It’s hard to measure progress if production records are recorded and put away. How do you know if you are meeting your goals from year to year? Key performance indicators are benchmark metrics that can provide a target for your flock. They provide measurable goals to strive for which guide management decisions ensuring feed, labor, and capital resources to support desired outcomes.
Many of the production metrics revolve around reproduction. However, success is dependent on matching resources and management systems to realistic performance. For example, a 250% lamb crop may be realistic for a highly prolific, high input system but not a low input range flock. There’s no single system that is better than another; it is simply a matter of what works best for someone’s land, labor, and locale. Meeting key performance indicators from year to year also means not throwing those records in a drawer never to be seen again. Compare progress from year to year. Are you truly making improvements? Jaelyn discusses the value of records and production metrics with the American Lamb Board on Sheep IQ. Also check out the best practices and other resources featured on the Sheep IQ website.
Ready to start measuring your flock’s performance and setting KPI? Use the worksheet below to track year-to-year metrics and prioritize next year’s input investment. Start with just one or two KPI to work on that will have the most immediate and greatest impact. The workbook also includes a production calendar to help plan your year.
