Benchmarking is useful for self-comparisons, and for comparisons within a peer group or to industry averages. One of the useful applications of benchmarking is for feed budgeting, especially attempting to reduce feed costs. It will allow production and financial information to be traced while single variable changes are made, for example, reducing the time spent on the most expensive diet. Benchmarking requires accurate and consistent data input, but the return of information can be well worth the time.