Agricultural Lighting
Durable Lighting Solutions for Demanding Agricultural Environments
Lighting in agriculture is exposed to significantly harsher conditions than in typical industrial environments. In livestock buildings and agricultural facilities, high levels of ammonia, dust and moisture can put the durability of luminaires to the test. Investing in customised agricultural lighting helps create a good working environment for staff while supporting animal welfare. Modern, energy-efficient LED solutions with a high IP rating can also reduce maintenance requirements and significantly lower energy costs in agricultural facilities.
How Does the Right Lighting Affect Animal Health and Productivity in Agriculture?
Light has a direct biological effect on livestock and poultry. By controlling light intensity, colour spectrum and day length in livestock buildings, it is possible to positively influence animals' hormone balance, appetite and circadian rhythm. In dairy farming, the right light levels and regulated lighting cycles can increase milk yield, while appropriately designed lighting in poultry houses can help reduce stress and aggressive behaviour. At the same time, lighting needs to provide low glare and uniform illumination so that animal caretakers can carry out daily inspections and assess animal health with good visibility and a high level of safety.
Tailored Lighting Systems for Livestock Buildings and Agricultural Facilities
The different areas of a farm, from milking parlours and youngstock barns to machinery halls and feed storage facilities, require specialised luminaires designed for demanding operating conditions.
Sealed luminaires: Robust, ammonia-resistant luminaires with a high IP rating (IP66/IP69K) that withstand aggressive gases, dust and high-pressure cleaning in livestock buildings.
Industrial luminaires: Impact-resistant, high-output luminaires for machinery halls, logistics areas and storage buildings with high ceilings and a need for powerful general lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Agricultural and Farm Lighting
Why Aren't Standard Industrial Luminaires Suitable for Livestock Buildings?
Livestock buildings can contain corrosive ammonia gases that may degrade conventional plastic materials and electronic components. Luminaires with a high IP rating are also required to withstand regular cleaning with high-pressure washers and disinfectants.
How Can the Right Livestock Lighting Increase Milk Production in Dairy Cows?
Providing cows with a controlled lighting cycle, for example 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness at the appropriate lux level, can suppress melatonin production. This can stimulate activity, feed intake and hormonal balance, which has been shown to potentially increase milk yield.
Can Switching to LED Save Energy in Agricultural Buildings?
Yes. Replacing older fluorescent tubes and mercury lamps with suitable LED luminaires can often result in energy savings of 50–70%. Combining the installation with smart lighting control can increase the savings even further.
