Entering Data for Split Livestock Systems (Breeding & Finishing) - Rapid for Virgin Money

Farms operating full livestock systems (breeding herds/flocks) and rearer/finisher systems for beef, sheep and pigs can record this data separately in Rapid. This allows for more accurate reporting of emissions by system. Users can indicate at the start of the calculation which enterprises they operate. 

If your farm operates both systems, please note the following guidance when entering your data:

1. Splitting Your Data (Best Practice) 

Where possible, we recommend splitting your data between enterprises: 

• Allocate livestock numbers to the correct system (e.g. suckler vs finisher)  
• Split inputs such as feed, fuel, and electricity between systems  

This provides the most accurate representation of your emissions. 

2. If You Don’t Know the Exact Split 

If you don’t have precise data for inputs (e.g. feed or fuel), you can still proceed using one of the following approaches: 

• Estimate a proportional split 
  Example: If ~60% of animals form your breeding herd/flock and ~40% are stores or rearer/finishers, apply the same split to inputs  
• Place all inputs under one enterprise 
  This is acceptable where detail is unavailable, though results will be less precise – if you opt for this approach, please select the system that aligns with the majority of your herd/flock 

Small estimation differences will have minimal impact on your total farm footprint. 

3. Avoid Double Counting (Critical) 

Do not enter the same inputs (e.g. feed, fuel, electricity) under both enterprises. 

This will result in significantly overstated emissions. 

4. Understanding Your Results 

You may notice differences in emissions between systems: 

• Finisher systems often show lower emissions intensity due to shorter production cycles  
• Breeding/suckler systems may appear higher due to longer lifecycle stages  

These differences are expected and reflect how each system operates. 

5. You Can Update Your Data Anytime 

If you initially enter simplified or estimated data, you can easily return and refine your inputs later to improve accuracy. 

Key Takeaways 

If you’re unsure how to split your data:

• Do your best with reasonable estimates  
• Focus on avoiding double counting  
• Prioritise completing your dataset — you can refine it later