Washing pig barns is one of barn workers’ most demanding and strenuous jobs. From scrubbing pens and stalls to cleaning walls and floors, this essential task is physically exhausting and critical for maintaining bio-security and keeping diseases out. Despite its importance in ensuring animal health and welfare, the repetitive and labour-intensive nature of barn washing often makes it one of the least desirable jobs on the farm. However, advancements in technology, like robotic washers, are transforming this process, offering a solution that combines efficiency, reliability, and relief for workers.
In early 2020, Peter Geene of Amberley, Ontario, sought a dependable and long-term solution for the labour-intensive task of pressure washing his barn. “It’s nobody’s favourite job,” Peter remarked, highlighting the need for efficiency and ease. After exploring various options, he chose the ProCleaner X100 robotic power washer from Washpower, impressed by its simplicity and effectiveness.
Peter worked with Paul de Rond, Washpower’s trusted Canadian dealer, who demonstrated the ProCleaner X100 alongside another option. “When we tested the unit, it was clear it would get the job done,” Peter said. Reliability was a key factor in the decision, as he wanted a system that could consistently handle the demanding cleaning tasks without fail.
Paul de Rond, a representative for the robotic washer, emphasized its standout features: simplicity, durability, and versatility. “The robot is incredibly simple to use and easy to learn,” he explained, adding that it functions effectively across various operations in hog farms, from farrowing to finishing.
When asked about its applications, de Rond stated, “We wash farrowing rooms, crates, finishing barns, and nursery barns.” The washer’s autonomy is what earns it the title of a robot. “You turn it on, and it works autonomously. It does the work for you,” de Rond said. While supervision is advisable, he noted, “You don’t have to be there.” This innovation provides a practical solution for one of the most labour-intensive tasks in pig farming.
The robotic washer concept emerged about 15 years ago, driven by a group of Danish farmers seeking a practical solution for barn cleaning. While a robotic washer already existed on the market then, it was overly complex and impractical for everyday farm use.
The farmers turned to a blacksmith, who happened to be the current owner of Wash Power. Using their feedback, he developed a simpler, more user-friendly design that retained functionality without unnecessary sophistication. The result was a durable and efficient robotic washer tailored to hog farmers’ real-world needs. This farmer-inspired innovation laid the foundation for the robotic cleaning technology used today.
Theo Driedger, representing PFP Sales and Service in Blumenort, Manitoba, highlighted his company’s role as the official Manitoba dealer for the Wash Power Robot. “We’re proud to bring this innovative technology to local farms, offering efficiency and reliability for barn cleaning tasks,” Driedger stated.
PFP specializes in industrial pressure washers for Manitoba farmers, making the robotic washer a natural addition. “We already know the farms, their pump systems, and how to pair them with the robot. It strengthens what we can provide farmers,” Driedger explained, emphasizing the company’s holistic focus on washing solutions to improve agricultural operations.
Paul de Rond shared an insightful observation about evolving practices in sow barns. “It used to be that new workers went immediately to a pressure washer gun, and if they lasted five weeks, they were considered good,” he explained. “Now, new hires are kept away from the pressure washer for a longer period to avoid scaring them away.”
This shift underscores a growing awareness of the challenges associated with barn cleaning and the need to create a more welcoming environment for new employees. It highlights the value of innovations like robotic washers in reducing the strain of this demanding task. •
— By Harry Siemens
