Characteristics of top and bottom performing beef and sheep farms

The study has a two-pronged approach to identifying the key actions of top performers: a statistical examination of the Farm Business Survey and a case study analysis of a top and bottom performer. The study also offers a list of considerations for ways in which beef and sheep farm businesses can improve.

There are eight key comparisons between top and bottom performers, with case study examples from either quartile to provide real-life examples of actions farmers are taking which relate.

A statistical examination of the Farm Business Survey data quantifies the differences between top and bottom performers across several key farm business variables.

What sets outstanding beef and sheep farming businesses apart from the rest? While ranking common themes is difficult as impacts vary from farm to farm, for a general perspective of importance overall, the following order is identified, with real-life examples of actions farmers are taking. 

We've come up with some suggested improvements that your beef and sheep farm could make. While they might not all be appropriate for every beef and sheep farm, if each idea made a small improvement to the farm business, then the collective impact of several improvements would be considerable.