Episode
Beyond the Bulb: with Pieter Hanssen | Ep. 129
- Podcast
- AgCulture Podcast
- Published
- Jun 25, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1976
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/agculture-podcast/episodes/Beyond-the-Bulb-with-Pieter-Hanssen--Ep--129-e3l8ueh
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Summary
When farmers think about improving performance, they typically focus on genetics, nutrition, reproduction, or ventilation. Lighting rarely makes the list. But what if one of the most overlooked management tools on a farm is also one of the most influential? In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul sits down with Pieter Hanssen, Global Head of Dairy & Business Development at HATO Lighting, to explore how lighting affects animal behavior, welfare, and performance across livestock systems. Drawing from decades of experience in poultry and livestock facilities around the world, Pieter explains why light should be viewed as a critical part of the animal's environment—not simply a tool that helps people see. The conversation explores circadian rhythms, animal behavior, environmental management, and lessons learned from over 50,000 livestock lighting installations globally. Pieter shares how HATO built its reputation in the poultry industry and why those lessons are now being applied to dairy, swine, and other livestock sectors. If you've never thought of lighting as a management tool, this episode may completely change how you look at your barns. MEET THE GUEST Pieter Hanssen Pieter Hanssen serves as Global Head of Dairy & Business Development for Europe, the United States, and Canada at HATO Lighting, one of the world's leading livestock lighting companies. Originally from the Netherlands, Pieter began his career as an electrician before entering the livestock industry in 2018. His experience spans poultry, dairy, swine, and other livestock sectors across Europe, North America, South Africa, and beyond. At HATO, Pieter works directly with producers, nutritionists, veterinarians, researchers, and industry leaders to better understand how lighting influences ani…