The agri benchmark Academy is a recent initiative of the agri benchmark Network.

agri benchmark is a global agricultural network that focuses on comparing the performance, eco-nomics, competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural farms and their enterprises. It aims at providing farmers, researchers, policymakers, and agribusinesses with valuable insights into the economic and technical aspects of agricultural production systems. The agri benchmark network conducts farm-level benchmarking, which involves comparing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as costs, yields, and incomes across different agricultural enterprises and regions.

The network consists of experts and researchers from various countries who collaborate to collect and analyse data on agricultural production systems. This comparative analysis helps identify best practices, evaluate the efficiency of different farming methods, and understand the factors influencing the competitiveness of agricultural enterprises in different parts of the world. The agri benchmark Network is an initiative supported by various institutions and organizations. It is a non-profit organization and members are agricultural research institutes, universities, farmer and advisory organisations as well as other relevant entities globally.

agri benchmark covers a wide range of crops and livestock, including cereals, oilseeds, dairy, beef, pork and more. The goal is to foster a better understanding of global agricultural trends, promote knowledge exchange, and support decision-making processes in the agricultural sector. The in-sights generated by agri benchmark can be valuable for farmers looking to improve their operations, policymakers shaping agricultural policies, and stakeholders interested in the sustainability and competitiveness of the global agriculture industry.

Young pig farmers are confronted with dynamic and fast evolving agricultural framework condi-tions. To ensure a prosperous future, there are several key areas they should focus on. Education and continuous training are crucial for staying abreast of the latest advancements in pig farming, animal health and welfare, sustainability, biosecurity and agricultural technologies. Actively participating in workshops and training programs can enhance skills and knowledge, providing a solid foundation for success.

The agri benchmark Academy addresses this very point, providing a platform and network for young pig farmers. Young farmers from around the world are invited to join the Academy. This event conducts training in areas such as farm management, global economics, competitiveness, animal welfare and environmental analysis. Each farmer contributes the data of their enterprise to the international comparison, learning to interpret the resulting benchmarking.

Understanding the operating environment from the perspective of international competitiveness in pig farming is crucially important. Understanding competitiveness is the correlation between the management of an individual pig farm and the global markets for pork and feed. Participants in the Academy learn to comprehend this connection and its significance for future operational decisions. Embracing technological innovations can significantly improve efficiency and productivity. Digital-ization, data analytics, and other technologies offer valuable tools for optimizing operations. Bi-osecurity and animal health requiring the implementation of robust measures to prevent disease spread.

Furthermore, the network, learning from others and exchange of experiences and best practises, plays an important role. Participants share insights from their countries and the conditions under which they operate. Both these aspects are brought together through the introduction of Practice-Change Analysis: exploring questions such as the impact of future measures on the operation or how changes in conditions may alter the business management. Additionally, day trips to relevant farms, sites, or events take place, providing informative and entertaining experiences that further enhance the group and network structure. Networking and collaboration within local and industry-specific associations provide opportunities to share knowledge and experiences.

The first agri benchmark Academy takes place in November 2024 in Hanover. From November 11th to 15th, forward-thinking pig farmers embark on a journey into the world of economics, connecting with like-minded farmers who share the common goal of responsibility efficiently, and profitably producing high-quality pork in the future.

If you want to be involved in making the agri benchmark Academy and/or you need further information please contact the project manager of the agri benchmark pig network:

Mandes Verhaagh
global networks gUG
Bundesallee 63
38116 Braunschweig
mandes.verhaagh@thuenen.de