Harold Peyton

 Peyton Inc.

Sac City, Iowa

"We have been avid users of the Benchmark performance program from its beginning. It has allowed us to compare our data with similar feedlots in our geographic area. It is also obvious that there are enough cattle numbers in the data base to insure a great deal of credibility in the results. For lots of our size, this has been a great tool that was not available to us in the past.

It has allowed us to fine tune our operation in terms of implant strategies, as well as looking at other areas for potential improvement. The VetLife staff has been extremely good about helping us to analyze our data, both in terms of identifying our strengths as well as recognizing areas that need improvement. I look forward to receiving our reports each month and I really appreciate the graphs and charts as I try to analyze the information."

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"The best thing about the Benchmark Performance Program is the opportunity it gives us to step back and see what is really going on in the feedlot, rather than guessing what is going on. It also enables us to compare our feedlot against others in the region. But probably more importantly, the Benchmark program helps us identify our strengths and weakness, and that gives us opportunities to make improvements.

Ken Schilz

 McGinley and Schilz Feedlot Brule, Nebraska

It doesn’t spell out the answers for us, but it points us in a direction so we can ask the right questions and it does so in a timely manner. So it makes us better managers. If I had to manage and analyze all that data by myself it wouldn’t get done. "

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Mark Knight

Knight Feedlot

Lyons, KS

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“For me, the Benchmark Program individual analysis is like a score card or report card. It tells us how we are doing at our individual yard and then, it allows us to compare our results against the industry. It is really the most reliable score card I know of. The numbers in our reports and analyses are always accurate. I can count on that.”

“We have made a number of changes in our management program including feeding programs, implant programs and vaccination programs. Analyzing the Benchmark data helps us track how the cattle are responding to these changes. We have recently expanded our feedlot so we rely on the Benchmark program to help us identify the impact of these changes.

Jon Vanwey

Wheeler Feedyard

Wheeler, Texas

Analyzing the Benchmark XP data helps us determine which type and weight of cattle to buy and at what 'in-cost' in order for our feedlot to achieve more performance and more total value.”

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Jonny Miller

Littlefield Feedyard,

Friona Industries

Amarillo, TX

“I am astounded at the amount of information we receive from the Benchmark database. Benchmark has shown us that we may not be getting 'the bang for our buck' when we pay a premium for a set of feeder cattle. Some times the 'poorer quality' cattle are more profitable. I am a very visual person. So when I saw the Benchmark graphs and distribution charts comparing per-head profitability for different-priced feeder cattle,

it became clear to me that it is important to pay close attention to variables we can control. Managing what we pay for feeder cattle is certainly one of those variables.”

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“The Benchmark program is like a report card for our feedlot. We use it to identify areas where we need to improve. We look forward to receiving the Benchmark data to see if we have made improvements in the areas we identified during the previous period. We really appreciate the professional staff that VetLife provides to support the Benchmark Program. They help us analyze the data, identify problems and then find solutions that help improve our performance.”

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Gary Darnall

 Darnall Feedlot

Harrisburg, Nebraska

David Kitch

United Feeders

Rocky Ford, Colorado

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"We use the Benchmark program as a barometer of how we are doing compared to other feedyards so we can improve our performance. The monthly summaries are clear, concise and easy to use. They do a great job of telling us where we stand at any given time. I really enjoy the yearly analysis and looking at the overall trends. The VetLife staff does an excellent job of analyzing and presenting the data and information."

"The Benchmark Program helps us measure and compare past performance, and as a result, we can make educated decisions about which types of cattle to buy, the origin of the cattle and other variables. The program helps us benchmark our performance here at Mc6 Cattle Feeders as well as compare our performance against other feedlots in the region. The Benchmark program helps us make better decisions in a number of management areas."

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Warren White

Mc6 Cattle Feeders

Hereford, Texas

 Charlie Van Meter

Van Meter Feedyard

Guthrie Center, Iowa

"The Benchmark Performance Program is an important management tool for us. It allows us to compare our feedyard’s performance against other participating feedyards in our region. Analyzing information, such as death loss by type and source of cattle as an example, helps us make management decisions that improve the profitability of our feedyard.
 

The way information in the Benchmark program is organized and put into easy-to-read charts and graphs makes it very user-friendly. The Benchmark Program really puts you in control of the information."

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Jeff George

Golden Belt Feeders

Kinsley, Kansas