Without records it is hard to answer simple questions. How much does a kilogram of meat cost to produce, which animals bring in income and which are only an expense? Records do not have to be kept in complex software: the main thing is to keep them regularly.
What to record
| Log | What it contains | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Livestock | Births, purchases, sales, deaths, culling, animal numbers | Shows herd movement and survival of young stock |
| Breeding | Matings, kindlings, calvings, lambings/kiddings, number and weight of offspring | Selecting the best dams and sires |
| Veterinary | Vaccinations, treatments, therapy, tests, dates and medicines | Veterinary service requirements, documents for sale |
| Feed | Purchases and harvesting, consumption by group | Production cost and stock until the next harvest |
| Money | All income and expenses with dates and receipts | Profit, taxes, loans and subsidies |
How to calculate production cost
Add up all the costs of a line of production for the period: feed, veterinary care, electricity, water, wages, rent, equipment depreciation. Divide by the amount of product produced — kilograms of meat, litres of milk, number of eggs. Compare with the selling price. This shows what has the greatest effect: cheaper feed, higher survival or a better price.
Practical tips
- Record things straight away, not “later”: keep a notebook at the farm or a spreadsheet on your phone.
- Number your animals and cages.
- Review the results once a month: 15 minutes of calculations save a lot of money.
- Keep veterinary documents and receipts: they are needed for sales, subsidies and inspections.
