Step 1: Arrival and Site Planning
Our work begins when the ROVA|BARNs arrive at your farm, either by semi-truck or freight, depending on the location. This time, our team flew out to Ontario to oversee the delivery of six barns to three different farms.
The first step is chatting with you to figure out the perfect spot in your pasture for the barns. We want to ensure the location suits your farm's needs for the year ahead.
Step 2: Unpacking and Laying the Foundation
Once we’ve settled on the location, we start unpacking the two large crates that contain all the components of your new ROVA|BARN.
The process begins by laying out the structure parts—kind of like assembling a giant LEGO set. We carefully place the beams on the grass, making sure everything is aligned and ready for assembly.
Step 3: Raising the Barn
Next, we move on to one of the most important steps: jacking up the corners of the structure and installing the wheels.
This gives the automated pasture barn its height and stability, allowing us to work on a higher structure. It’s a fun, modern twist on traditional barn-raising, and it brings together time-tested techniques with modern engineering.
Step 4: Building the Framework
With the foundation set, we begin constructing the barn’s framework.
This involves assembling the hoop structure and attaching the purlins for the skirting and flaps. These elements help give the mobile barn its distinctive shape and the strength to withstand various weather conditions—from snow to sun, rain, and high winds.
We designed the ROVA|BARN and other smart farming tools on the UKKÖ test farm in the Canadian prairies, so we understand firsthand how important it is to build structures that can handle anything Mother Nature throws at them!
Step 5: Adding the Final Touches
Once the main structure is up, we start adding the finishing touches. This includes installing the flaps, skirting, and end covers, followed by the feed bin, enclosure, water tank stand, and doors.
Depending on the weather, we might also install the cover at this stage. If it’s too hot or windy, we’ll wait to make sure everything is perfectly in place (we don’t want it blowing away!).
The final steps involve setting up the interior, which includes assembling the feed line, water line, and netting.
Step 6: Testing and Final Adjustments
Before we call the job done, we thoroughly test all the systems: the wheels, curtains, and feed mechanisms. We ensure everything is working smoothly and perfectly suited for the type of livestock you’re housing.
Step 7: Welcoming Your Livestock
The best part? Seeing your livestock interact with their new home. Farmers often start using the barn as soon as we finish and it’s really rewarding for us to see the final product in action.