Understanding and identifying performance indicators

Improving flock profitability starts with looking at the current performance. The first step is to consider the current performance of the business and ask yourself some basic yet important questions.

Is the flock making money?

What are my costs and how does this compare to similar farms?

How can I spend my money more efficiently?

If I were to improve the productivity of the flock, would this increase my profit margins?

How to measure physical performance

Physical performance is a great way to start to assess the success rate of your flock.

Here are some examples:

Lamb growth rate
Concentrate use per ewe
Scanning percentage
Lambing percentage
Rearing percentage

Number of lambs sold finished off grass
Ewe condition score during the cycle
Cases of foot rot
Cases of mastitis
Replacement rates

While improving these areas can result in reduced costs, improved efficiency, or increased income, they also offer other benefits, such as lower labour requirements. This can help streamline operations, reduce reliance on manual labour, and make agricultural practices more sustainable in the long term.

Performance indicators

Performance indicators should be viewed as a valuable tool in the decision-making process. When they are used, it can show if the management practices are the most effective for ensuring profitable lamb production.

Using the performance indicators involves following a five-step process:

Step 1

Identify the issue

Step 2

Decide what to measure and how to gather information

Step 3

Analyse the outcomes

Step 4

Act on the findings

Step 5

Monitor progress