting as part of a broader strategy aimed at creating the best possible conditions for both animals and employees.

Transforming the Milking Parlour

Alongside improvements in the dairy barn, the farm identified another opportunity within the milking parlour.

Before the project, visibility inside the parlour was limited. The darker environment created challenges for day-to-day tasks and made the workspace less practical for staff. To address this, Omati Dairy Farm installed the HATO FORTIS lighting system.

The brighter environment improved visibility across the entire parlour, making routine work easier while also contributing to smoother cow flow during milking. According to the farm, cows now enter and leave the parlour more calmly and efficiently, helping to reduce stress and support a more streamlined milking process.

The transformation demonstrates how well-designed lighting can benefit not only production performance but also operational efficiency and workplace comfort.

Building for the future

The lighting project is part of a broader development programme at Omati Dairy Farm. Recently, the farm completed two new calf housing buildings, reinforcing its focus on animal welfare and future growth.

The team is also exploring new approaches to dry cow management, including solutions that allow dry cows to remain within the same barn while maintaining comfort and health.

These investments reflect the farm's long-term vision: continuously improving conditions for animals, employees, and the overall operation.