We recently constructed a new 22-metre Roundhouse at the Gerspacher family’s farm. This round barn provides a space of a little more than 400 square metres, with a diameter of 22.8 metres. The barn is divided into six segments, arranged like cake slices! The number and the size of these segments can vary. The structure has a central area, connecting the different segments.
Animals can temporarily be secured in this central area, for example, whilst mucking out takes place. Individual animals can also be sorted, for example, for treatment in the handling area which in turn is connected to the central area. This allows the animal to easily and safely be led to the handling box with integrated weighing equipment.
At the Gerspachers family farm, the barn is designed with a snow load in mind of 300 kg per square metre. Markus Gerspacher, the son of the family, has plans to build his own slaughterhouse in the old barns. Initial work has already commenced and the family hope this will be completed by next year.
Thomas Gerspacher says: "In the past, capturing or driving animals could take a lot of effort. The new barn allows us to manage everything stress-free, even when we’re working alone."
The Gerspacher family’s land also houses an inn and RV park, with a lunch restaurant for walkers in the region. There is plenty going on, so the labour saved by the Roundhouse is hugely beneficial.
This is a true family business, in which every family member has a purpose: animal-friendly livestock farming where meat production into the finished product takes place.
Source: artikel
More information: www.eichruettehof.de
