EP 61 | Agri Farm Data: Better data, better broilers? Making benchmarking work on farm

Knowing how your flock compares with other farms is one thing. Understanding why it performs differently — and what to change — is another.

Tom Willings and Tom Woolman are joined by Patrick Snodgrass and Iain Campbell from AgriFarm Data to explore how broiler growers can make better use of the information collected in their sheds. Patrick explains how frustration with benchmarking that showed differences without explaining them led to the development of the business.

From environmental controls and feed records to flock performance, the discussion looks at bringing information together, reducing paperwork and comparing results through anonymised benchmarking. Who owns that data, and how should farmers share it with vets, consultants and the wider supply chain?

There is also a closer look at recent performance trends, including increased mortality recorded among growers using the platform. The guests explain why these observations need further investigation rather than immediate conclusions about chick quality or the effects of summer temperatures.

And does better technical performance always mean better profits? Patrick discusses the influence of processor payment models, energy costs and the risk of chasing performance while losing control of expenditure. Looking ahead, the team considers how predictive analysis could help growers tailor management to their chicks, feed and shed infrastructure.

In this episode05:04 — Why AgriFarm Data was created

07:37 — Bringing shed, feed and flock information together

10:22 — Farmer ownership of data and relationships with processors

16:14 — How anonymised benchmarking and permission-based sharing work

18:11 — Growth, feed conversion and recent mortality trends

21:23 — Technical performance versus financial returns

23:56 — Predictive analysis and the next steps for farm data