Analyzing the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures in cattle farming and strategies for improvement
Behind a glass of fresh milk or a plate of beef we consume, there is a complex series of maintenance procedures that must be followed by farmers. Compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is not just a bureaucratic matter, but a key determinant of product quality, animal welfare, and the sustainability of the farming business itself. In Samarinda, a city actively developing its agricultural and livestock sectors, this compliance issue becomes the key to regional development progress 2 .
This article will take readers to understand the complexity behind farmers' compliance with cattle maintenance SOPs, explain the research methodology used to measure it, and present innovative strategies that can be applied to improve this compliance.
Proper SOP implementation can increase farm productivity by up to 30% and reduce disease incidence by 45%.
Consistent SOP adherence ensures product quality and safety throughout the supply chain.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cattle maintenance are a set of written instructions that serve as standard guidelines for farmers in carrying out their livestock maintenance tasks. These SOPs cover all aspects of maintenance, from feeding, health management, housing, to livestock data recording. The goal is to ensure that all maintenance actions are carried out consistently, controlled, and meet established quality standards.
In the context of Samarinda, the effectiveness of local government policies, such as Samarinda City Regional Regulation Number 8 of 2019 concerning the Village Community Empowerment Institution (LPMK), also plays a role in creating an ecosystem that supports this compliance 2 . However, research in other fields, such as cattle breeding business financing, shows that there is often a gap between established policies and their implementation in the field 1 .
Written procedures for all farming activities
Uniform processes across all operations
Regular assessment and quality control
A research approach that can be used to deeply understand farmer compliance is through SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) combined with IFAS (Internal Factor Analysis Summary) and EFAS (External Factor Analysis Summary) techniques 3 . This methodology not only diagnoses the current level of compliance but also formulates appropriate strategies for its improvement.
Aggressive Strategy
Maximize strengths to capitalize on opportunities
Diversification Strategy
Address weaknesses while pursuing opportunities
Turnaround Strategy
Minimize weaknesses and avoid threats
Defensive Strategy
Use strengths to mitigate external threats
Based on similar research in other locations, the strategic position of farming is often in Quadrant I (Growth and Aggressive) which requires strategies to utilize internal strengths and external opportunities 3 . This means the potential for development is high, but appropriate intervention is needed.
| Factor | Impact Level |
|---|---|
| Human Resources | |
| Capital & Finance | |
| Technology & Infrastructure | |
| Health Management |
| Factor | Impact Level |
|---|---|
| Government Policy | |
| Banking Support | |
| Guidance & Counseling | |
| Market Dynamics |
The results of this analysis show that SOP compliance is a multidimensional issue. As found in research on business financing, the effectiveness of a program is often lower than the policy objectives 1 . Farmers face many constraints, and the causative factors can come from banks, government, or the business actors themselves.
To research and improve SOP compliance, a set of tools and approaches is needed. Here is the "toolkit" for scientists and practitioners in the field.
Diagnostic tool to visually and quantitatively map all factors affecting compliance, forming the basis for strategy formulation 3 .
Method to evaluate the impact of a policy before, during, and after implementation. Very useful for avoiding overlapping policies 1 .
Participatory approach that actively involves farmers in the process of problem identification and solution finding, increasing ownership and commitment 3 .
Used to measure the gap between targets set in policy and the reality occurring in the field 1 .
Mobile applications and digital platforms to track compliance metrics and provide real-time feedback to farmers.
Improving farmer compliance with cattle maintenance SOPs in Samarinda is not an easy task, but it is not impossible. A holistic and collaborative approach is needed. Recommendations from various studies, such as increasing banking support at the regional level, reducing overlapping government programs, and improving farmers' ability to access assistance, are key steps 1 .
Empowerment of community institutions such as LPMK is also key to success in bridging government policies with field realities 2 . In addition, participatory empowerment approaches, such as those carried out in community service in Palangsari, have proven effective in improving the quality of human resources for farmers 3 .
Ultimately, with the right strategy, strong support, and sustainable mentoring, compliance with SOPs will no longer be viewed as a burden, but as an investment in building more resilient, productive, and sustainable cattle farming businesses in Samarinda.