Performance recording and spending time understanding data helps pinpoint which changes could make the biggest difference to pig performance and cutting costs. All businesses can benefit from spending time understanding trends and patterns in herd performance data as well as establishing what information is most useful to observe on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis.
Aims and objectives
To establish data accuracy and correct inputting of performance data into recording systems
To work with farm staff to make full use of management reports from recording systems and to build the use of these into the daily routine
To evaluate key performance indicators against national averages and identify key areas of focus for the herd
To analyse performance data on an ongoing basis to monitor the effectiveness of interventions.
Project achievements during 2013-2014
Six farms participated in the trial and received quarterly visits to analyse and make best use of farm data
There are some performance areas, such as pre-weaning mortality, that several producers found they needed to focus on.
The key points which this trial has highlighted as crucial to maximising the value of data collected from recording systems, are:
Recording the right data: The first step is to make sure all staff are recording data accurately and that what is actually happening in the herd is reflected in the data itself
Running regular reports: Sanne Baden has worked with producers in the project to help interpret their existing reports and has also suggested new reports that are useful, which producers may not have been aware of before
Benchmarking: Before you can set realistic targets, it is sometimes helpful to know what other producers in the industry are doing and what is typical in similar systems
Target setting: This is central to achieving overall performance objectives, it is essential that all targets are realistic and that everybody knows what is expected of them
Check progress and monitor interventions: Vets, nutritionists, breeding company representatives and staff are all important to include when working out the cause of a performance issue and what steps can be taken to address it.
Pigs: Maximising the value of recorded date
Welcome to ARTIS e-learning
A subscription to the ARTIS e-learning platform is a flexible option to add to your training mix. Like all ARTIS training our e-learning programme focuses on topics that impact on current and future crop production. Delivered in a variety of formats – from modular courses to webinars and podcasts – ARTIS e-learning is always structured around clear learning outcomes with self assessment to consolidate your understanding.
12 month annual subscription puts you in the driving seat to study in your own time at your own pace
Access the latest technical information
Courses structured around clear learning outcomes important to farm businesses
Learn from accredited experts
Study in your own time at your own pace
New skills immediately applicable on farm
Allows you to self assess to consolidate your understanding.
Earn BASIS and NRoSO points
Access ‘toolkits’ containing valuable tools, resources and contacts
Group bookings/concessions available
There are currently three courses available including a new black-grass module that will provide access to a toolkit containing the innovative black-grass manager tool. This tool has been developed exclusively for ARTIS training and is designed so that users can appreciate the impact in their own situation over a 6 year rotation of decisions taken (or not taken) today.
12 month annual subscription available at a special introductory price of £75 +VAT Subscriptions are per individual. Volume related discounts are available for group subscriptions. We are always delighted to work with industry sponsors.