How RUDAX LED Systems Deliver Measurable Supply Chain Gains
As global demand for dairy continues to rise, milk processors are under pressure to ensure consistent, high-volume, and high-quality milk supply. On-farm efficiency is now a direct factor in supply chain performance.
As global demand for dairy continues to rise, milk processors are under pressure to ensure consistent, high-volume, and high-quality milk supply. On-farm efficiency is now a direct factor in supply chain performance.
Lighting, often overlooked, is proving to be a high-impact lever for production stability and yield growth. These three data-backed case studies conducted by the HATO research team show how RUDAX LED lighting systems by HATO Agricultural Lighting are improving milk output, herd health and farm profitability.
Case Study 1: Dutch Farm Boosts Milk Yield by 9% After Upgrading Lighting
Farmer
Herman Kusters
Location
The Netherlands
Result
+1,000 litres of milk per cow per year
Herman Kusters, a high-performing dairy farmer, replaced fluorescent lighting (20–23 Lux) with RUDAX LED lighting (180 Lux) across his barns. Installation was done using existing fixture points – keeping infrastructure changes minimal.
Results
Milk yield increased from 11,000 to nearly 12,000 litres per cow annually
Cows showed improved resting behaviour, supporting hoof health and further boosting yield
Farmer reports improved barn visibility and animal well-being
Key takeaway
RUDAX lighting improved yield and cow comfort with minimal
installation effort – offering processors a replicable model for farm partner optimization.
Case Study 2: Controlled Trial Shows 7% Yield Increase from LED Colour and Distribution
Farmer
Martijn van Raaij
Location
Overloon, Netherlands
Conducted with
Van Grinsven Agritechniek en Advies
Result
+7% milk production under RUDAX blue light
This research-backed trial compared RUDAX LED lighting against legacy fluorescent and LED systems in a split-barn setup. The study evaluated how light colour temperature and distribution affect both milk yield and cow behaviour.
Trial Setup
Phase 1
4,000K white light, even distribution (RUDAX) vs uneven (standard LED)
Phase 2
5,000K with Lactivus light (RUDAX)
Results
7% increase in milk production under RUDAX Lactivus light
Increased cow resting time, indicating better comfort
Farm reports improved worker visibility and safety
Key takeaway
Light colour and distribution have direct biological effects on milk
production. Processors can support supply chain partners in implementing proven
configurations that maximize output.
Case Study 3: Polish Dairy Farm Achieves €41,000 Annual Gain from Winter Lighting Stabilization
Farmer
Stadnina Koni Nowe Jankowice
Location
Poland
Herd
150 milking cows
Technology
RUDAX LED + Light Manager
Investment
€25,000
Result
ROI in <200 days
Faced with seasonal production drops and inconsistent reproductive cycles, this farm installed RUDAX lighting and automated controls to simulate consistent daylight year-round.
Before RUDAX
Milk yield dropped 2 kg per cow/day in winter
Irregular estrous cycles created herd management inefficiencies
After RUDAX
2 kg drop per cow/day in winter eliminated
+1.5 kg per cow/day across spring/summer months
Annual revenue gain ~€41,000
ROI achieved in under 200 days
Farm expanded the system to three more barns
Key takeaway
Lighting control mitigated seasonal productivity loss, stabilized
reproductive performance, and delivered a high-margin return on investment.
Why This Matters to Dairy Farmers
Lighting systems are not just an on-farm upgrade—they are a strategic asset in the milk supply chain. These case studies show:
-Consistent yield growthOf 7–9% is achievable with lighting alone
-Animal health and behaviour improvements translate into long-term production gains
-Seasonal variation in output can be mitigated, reducing volatility in processor intake
-ROI timelines are short, making adoption feasible even for smaller farm partners
Strategic Recommendation for Processors
To secure long-term supply and improve processing efficiency:
-Encourage or co-invest in lighting upgrades at farm level,particularly in high-yield or high-potential suppliers
-Incorporate lighting performance metrics in sustainability and efficiency programs
-Standardise lighting protocols across supply chains where feasible, leveraging partners like HATO Lighting for implementation and support