At Gerdes Farm, poultry production is just one part of a diverse family operation that also includes cattle fattening and crop farming. Today, the farm is home to two modern chicken barns, each housing 30,000 birds, with a third barn in the planning stages as part of their commitment to animal welfare programs.
When it came time to replace their aging barn lighting system, the Gerdes family knew they needed something more reliable, efficient, and better suited to the needs of their flock. After discussing options with their electrical contractor, they chose ONCE dynamic lighting systems, and the results have been transformative.
From One Strand to Three: Better Light Distribution
Previously, the barns were lit by a single row of fixtures running through the center. With ONCE, the barns are now equipped with three strands of lights, providing more even distribution and brighter coverage throughout the space. This improvement ensures that every corner of the barn is well-lit, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for the birds.
The Benefits
One of the biggest benefits has been the ability to adjust light color and intensity directly from a tablet or phone. For example:
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Blue light can be used to calm the flock during catching, making the process smoother and less stressful for both birds and workers.
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Dim, dark blue light helps keep birds calm and easier to handle.
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White light can be increased when birds need encouragement to eat, drink, or move more.
This flexibility gives Jan and his team powerful tools to respond to flock behavior in real time, improving welfare and performance.
Energy Savings and Animal Welfare Gains
The lighting system also delivers energy savings thanks to LED efficiency and the ability to dim or adjust lights as needed. But for the Gerdes family, the most important results are in flock welfare:
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Significantly fewer mortalities since installing ONCE lighting
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Calmer, more manageable birds
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Improved flock performance through behavior-based light adjustments
Looking Ahead
After nearly three years of success with ONCE lighting in their first barn, and positive results in the second, the Gerdes family is moving forward with confidence. Their newly planned chicken barn will also be equipped with ONCE dynamic lighting, a decision they consider essential for both efficiency and animal welfare.
“We've had the lighting in this coop for almost three years now, and in the other coop since last year. We've also had very positive experiences with it: we have significantly fewer dead animals, the animals are much calmer, and the different colors make it easier to control them.” -Jan Gerdes
Watch the video to hear their story and see the difference for yourself.
Contact our team to learn how our tailored lighting solutions can help your operation thrive.
