Supplemental data for: Farmer views on benchmarking dairy calf growth from birth through weaning

From this analysis, participant narratives were selected to highlight different experiences. Three main themes were identified: (1) farmer attitudes towards calf performance, setting goals, and making changes, (2) the influence of comparison through benchmarking and interpersonal interactions, and (3) perceived behavioural control, including factors that facilitated or constrained change. Four participant narratives illustrated diverse trajectories over the study period, ranging from using benchmark reports as reinforcement of existing practices to implementation of management changes and situations where constraints limited action despite the motivation to improve.

Our findings suggest that benchmarking can encourage reflection and support management change by providing opportunities for comparison and discussions with trusted advisors (e.g., veterinarian). However, the effectiveness of benchmarking can be influenced by farmers’ existing perspectives and their capacity to implement change. The longitudinal nature of our study also allowed us to assess the value of continued engagement with farmers in supporting management change.

This repository provides data collected during interviews including interview guides, benchmark reports, and codebook.