In the day-to-day routine of pig production, we usually talk a lot about growth, productivity rates and performance indicators, a clear sign that data collection is already an integral part of the daily activities in the farm. The question is: how can all these data be turned into quality information that can effectively contribute to identify issues and make decisions on the business?

Information is a piece of data with meaning, that is, organized and processed to be useful to people. In farms, numbers such as total number of sows bred, total number of parities and total number of weaned pigs are only data and if they are analyzed out of context, they don’t help you make any decision. However, access to these data in an organized and contextualized manner will allow you to assess productivity and its progress over time more precisely.

Therefore, when farm managers work based on reliable information, they are able to clearly see production bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. With this picture in their hands, it is easier for leaders to share the issues with their team, engaging all those involved in the search for solutions.

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We believe that the right information, at the right time, to the right person is the factor that will lead to a leap towards excellence management, enabling farm workers to increase their productivity. However, in addition to believing in people’s potential, you should know how to collect, organize and analyze production information so that you can make every part of your farm more efficient, with the main goal of reaching the maximum production potential.

In order to do that, there are four fundamental steps:

1) Use technology as a management tool. Implement computerized systems to make information input, storage and use more reliable, quicker and practical.

2) Care about data collection. Establish auditing procedures for the data that is collected and entered into your system. Remember: everything that happens in the farm should be in your system; only this way it is possible to have a comprehensive and accurate management.

3) Create an agenda to analyze information. The frequent use of information will make you better prepared to identify changes and opportunities for improvement.

4) Make decisions based on information. From the analysis of collected information, set targets and make a plan to improve farm results. Managing production requires knowing exactly how much the farm can produce and then prepare the route to get there, using your management tools and production information to outline the route.

But in addition to knowledge and skill, this process requires attitude, that is, you must wish to make things better every day. You will soon realize that information can be the main raw material for the growth of your farm. Unlike the results achieved by genetics, nutrition and health, for example, which require more time and resources, the results generated by information depend much more on the manager, his attitude towards the farm performance and the challenges faced by the farm. So, let’s get on it!

What about you? Have you been using information to leverage the management of your farm?