All farm level data used in agri benchmark is based on own surveying and interviewing of farmers and their advisors. The data collection is done via so-called ‘panels’ (one to six farmers, an advisor and an agri benchmark scientific partner). It is based on the standard operating procedure (see Typical Farms) and on the use of a multi-language standard questionnaire worldwide (see Questionnaire). Depending on the information required, a so-called ‘pre-panel’ or a ‘full panel’ is established for each typical farm.
Participants |
| Data used for |
Pre-panel |
|
|
1 agri benchmark scientist |
| Production cost analysis |
1 advisor |
| Description of production systems |
0-2 farmers |
| Policy analysis |
|
|
|
Full panel |
|
|
1 agri benchmark scientist |
| See above |
1 advisor |
| Farm strategies and adjustments |
4-6 farmers |
|
|
Additionally, individual farm data can be used as a basis for typical farm data, if the particularities of the individual farm are ’typified’, i.e., eliminated or replaced by more typical data.
Individual farm data and pre-panel information are sufficient for a status-quo analysis of returns, cost and profitability (benchmarking), whereas full panels are required for discussing, defining and specifying farm strategies.
In all cases, data obtained are returned to the farmers and advisors for a cross-check of the data and results obtained (for example, a profit and loss account).
The panel process – consensus data gathering with crosschecking of results
The main characteristics of our farm-level data are:
Total beef returns
Number of animals * kg carcass weight per animal
(calculated as kg live weight * dressing percentage)
*price per kg carcass weight
Total wheat returns
Total hectares of wheat planted * yield per ha in tons * price per ton
Labour productivity in beef production
Total carcass weight produced / Total labour hours (hired and family) in the beef enterprise
