Livestock Farm Monitor Project

Sheep in a field in front of fence

The Livestock Farm Monitor Project estimates the economic performance of surveyed sheep and cattle farms by collecting detailed physical and financial farm information.

The objective and timely data generated through this project is relied on by industry and government decision-makers. The project has been funded by Agriculture Victoria for more than 50 years.

Participating producers receive a confidential individualised report that compares the production and economic performance of their business over time.

The individual farm report can help obtain or extend a farm loan or to inform and provide confidence in short, medium and long-term on-farm decision making.

What's involved?

Free profit benchmarking for sheep and beef producers

Agriculture Victoria offers all Victorian sheep and beef producers the chance to take part in the Livestock Farm Monitor Project.

It is free and confidential.

We can look at how your farm performed in July and August each year as this is when farm data from the previous financial year is available.

What we need from you:

  • all farm income and costs for the financial year taken – this can be taken from various sources such as receipts, cashbook outputs, payment advices from your livestock agent, wool broker and other sources.
  • livestock trading details – type, number and weights of animals bought and sold, and month and value of the trade)
  • livestock breeding details – number of stock joined, number of young stock produced.
  • feed input and production – tonnes of hay or grain purchased or produced (and corresponding costs and income), and which enterprise the feed was fed to.
  • other inputs and costs collected – including fertiliser type and quantity, labour use (for example, casual or permanent), animal health, council rates, electricity, fuel.
  • farm assets – stock, feed inventory, land and farm machinery on hand at the beginning and end of the year.
  • farm liabilities – borrowed amounts at the beginning and end of the year and annual interest payments.

The Livestock Farm Monitor encourages farmer discussion groups to participate. The project can provide tailored group averages and reports for each group across Victoria.

Signing up

Limited places are available.

If you are interested in participating please email the project leader at fmp.victoria@agriculture.vic.gov.au for more information.

Page last updated: 21 Feb 2024