The Planning and Projection modules utilize data maintained in the Information Management modules. Using this data, the planning modules establish performance profiles. These profiles allow for long and short range planning based on company objectives. By utilizing company objectives, the planning modules are able to identify periods of over and under production. The “what if” scenarios are used to plan for an increase or decrease in production. The planning modules also perform various functions from determining where and when to place groups, when to buy or sell animals, when to deliver feed, when to close out a group, and how to optimize the best sequence for pickup. When used in conjunction with the Management modules, the Planning and Projection modules complete the circle of swine production, resulting in a more efficient operation readily equipped to deal with market fluctuations. As a result, business decisions are made with all the components in place for a complete ROI and Gap analysis.