Genetic Merit a Key Performance Measure Critical to Success

UK - Farmers can see how the genetic merit of their herd compares against the rest of the industry as the measure has been added to AHDB Dairy's set of key performance indicators (KPIs).
calendar icon 23 May 2018
clock icon 2 minute read

AHDB

Genetic merit is based on a herds’ average £PLI score (for all year round and autumn calvers) or £SCI score (for spring calvers) and will show farmers whether they are among the top, average or poor performers.

KPIs are AHDB's set of six key measures that are critical to success for block and all year round calving systems and enable farmers to assess their performance and identify areas for improvement.

The figures were created as part of the Optimal Dairy Systems programme which aims to help dairy farmer’s lower costs and increase efficiency in preparation for Brexit.

Farmers are encouraged to calculate and review their own KPI’s using the simple online calculator.

Farmers can also see how their figures compare against our growing network of strategic dairy farms, which includes Chance Hall Farm in Cheshire as their KPI’s are published online.

The strategic farms hold regular events to help farmers learn from each other. As well as sharing key performance data, farmers can see what some of the top performers are doing and take ideas away to do things better on their own farms.

The second meeting at Chance Hall Farm is on Tuesday, 26 June, where Tom and Karen Halton will share updates on their KPIs. AHDB will also be looking at feed costs for all year round calvers and explore ways to bring them down without compromising productivity.

Dairy vet Owen Atkinson will explain the impact of Cow Signals on the business and consultant Hefin Richards will cover the options for refining nutrition and integrating forage.

Anyone who is all year round calving and keen to learn from others to lower costs and increase efficiency at the meeting. There’ll also be time to catch up with other farmers, speakers and the AHDB team over lunch.

To book your free place email [email protected] or call 01904 771216.

TheCattleSite News Desk

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