Producers monitor trends in their herds all the time. Have you ever informally asked your employees how things are working? Have you ever compared your numbers with other producers? Or maybe you keep records and analyze data with a standardized method. Any way you look at it, you have been benchmarking your own data. Benchmarking is inevitable, as we all want to know how we compare with others.
How do you benchmark your own herd? Are you using production records? Do you monitor changes on your production system? Have you ever brought in an industry consultant? Do you have a consulting veterinarian? Do you rely on industry newsletters, trade magazines or travel to expos? All of these processes are viable options to minimizing inefficiencies in your herd for an increased profit.
Benchmarking is an active process that can help identify points for comparison within your own system, as well as those outside. The benchmarking process can help us identify parameters that drive production. The first step is to identify areas of opportunity. Where can I make a positive impact? What will help you improve productivity the most? What processes do you have in place to currently help maximize production and efficiency? Keep in mind those processes that you are doing correctly. Benchmarking can also help us set realistic expectations for improvement. What factors impact performance in the area of focus? What are the limitations you may be facing?
Benchmarks allow producers to set, meet and exceed their expectations. It is easy to see the direct impact of a disease outbreak in a herd. Viewing poor feed efficiency by walking pens is a bit more challenging to find. The cost of poor feed efficiency long term can be more challenging to recoup. Benchmarking allows you to evaluate gain, efficiency and other economically important traits in an objective manner. Benchmarking is a great tool, which affords us the ability to move forward within this industry. “Benchmarking is the practice of being humble enough to admit that some else is better at something and wise enough to try and learn how to match and even surpass them at it.” – author unknown. Are you ready to step up and measure?
Resource articles and analysis can be viewed at http://www.pigchamp.com/Products/Benchmarking.aspx