start up business plan for poultry farm

Poultry Farm Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Poultry Farm Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their poultry farms. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a poultry farm business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

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What is a Poultry Farm Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your poultry farm as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Poultry Farm

If you’re looking to start a poultry farm, or grow your existing poultry farm, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your poultry farm in order to improve your chances of success. Your poultry farming business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Poultry Farms

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a poultry farm are personal savings, credit cards, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans, bank loans, and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and USDA FSA loans are the most common funding paths for poultry farm.

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How to write a business plan for a chicken farm.

If you want to start a poultry farm or expand your current one, you need a business plan. We detail each section of a traditional business plan for a poultry farming business.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of poultry farm you are operating and its status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a poultry farm business that you would like to grow, or are you operating poultry farm businesses in multiple locations?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the poultry farm industry. Discuss the type of poultry farm you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of poultry farm you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of poultry farms:

• Breeder Farms : this type of poultry farm produces hatching eggs for delivery to the hatchery. After the 21 day incubation period, the hatchery then delivers the baby chicks to the broiler houses.
• Broiler Farms: this type of farm produces a 2.5 lb. to 8 lb. bird in 4 to 8 weeks which is processed for various types of retail sale to consumers, grocery stores or fast food chains as whole birds, cut-up breast, wings, thigh, drumsticks, deboned breast meat, or further processed pieces.
• Pullet Farms: this type of poultry farm produces pullets and roosters to be delivered to a breeder hen house at 20-22 weeks old when they are sexually mature to breed and lay eggs.

In addition to explaining the type of poultry farming business you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of chickens and/or turkeys produced, number of production contracts, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the poultry farm industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the poultry farm industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your poultry farming business plan:

• How big is the poultry farm industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your poultry farm business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your target market.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your poultry farming business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: processors, grocery stores, and restaurants.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of poultry farm business you operate. Clearly, processors would respond to different marketing promotions than restaurants, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most poultry farm businesses primarily serve customers living in their same region, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other poultry farm businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes producers of other meat such as beef, pork, or fish, as well as producers of meat alternatives. You need to mention such competition as well.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other poultry farms with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be poultry farms located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What kinds of poultry do they produce (breeders, broilers, pullets)?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you use superior production methods?
• Will you provide services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a poultry farm business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of poultry farm company that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to traditional poultry, will you provide organic or cage-free poultry?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the products and services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your poultry farm company. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your poultry farm located near a processing facility, near a transportation hub, etc. Discuss how your location might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your poultry farm marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in trade papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local agriculture extension offices
• Social media marketing
• Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your poultry farm, including animal care / feeding, flock supervision, animal transportation, sourcing feed, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to sign your 20th production contract, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your poultry farm to a new location.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your poultry farm’s ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing poultry farms. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing farms or successfully running small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you supply 50 restaurants, or produce 2,000 birds for processing each month? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your poultry farming business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a poultry farm business:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your farm title or lease, or blueprints of the production facility.  

Putting together a business plan for your poultry farm is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the poultry farm industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful poultry farming business.  

Poultry Farm Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my poultry farm business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Poultry Farm Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of poultry farm business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a poultry farm business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of poultry farm businesses?

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Poultry Farm business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how Growthink’s professional business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Poultry Farm Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Poultry Farm Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Poultry Farm business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Poultry Farms.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Poultry Farming business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Smith Poultry Farm is a new farm business located in Mason City, Iowa. The business is a newly established farm founded by John and Sue Smith. As native Iowans, the couple has spent their life in the farming industry as their families have established farms throughout Iowa. Currently, there is a poultry shortage throughout the midwestern United States as some farms have been forced to shut down their business due to rising costs, labor shortage, and higher technology standards. John and Sue have decided to take this opportunity to alleviate the poultry shortage as well as finally establish the farm they have been planning to do for the past six years.

As native Iowans, John and Sue have already recruited a team of farmhands that have extensive experience working in poultry farms. Most of them have been recently laid off from other poultry farms that have shut down their operations.

John and Sue plan on starting with 5,000 chickens, 500 turkeys, and 100 ducks on 10 acres of land. Their business operations will be centered around daily processes and procedures to tend to the chickens and prepare them for packaging for resale and distribution.

Product Offering

The following are the products that Smith Poultry Farm will provide:

• Chicken for consumption
• Turkey for consumption
• Ducks for consumption

Customer Focus

Smith Poultry Farm will target all residents residing in northern Iowa and throughout the state. They will target families, individuals, supermarkets, large retail chains, and restaurants.

Management Team

Smith Poultry Farm will be owned and operated by John and Sue Smith. They will recruit a very experienced and knowledgeable operator to manage the day-to-day operations of the poultry farm.

John Smith was born and raised on a local farm and has been working in farms most of his life. He left to pursue his agriculture degree from Iowa State and returned to work full-time at his father’s large farm. That farm produces beef, poultry, pork, and vegetables. Once he married Sue, the couple decided that they would begin to save up to pursue a farm of their own.

Sue Smith was raised on a farm as well. Once she graduated from high school, she attended Iowa State to pursue a degree in Business Administration. It was there where she met John and planned for their future farm where he would manage the farm operations and she would be in charge of the financial management and administration of the poultry farm operations.

Success Factors

Smith Poultry Farm will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Ownership has extensive experience and knowledge in the poultry farming industry.
• Owners will invest in the latest technology and equipment to make their poultry farm the most superior in the Midwest.
• Smith Poultry Farm will breed high quality chickens, turkeys, and ducks in order to produce the freshest and quality poultry.

Financial Highlights

Smith Poultry Farm is seeking $500,000 in debt financing to launch its property management business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the farm land and purchasing the necessary equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, mortgage, and marketing costs for the poultry farm. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Purchase 10 acres of farmland: $100,000
• Farm equipment, supplies, and materials: $100,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $50,000
• Working capital: $100,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Smith Poultry Farm.

Company Overview

Who is Smith Poultry Farm?

Smith Poultry Farm is a new poultry farm business located in Mason City, Iowa. The business is a newly established poultry farm founded by John and Sue Smith. As native Iowans, the couple has spent their life in the farming industry as their families have established farms throughout Iowa. Currently, there is a poultry shortage throughout the midwestern United States as some farms have been forced to shut down their business due to rising costs, labor shortage, and higher technology standards. Growing up in the farming industry, John and Sue have decided to take this opportunity to alleviate the poultry shortage as well as finally establish the farm they have been planning to do for the past six years. The couple plans to raise chickens, turkeys, and ducks to produce poultry for food consumption as well as eggs. Once the business is established, the couple will add more birds to the farm and purchase additional land.

As native Iowans, John and Sue have already recruited a team of farmhands that have extensive experience working in poultry farms. Most of them have been recently laid off from other poultry farms that have shut down their operations. John and Sue have already identified the lead farmhand who will assist John in the day to day farm operations oversight.

Smith Poultry Farm History Smith Poultry Farm is owned and operated by John and Sue Smith, Iowa natives who have extensive experience in farm operations and business administration. John has worked for his father’s large farm for most of his life and wants to finally pursue his own poultry farm since a number of poultry farms have ceased operations due to increased labor and distribution costs. John has already pursued a number of local grocery stores, large retail stores, and restaurants to have contracts to be their sole poultry distributor.

Since incorporation, Smith Poultry Farm has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Smith Poultry Farm, LLC to transact business in the state of Iowa.
• Has 6 contracts in place to provide poultry for local restaurants, grocery stores, and large retail chains.
• Reached out to numerous individuals and households to purchase their household’s poultry directly from Smith Poultry Farm.
• Began recruiting a staff of farmhands to assist in the day to day operations of the poultry farm.

Smith Poultry Farm Products

The following will be the products Smith Poultry Farm will provide:

Industry Analysis

Customer analysis, demographic profile of target market.

Smith Poultry Farm will target all residents of  Mason City and the surrounding states. The target market will consist of households, grocery stores, restaurants, and large retail chains.

The precise demographics for Mason City, Iowa are:

• 503,642 residents
• 310,000 households
• 1,000 restaurants
• 500 grocery stores
• 6 large retail grocery stores

Customer Segmentation

Smith Poultry Farm will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Individuals and households
• Grocery Stores
• Restaurants
• Large Grocery Chains

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Smith Poultry Farm will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Myson Poultry Farm

Myson Poultry Farm is a modern, multi-national, protein-focused food company that produces approximately 20% of the beef, pork, and chicken in the United States. Along with its subsidiaries, the company operates a food company worldwide. The company began during the Great Depression when the eldest Myson began selling chickens. A few decades later, Myson’s son grew it into the large company it is today and is one of the largest poultry producers and distributors in the world.

By investing in technology, Myson was able to grow the brand. Through the development of better feeds and better disease control methods, chickens were maturing more quickly. These improvements, combined with increased competition, meant lower prices for consumers and households were able to purchase their poultry products in larger quantities.

Iowa Poultry Farm

Iowa Poultry Farms started in the 1920s when Liam Nelson sold and traded eggs by the dozen as a means to put food on the table for his family. Four generations later, the Nelson family has grown the business year-over-year to continue to meet the changing needs of the egg and pullet industry. More than 90 years of experience has established Iowa Poultry Farm as a well-respected pullet and hatching business as well as a reliant commercial egg producer under the current leadership.

The strength of Iowa Poultry Farm began when master plans for growth from the late 1980s to present day have produced new and improved pullet production facilities that have the capacity to accommodate the growth of the majority of the pullets in NPF’s proprietary facilities. Recent capital development has been invested in hatchery and breeder facilities that have the capacity to produce up to 9 million female chicks per year as well as supplementary aviary growing facilities for both cage-free and floor-grown conventional pullets.

Iowa Poultry Farm continues to innovate as a pullet and hatching business under the leadership of Frank and his son, Brett.

Good Cluck Poultry Farm

Good Cluck Poultry Farm maintains more than 50,000 breeders on its company owned farms. The company currently hatches and sells 79 standard chicken breeds/varieties, 58 breeds/varieties of bantams, 9 breeds of ducks, 3 breeds of geese, and 4 breeds/varieties of guineas. In addition, Good Cluck has available, as a service to its customers, 9 heritage breeds of turkeys, pheasants, and chukar.

Good Cluck certainly has good luck. While many hatcheries have been forced to close, Good Cluck Poultry Farm has become a leader in producing non-commercial poultry annually, selling more than six million items of baby poultry.

Good Cluck’s full list of products are white egg layers, brown egg layers, colored egg layers, standard assortments, broilers, crested chickens, feather legged bantams, bantam assortments, clean leg bantams, ducks, geese, guineas, turkeys, pheasants, chukar, and supplies.

Competitive Advantage

Smith Poultry Farm will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Ownership has extensive experience and knowledge in the poultry farming industry and has over 20 years of experience managing poultry farm operations
• Smith Poultry Farm will breed high quality chickens, ducks, and turkeys in order to produce the freshest and quality poultry.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Smith Poultry Farm will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• All farming practices will utilize the latest technology and equipment for safe breeding practices, production, and distribution of all farm animals.
• The farm will only breed the highest quality poultry.
• Unbeatable pricing to its clients and customers – Smith Poultry Farm does not mark up its poultry products at a large percentage. All poultry will be on par with competition.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Smith Poultry Farm is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

John Smith has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by living and working in the midwestern farming industry. Since a number of local poultry farms have ceased operations, they have committed to John that Smith Poultry Farm will be their poultry supplier. They trust his work ethic and commitment to the local community.

Professional Associations and Networking

Smith Poultry Farm will become a member of American Farmland Trust, Farming NGO, National Farmers Union, and the Iowa Chamber of Commerce. They will focus their networking efforts on expanding their client network and marketing their new brand.

Print Advertising

Smith Poultry Farm will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at industry networking events.

Website/SEO Marketing

Smith Poultry Farm will hire a third-party marketing company to design their print ads and design their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the poultry products they plan to offer. The website will also list their contact information and directions to the poultry farm. The marketing company will also include SEO tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Iowa poultry farm” or “poultry farm near me”, Smith Poultry Farm will be listed at the top of the search results.

Zero po, hindi rin po kami mahilig malabas ng mga panood.

The pricing of Smith Poultry Farm will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their poultry products.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Smith Poultry Farm.

Operation Functions:

• John Smith will be the Owner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage client relations. John, along with Sue, has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Sue Smith – will oversee all administrative aspects of running the poultry farm. This will include bookkeeping, tax payments, and payroll of the staff.
• George Hargrove – Head Farmhand who will oversee the farming staff and day to day operations.
• Ben Loya – Assistant Farmhand who will assist George.
• Frank Johnson – Distribution Manager who will oversee the packaging and distribution of all poultry products.

Milestones:

Smith Poultry Farm will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

1/1/202X – Finalize purchase of farm land

2/15/202X – Purchase farm equipment, supplies and materials

3/1/202X – Finalize contracts for grocery store, chain, and restaurant clients

4/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events

5/1/202X – Purchase initial set of poultry animals

5/15/202X – Hire and train farm staff

6/1/202X – Smith Poultry Farm begins farm operations

Smith Poultry Farm will be owned and operated by John and Sue Smith. John will manage the oversight of all farm operations with the help of his lead farmhand. Sue will manage all administrative and financial aspects of the farm business.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Smith Poultry Farm are the revenues it will receive from poultry products, eggs, and the breeding fees they will charge to individuals who have high-quality chicken, turkeys, or ducks they want to breed.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff and maintain successful farm operations. The expenses will be the payroll cost, mortgage payment, utilities, farming supplies, equipment maintenance, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Smith Poultry Farm is $500,000 in debt financing to launch its property management business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the farm land and purchasing the necessary equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, mortgage, and marketing costs for the poultry farm. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Poultry Animals: 5,600
• Average Revenue per Animal: $20
• Number of Poultry Products Sold Per Year: 1,000,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, poultry farm business plan faqs, what is a poultry farm business plan.

A poultry farm business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your poultry farm business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your poultry farm business plan using our Poultry Farm Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Poultry Farms?

There are a number of different kinds of poultry farms , some examples include: Breeder Farms, Broiler Farms, and Pullet Farms.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Poultry Business Plan?

Poultry farms are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.  Having a chicken farming business plan will help show investors you are well-prepared to start your own business.

What are the Steps To Start a Poultry Farm Business?

Starting a poultry farm business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Poultry Farm Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed poultry business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your poultry farm business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your poultry farm business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Poultry Farm Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your poultry farm business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your poultry farm business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Poultry Farm Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your poultry farm business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your poultry farm business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful poultry farm business:

• How to Start a Farm Business

Additional Helpful Template

Farm Business Plan

• 212 best farm names

How to Start a 7-Figure Poultry Farm (2024)

August 16, 2022

Did you know the average poultry farm provides over a million dollars of chicken for people to eat every year? John Mathia and Geoff Scott showed us how to start a poultry farm and turn it into a vertically integrated award-winning business. You can too!

Geoff and John started Marion Acres in 2012 so they could eat healthier food than they could buy at the supermarket. Their first attempt at growing their own food went horribly wrong: tractors broke, rains made the land unusable, and the landowner sold the land out from under them––but they persevered. They went from 32 chickens in Geoff’s garage to a poultry farm with different animals, a grocery store, a slaughterhouse, and award-winning chickens.

We’ll share how they developed one of the northwest’s most successful poultry farms! You’ll learn about government subsidies, partnerships, and building a vertically integrated business.

They’ve got information any poultry business can use. Let’s start by learning about the poultry industry. 

Step 1. Learn About Poultry Farming

Don’t try to just jump straight into the chicken business and expect to make a million dollars overnight. There’s a lot to learn about the chicken farming business. You will have federal, state, and local laws to follow. In addition, there are lots of capital expenditures. Plus, you’re raising animals, so without proper hygiene, your whole farm could die.

Don’t be scared, though. You can start small. Geoff told us:

Geoff recommended Reading Pastured Poultry Profits by Joel Salatin, plus we added some other best sellers on Amazon for avid readers.

Here are some interesting reads I found while researching the topic:

• Why poultry is better than beef
• Different feeds for different chickens

We’ll help you understand the poultry business so you can decide the best strategy for your chicken farm. Let’s start by looking at the poultry industry.

How much to start a chicken farm?

Geoff and John started off with:

• 32 broiler chickens : $75
• One chicken tractor : $220
• 150 pounds feed : $100
• Gravity water dispenser : $60
• Total : Under $500

So, you don’t need a lot of money to start raising chickens. If you don’t have land, that’s another story. Let’s look at how much it costs if you need land.

How much does it cost to start a chicken farm if you don’t own land?

Poultry farming will be more expensive if you don’t already have land to use. Chickens need space and a healthy environment. Chickens require at least three square feet per chicken plus space for storage, vehicles, home, etc. 

That means the first acre will hold a maximum of 4500 chickens and each additional acre can hold around 5,000 chickens.

If you don’t have land, you can expect at least $100K startup costs for poultry farming. Some resources even say a poultry farmer should expect to spend $250K. The number of chickens you can hold will depend on the number of acres you buy. Check out the table below for an idea of how land will impact the costs and revenue.

Of course you don’t have to start off with 5,000 chickens. You can start smaller and build your way up. But realistically expect to spend the cost of a down payment and the first two to six months of the mortgage right away. Then, with every 100 chickens expect to spend $1.500.

Is chicken farming profitable?

A poultry farm business can sell both chicken and eggs on the commodity markets or direct to consumers (DTC). Let’s look at each. 

Poultry companies selling DTC

Egg production and meat production can be highly profitable if you sell directly to consumers. Marion Acres sells most of its meat to people and local restaurants, which differs from many farms that sign contracts with major poultry corporations. Geoff told us:

Chicken is about a 30% margin.

Check out the rest of our interview with Geoff and Josh.

They sell their meat at $13.99 per pound (lb) because it is non-GMO, pasture-raised broiler farming. That means they make about $50 per chicken and $15 is margin.

Unless a poultry farmer processes the meat onsite, they shouldn’t expect to get such high margins, though.

Selling as a commodity

A poultry farm business might sell on the open market as well. In this scenario, you’ll need to register with the USDA . You’ll be selling to companies that process the live chickens and turn them into breast, wings, thighs, and other meat for consumption. In this scenario, your profit would be:

Broiler Companies Gross Profit = (market rate per pound x pounds of live chickens) – (costs of chicks + feed + labor caring for chickens + transportation costs).

Egg Laying Companies Gross Profit = (market rate of eggs x number of eggs) – (feed + labor caring for chickens + transportation costs).

You’ll want to compare current pricing for broilers versus eggs to decide which is more profitable. Alternatively, you could do a mix of broiler meat and egg laying.

Geoff told us about how a lot of farmers operate:

Bring on a bunch of debt, get all your equipment, and then farm for the rest of your life. You hope to pay off that debt. John and I took a little bit more measured approach.

During many years farmers will run at a loss and have to be subsidized by the government, so make sure you talk to a financial advisor before you jump into the poultry farm business.

Poultry Industry

According to IBISWorld , the average American eats approximately 112 pounds of chicken, eggs, turkey, and other farm fowl each year. They expect Americans to increase their consumption by about half a pound per year. 

Chicken farms sell chicken and other birds based on the commodity market rates, which have ranged from 59 cents per pound at the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdowns to an all-time high of 99 cents per pound on June 17, 2022. Estimates expect that this inflation will level off and return to approximately 1% increases in the prices paid for full birds.

From the poultry farm, the birds will go to:

• A processing plant (or slaughterhouse)
• A wholesale processor
• Supermarkets and retailers
• The final consumer

As a result, a bird that sold for 99 cents per pound, increases to about $5.99 to $7.99 for a whole chicken in the supermarket. Breasts and tenders can go for over $4 per pound according to the USDA . 

However, Geoff and John reap most of the profits from their poultry farming because they own the processing and supermarket. Let’s look at each of the players in the poultry farm business to see how it quadruples in price from the farm to the consumer.

A farmer’s main costs include:

• Land : It’s best to be near but not in big cities. Prices of land can vary dramatically. For example, you might find two to five acres ranging from $5,000 per acre to $2.5 million per acre.
• Chicken coop : Later on, we’ll explain how to build a chicken coop, but if you’re building with three square feet per chicken, you’ll probably end up spending a ton on your chicken house.
• Chickens: You might find day-old chickens for approximately $1 to $2.50 per chick based on the quantity, sex, and whether they are GMO-raised.
• Feed: You’ll need to feed the chickens, and you’ll probably want to buy in bulk. Per pound, smaller bags are much more expensive than when you buy a ton of feed.
• Transportation costs : IRS mileage deductions change each year, but have been over $.50 per mile since 2008. You can deduct actual costs instead.
• Employees: If you have over 500 chickens per owner, plan to spend $15 per hour according to the BLS .

Poultry and other meats require processing, which is an industry worth approximately $227.6 billion with a 4.8% profit margin according to IBISWorld . Poultry processing is included in US Industry (NAICS) Report 31161 . I strongly suggest you pay for the report if you’ll be involved in processing, especially if you need a loan.

Using current market rates, the spending breaks down to:

• Purchase price per pound: $.99
• Additional expenses per pound: $.75
• Profit per pound: $.09
• Sell to the wholesaler by the pound: $1.83

Processing is where most of the additional costs in the industry occur, but not where most of the profits are. At the time of writing, there are 5,486 processing companies, and the major players get 57% of the revenue and 98.25% of the profits. The major players are included in the chart below:

That means the average company can expect to achieve a maximum of $18,000,000 revenue and up to $867,000 per year. There are a lot of industry participants operating at losses.

Once the meat has been processed, it is sent to the wholesaler.

Poultry Wholesalers

These are the companies that sell to grocery stores and restaurant chains. There are between 700 and 800 businesses in this category, but the industry is dominated by Sysco and Cal-Maine foods, which get a combined 52% of the revenue. 

Interestingly, smaller wholesalers seem to perform better with a higher profit margin of 3.19% on a little over $8 million revenue on average.

• Purchase price per pound: $1.83 
• Additional expenses per pound: $.40 per pound
• Profit per pound: $.57
• Sell to supermarkets by the pound: $2.80 

Supermarkets

The supermarket industry makes $757 billion in revenue with 21.3% of that attributed to meat, poultry, cheese, and eggs. The purchase of food items accounts for almost 70%. They also average 1.8% profit , but Publix manages to hit a 27.6% profit margin.

• Payment to wholesaler: $2.80
• Profit: $.07
• Other expenses: $1.13
• Consumer price per pound: $4

Why does this matter to a poultry farm?

It means that by the time the food gets to the customer, three other companies are adding $3.01 to the price of the chicken, of which 75 cents is profit.

That’s why John and Geoff’s business model is so brilliant. Instead of being a commodity that gets the short end of the stick, they’ve built their poultry farm into a slaughterhouse, packager, retailer, and online store.

While this comes with additional costs, they effectively make 2.5 times the revenue while increasing the costs by approximately $2.28 per pound with potential profit margins of 10%. 

Governing Laws

There are a lot of laws covering poultry farming and egg production. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with:

• EPA rules on animal feed operations
• USDA policies regarding livestock
• Farmers Service Agency (FSA, a division of the USDA specifically to help farmers succeed)
• State agencies may have policies about farming permits, licensing, or inspection. Check the FSA map to find experts on your state regulations.
• Many cities and counties may have regulations that apply to starting a chicken farm. I would suggest talking to your local SBA office and health district.

Don’t forget to register your farm. Marion Acres is a multi-member LLC, but it operates similarly to a partnership. Read our blog that walks you through how to register an LLC . 

Market Forces

Weather, unemployment, and disposable income all have an impact on farming poultry. Chickens don’t sweat, so temperatures above 90 degrees can jeopardize their health. Make sure to take that into consideration if you are considering how to start poultry farming.

Choose a Poultry Sector Next

Now that you know a little about the types of businesses involving poultry, what kind of poultry business are you going to start?

• Sell chickens for meat
• Create feed to sell for poultry farmers
• Hatchery and breeding chicks
• Egg and meat processing

Whichever one you choose, your focus should be on how to maximize the output for the lowest cost. Given the primary variable cost is feed, you want to focus on the following ratios:

• Broiler farm : meat per pound of feed 
• Laying eggs : Eggs per pound of feed 

Let’s look at the different breeds of chickens you can choose for your own poultry business.

Type of Bird

Were you raised on a chicken farm?

If you weren’t, I bet you’ll be surprised by the number of chicken breeds available. Fortunately, Chicken Breeds List has an extensive knowledge-base about chickens. It’s basically a one-stop-shop about poultry farming for beginners, with over 31 different breeds ranked based on:

• Number of eggs per year
• Growth potential
• Aggressiveness
• Space requirements 
• And other considerations

They rate the Leghorn as the best egg-laying chicken and the Cornish Cross as the best for producing fast and plentiful chicken meat production.

Look for their awards on sites that educate, breed, or cook chicken. If you see one of them, this means they are a poultry company focused on excellence.

Oops! I spent half the blog educating us on the chicken industry. Let’s carry on with how to start a poultry farm in the USA.

Step 2. Write a Poultry Farming Business Plan

Poultry farming business plans help you keep yourself focused on your goals. Whether you just want enough to feed family and friends, you want to sell eggs or chicken meat locally, or you have dreams of becoming a major chicken farming business, a business plan will help.

Check out our blog about business plan writing and write your own. If that’s not your style, we understand. Marion Acres has never had an official business plan. They told us;

I would say we’re kind of unofficial. A lot of the growth that we have had is just kind of the market driving us that way. The goals we have are probably how to become more sustainable as a farm, and how to become more self-sufficient down the road. And that could be a one to two-year venture.

After you have a business plan for your poultry farm, you’ll know whether you need extra funding or not. If you do, you might want to consider business loans.

Step 3. Poultry Business Loans

If you don’t already have land to start a poultry farm, you’ll need to get some. That means you probably need to buy it. Most landlords won’t love a chicken coop in their garage.

Plus, there’s other poultry farming equipment you’ll need. In addition to the standard loans available for most businesses, the FSA has farming loans that help people buy land, invest in equipment, and make it until the next harvest. 

There’s even youth funding to help 10 to 20-year-olds do farming projects. Put your kid to work raising chicks! Teaching them young is great for when they want their own business.

Next, choose a location for your poultry farm.

Step 4. Find a Location of Chicken Farm

Where are you going to raise chickens? 

Well, that depends on how many you have. Raising chickens can be a space-consuming venture. The poultry farm business can consume three to ten square feet per chicken meaning you can fit about 33 chickens in a 10 x 10 space. 

That means an acre can hold between 4k and 14k chickens, but that doesn’t leave room for much else. That would also be a massive chicken house. 

Chickens also do best in 70° to 75° weather, and they can have heat strokes when temperatures get above 90°. Geoff told us:

They’ve gotta have water. They’ll die pretty quick if they don’t. Especially in the heat.

You also want to create a farm where the cost of land plus transporting poultry products is balanced to minimize costs. 

Step 5. How to Make a Chicken Farm 

Poultry farm design is focused on creating effective layouts and processes to help chicken farms become more profitable and efficient. Check out the Big Book Project . 

You’ll need to do things like:

• Establish how to position everything on your land.
• Decide how to make the most of your space.
• Build a chicken coop.
• Manage your supply chain.
• Purchase and care for your chickens.
• Process and sell your poultry products.

We’ll look at a few, but I strongly advise checking out the Big Book Project and talking to other poultry farming businesses to learn more about designing a small farm. Acclimating to the setting in person will give you a powerful perspective on chicken farming.

How to start a poultry farm: Build a Chicken Coop

Marion Acres uses what they call a Chicken Tractor with a Gravity Water Delivery System for their broiler chickens. It’s an 8-foot by 8-foot enclosure made from:

• Nine 2” x 2” wood beams : $4 each = $36
• Seven 8’ x 2’ corrugated steel panels : $22 each = $154
• Chicken wire : $39 (should be approximately 1 roll)
• Nails and screws: $5
• Estimated Total: $234 + tax, shipping, and handling

When they built it, the total cost would have been about $220 for the coop and $60 for the gravity water delivery system. 

This makes it where they can easily move the chicken coop to different spots on the poultry farm. Watch the video below to view how they built the chicken tractor.

Almanac.com has a good read on how to make a chicken house. They suggest keeping the poultry house near where people are at all times of day so that someone can hear if a fox tries to enter the chicken house.

Farm innovations have created intensive poultry housing systems. With automated feeders, watering systems, and other improvements, you can more easily care for your chickens. You’ll have to establish the proper settings for your poultry house because chicken breeds vary on their needs. Learn about some of the best feeding systems.

How to start a poultry farm: Buy Feed

Every chicken will need to eat. Without poultry feed, you’ll have a hard time keeping your chickens healthy. Chicken feed is made with specific purposes in mind. You can buy poultry feed for:

• Baby chickens: Starter food is best for ages that range from day old chicks to 20 weeks.
• Chicken broilers: If you’re just trying to raise chicks to sell the meat, get food specifically for broilers.
• Teenage chickens: If you want to keep your chicks properly cared for until they each become an adult chicken, you might want to change from starter food to grower food at six weeks. You’ll want to change this when they start laying eggs.
• Egg layers: Once chickens start laying eggs, they need layer feed to help produce healthier eggs. It’s like grower feed but with more calcium and minerals.

When you’re just getting started, you can buy feed from Amazon or Walmart, but you may want to buy in bulk. When comparing a 40 to 50 lb bag to a 2,000 lb order, you can save up to $1,000 by buying in bulk based on online pricing. 

Check out this blog to learn more about feeding chickens .

You’ll want other equipment, too. 

How to start a poultry farm: Other Equipment

You will need equipment based on the chicken products you sell, the space you have, and your budget. Some of the items you might need before you buy your chicks include:

• Waste removal system(s)
• Lighting instruments
• Brooders (for breeding)
• Heaters (for cold weather)
• Crates (for collecting eggs)
• Egg trays (for handling and selling eggs)
• Perches (for laying hens)
• Nests (for laying hens and breeding)
• Incubator (for breeding)

Once you have all the equipment setup, it’s time to find dependable breeders.

Get Your Chickens

It’s time to buy some quality chicks from a reputable breeder. You can buy locally or online, but be careful when buying online. There are two ways to get new chickens and it sounds like a joke. You get to choose between the chicken or the egg.

Geoff told us:

You definitely wanna buy day-old chicks. Leave the hatching of the eggs to the hatchery.

Based on my research, it seems that eggs and chickens sell for about the same price, which means you are better off with the chicks. If you decide to expand your business to incubate your own eggs later, you can potentially increase your profit. You’ll need to learn poultry science first, though.

Some breeders are more honest than others, so make sure they have a guarantee. You might also ask if they have an American Poultry Association flock certification .

Some of the ones consistently mentioned include:

• Jenks : Business success is often measured by profitability, but longevity is also important. As the longest operating poultry company supplier, they know they understand the poultry farm business.
• Cackle Hatchery : If you are looking to buy from only one supplier, Cackle is probably the place. They sell pretty much everything you need for raising and selling chickens. Plus, they’ve been around for over 80 years.
• Privett Hatchery : If you are on the west coast, you might consider getting your chickens from Privett. It’s in New Mexico making it more convenient for a farmer located in the southwest United States.

You can find more breeders and fertile egg suppliers on Chickens and More .

Step 6. How to Run a Chicken Farm

Poultry farming is a delicate business. You have to:

• Feed your birds the proper nutrients: We discussed this in the section on feed. This will help promote chicken health.
• Treat against poultry diseases: If your flock catches a chicken disease, you need to separate the sick ones and care for them. You may also have to hire a vet. Learn more about diseases chickens catch .
• Protect against predators: We discussed this during the section on design.
• Dispose of their waste: You’ll need a waste disposal system to help keep the chicken coop clean. 
• The deep litter system is a method of composting inside the coop. 
• You can also use an automated system.

Geoff and John use manual processes. They told us:

We move the chicken tractors around so their waste fertilizes the land. Every animal plays a role in the ecosystem.

• Treat against poultry diseases : If your flock catches a chicken disease, you have to separate sick ones and care for them. You may also have to hire a vet.
• Maintain documentation of care: You’ll need a great system to document your date of purchase, care, date of processing, and more. Check out USDA documentation requirements .

Author’s note: During my experience in the building automation industry, I found that automated systems make documentation of anything much easier. When you can easily check a log to see when feed was distributed, water consumed, temperatures, and other relevant data, it is much easier to comply with government regulations.

Step 7. Process the Birds

Once the birds have matured to an age you can sell them (typically six to 20 weeks), you need to turn them into meat. Most people will do this using an external processing company, which we discussed in the industry overview, but Geoff and John do it themselves. They told us:

I wish we would’ve known more about how it was going to go with the county in developing the processing facility. I think we probably would’ve just hired a project manager and said, “Deal with the county, make sure everything is taken care of. Let us focus on the stuff we’re good at. 

And I don’t wanna be distracted by explaining to the county about our storage tanks… In the end, I think it (hiring a land-use consultant) probably would’ve saved us a lot on (the) schedule.

Step 8. Sell the Chickens or Eggs

There are several ways for a poultry farm business to sell their chickens and eggs. The business can sell its products to:

• Consumers: Reach this target market through websites, social media, your own retail location, and farmers’ markets.
• Restaurants: Get in touch with restaurant owners through similar channels as consumers but also through trade organizations.
• Poultry processors and wholesalers : Join trade associations or keep reading to find out how to farm for Perdue or Tyson.

How to start a chicken farm for Perdue

If you want to learn the benefits of poultry farming with Perdue, check out the links on their poultry initiatives . As a Perdue farmer, you get access to:

• Some of the most advanced systems in the industry
• A consistent supply of industry best practices
• A regional vet dedicated to helping provide care for your poultry
• Flock advisors to help you maximize gross income and profit
• Technical assistance to maintain your systems

They’ll guide you through the process of how to start a poultry farm for Perdue.

How to start a chicken farm for Tyson

If you’re wanting to contract with Tyson, check out their prospective farming partners page. They use guidelines from the University of Georgia and contract with more than 6,000 contract farmers. Contact the nearest live operations manager if you’d like to discuss how to start a poultry farm with Tyson.

How to start a chicken farm to sell eggs

Egg-selling poultry farms have many of the same requirements as broiler farms, but they are focused on getting the most eggs per unit of feed. You’ll be trying to keep your chickens healthy for a longer period of time because layers often start egg production near 20 weeks and can produce eggs daily for three to four years .

Step 9. Other Business Functions

In addition to the basic equipment and chicken care, you’ll need to have your systems in place for standard business operations like:

• Bartering (unique to farming)

Fortunately, John and Geoff gave us a ton of information on what they use to operate their business selling broiler chickens.

How to start a poultry farm: Hiring

Marion Acres, LLC emphasizes two aspects when hiring:

• Skill: Do they at least somewhat understand the job?
• Personality: Are they fun to be around? Similar values? Work Ethic?

For processing employees, they told us:

It’s called Poached. I think that attracts more of the food service industry, people that are used to handling knives and processing things, stuff like that. So we use that for the processing facility.

They also explained most other positions are easily filled with walk-ins and “now hiring” signs.

How to start a poultry farm: Accounting 

Marion Acres uses a variety of tools for accounting. John told us:

Geoff does (accounting), but we do use QuickBooks Online, a lot of spreadsheets.

You can connect QuickBooks to most software, so you might be able to integrate it with other software you love. Geoff and John told us:

We use Clover for here in the store. Shopventory, which handles our inventory. And we do use Square for some of our online .

Make sure you understand your accounting processes because you’ll need to have sufficient funds or be well documented for the farm programs. Learn about other accounting software for farmers and have a professional accountant help you set it up properly.

How to start a poultry farm: Marketing

John discussed their marketing strategy with us:

We have mainly my wife who oversees that team, Rachelle. There (are) about two people right now, besides her. So three total. 

We use Wix, which is very user-friendly, and a very simple platform. It just uploads some pictures and types in some things and they make it look good. So kudos to Wix.  

The team that manages that also manages the inventory.

Marion Acres uses social media because it’s so powerful. Check out their Instagram and LinkTree . Like most business owners, they have found that their search engine optimization is what truly helps drive awareness.

They also mentioned that customer service is a big part of their value. They treat people like family and have a beautiful view with picnic tables. Geoff and John have created such a pleasant experience that some customers come almost daily.

Go start your own business!

Chicken is a staple of most people’s diets. Now you have an idea of how to start a poultry farm, so take a training course with poultry farming for beginners, buy some baby chicks, and get farming today!

Which type of farming would you rather do, broilers or egg-layers?

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How to Start a $100K/Month Window Cleaning Business

If you're considering getting into the field, you'll want to hear what Martin Skarra has to say about how to start a window cleaning business.

Martin decided he wanted to buy a window cleaning business for around $400K, and a year later, he doubled the company’s revenue. In this helpful how-to, he shares his business, marketing, and communication strategies for running a successful window cleaning business.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"] We'll share the industry outlook and business planning tips, as well as tips for registering a window cleaning company, buying cleaning supplies, marketing, and more. It’s all aimed at helping you save money while you start your business.

Case Study: Seattle Window Cleaning

Learn how to start a cleaning company, learn about the window cleaning industry, step 1. write a window cleaning business plan, step 2. register the window cleaning business, step 3. get a window cleaning business license, step 4. get business insurance, step 5. open a business bank account, step 6. create a pricing guide, step 7. buy window cleaning supplies, step 8. market your window cleaning business, step 9. provide window cleaning services.

• Conclusion [/su_note]

Martin Skarra graduated from business school and wanted to buy a business. He started looking for a service company that was already successful but provided opportunities to improve.

He spent 18 months looking for a small business opportunity that had opportunities to improve branding, adopt technology, and increase profitability. That’s when he found Mercer Island Window Cleaners. He bought it for $400K and started making changes.

First, Martin changed the business name from Mercer Island Window Cleaners, among other brands the company operated under, to Seattle Window Cleaning. This single change helped improve the company’s rank on search engines, jumping to the top three with more than 1,000 searches per month.

He updated the website, automated the business, improved the marketing, and hired more people. These changes helped him double the revenue in less than a year.

Watch his story below:

Does Martin’s story inspire you to be your own boss and start a window-washing company?

Starting a window washing business or any cleaning business can be a high-paying endeavor, but most business owners spend a lot of time and energy learning on the job.

What if you could skip all the guesswork and get straight to making money?

We partnered with Cristobal Mondragon to create a cleaning business course that gives you everything you need to start cleaning business operations. We’re so confident you’ll love the full course that we provide a 90-day refund policy.

Check out our FREE cleaning business course to get a preview of what you’ll learn.

How much do window cleaners make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , window cleaners typically get paid between $12 and $29 hourly, or a salary of $25,950 to $58,780 per year.

You might pay your window washing employees by the job, by the hour, or commission. In 2022, Martin told us:

[su_quote] “The guys make $12 base pay, and then they get 15% commission above that. So if they do a $100 job, they get $15. The guys are making between $35 and $40.” [/su_quote]

If you want to know how much you can make by starting a window cleaning business, keep reading.

How much do window washing business owners make?

Most window washing business owners pay themselves a salary, which is approximately $100K per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . You can pay yourself less if you make less, but the IRS likes going after business owners who don’t pay themselves a competitive wage.

While many local window cleaners don’t make that much, starting a window-washing business can be pretty profitable. Martin told us:

[su_quote] “I have about 20% to 25% profit margins but am reinvesting for growth.” [/su_quote]

That means he could be making as much as $22,500 per month. Sound good? Learn more about starting your own window cleaning business.

How much does it cost to start a window cleaning business?

As long as you have the vehicle, starting a window cleaning company costs under $1K. All you need to start a window cleaning business is:

• Window cleaner
• Extension pole
• Business license
• Limited liability company (LLC) or other business structure

If you have to buy a vehicle, you can still do it for under $5K. Martin took a different route and found a great window cleaning business opportunity. He told us:

[su_quote] “I paid around $400K for the business, but the beauty of the U.S., you have something called SBA loans, which are loans from a commercial bank guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. And they let you buy a business with up to 90% leverage.” [/su_quote]

His down payment was around $40K.

Now that you understand the financials, let’s look at how to start a window washing business.

How to Start a Window Cleaning Business

You will need to follow a seven-step process to start your own window cleaning business.

According to Harvard Business Review , taking the time to write a business plan increases the probability of success by 16%. A business plan is normally required to take out SBA loans, too.

To write a window cleaning business plan, you'll want to:

• Brainstorm cleaning business ideas.
• Establish goals for your business.
• Create a budget.
• Create your pricing strategy.
• Write your marketing plan.

Check out our interview with Mike Andes, a successful business owner and franchisor, about writing a business plan.

Let's start by discussing business ideas.

Brainstorm Cleaning Business Ideas

Window cleaning businesses typically have three types of window washing clients they accept:

• Residential clients: Residential window cleaning services focus on a target market, typically homeowners in zip codes with high median wages.
• Commercial clients: Small business owners and building owners often look to commercial window cleaning services. You may focus on buildings like offices, shopping malls, hotels, and apartment complexes.
• High-rise clients: A high-rise window cleaning company operates on skyscrapers and has more safety and insurance requirements than other types of window washers.

Since residential and commercial window cleaners have fairly similar requirements, many businesses will accept both commercial and residential clients. Check out our blog about more cleaning business ideas here .

Once you decide what your business is going to focus on, you need to establish your goals.

Establish Goals for Your Cleaning Business

Every business owner has different goals for their window washing business. The average revenue per employee across the industry is only around $67K, so you probably aren't going to make $1M per year as a single-person business.

You should consider:

• How much do you want to earn?
• Do you want to be a home-based office or rent office space?
• How wide of a service area do you want to serve?
• When you're ready to retire, do you want to be able to sell the business or pass it on to your kids?
• Do you want the business to be in a single location, or would you like to expand through corporate-owned stores or franchising?
• Do you want to hire employees?

You'll want to document all this early because they will impact your pricing guide, insurance, software requirements, marketing, business licenses, and practically every decision you make when opening your own business.

Create a Budget for the Window Washing Business

You'll need a budget to run your window cleaning business successfully. Martin told us:

[su_quote] “I'm hoping long term, [margins] are gonna be in the 20% to 25% range. So that's roughly a third, 35%, 40% is gonna be your technicians, and then there's another, roughly 30% in the overhead and insurance.” [/su_quote]

The breakdown would look something like the table below for a solo entrepreneur. Just multiply the highlighted cells by the number of employees to alter projections when you hire employees.

Create Your Pricing Strategy

You’ll need to figure out how much to charge for window cleaning. You can quote bids for potential customers using the following business models:

• Per Pane: This business model uses the number of window panes to establish how much to charge. The window cleaning cost will normally be $4 to $15 per window.
• Square Footage: Some residential window cleaning companies charge based on the square footage of the windows or the home. These are good for tract homes where cleaning windows doesn’t require a lot of guesswork.
• Time and Materials: This business model is good for commercial properties and custom homes because you can estimate based on factors like ladders, screens, and other features. Companies normally charge $80 to $150 per hour.

Most small businesses call around to figure out what the local market normally charges.

Seattle Window Washing uses a tool called ResponsiBid that makes it easier to provide instant quotes, but BookingKoala ’s layout is better (in my opinion) and the cost is less. Chris discusses it in our blog about how to start a cleaning company

Write Your Marketing Plan

Now it's time to establish how you're going to market your business. You should establish:

• Marketing channels you want to use: Digital, print, radio, and TV are all options. Most opt for digital and limited print.
• Monthly marketing budget: How much do you want to spend on marketing, including blogs, ads, and print media?
• Physical products to market your business: You'll want vehicle signs, business cards, and door hangers. Some people also use mailers.

Martin told us:

[su_quote] “When we're at a house, the neighbors get a card in the mail afterwards and it says, ‘Hey, we're just cleaning the neighbor's windows, we'd love to do some work for you too!'” [/su_quote]

Learn more about finding cleaning customers here .

You’ll need to choose a business name and register the business. Check that the name is available as a web domain, social media handle (on all platforms), trademark, and as an actual business name.

Two common business structures are LLCs and corporations. Both have their benefits, which you can read about in our business structure guide . Make sure to talk to a business attorney before you register.

You'll also need to get tax permits and an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.

You'll need to look up your local county clerk or business license department to verify what business licenses you’ll need. Licensing requirements vary by location, but common requirements are:

• General liability insurance
• Workers compensation insurance
• Security bonds
• A licensing fee

The window cleaning license cost will normally be between $100 and $500 , but I have seen some locations where a business license costs a percentage of the previous year’s or quarter’s revenue.

If your location requires insurance, you'll need to get it before the license.

Check out our blog on how to get a cleaning business license . We even walk you through how to get your EIN from the IRS.

You may need to get insurance before you offer window cleaning services. Even if insurance for window cleaners is not required, you should protect your business assets. I normally suggest Simply Business because they are quick, easy, and affordable. They compare window cleaning insurance for most types of business insurance, including:

• Professional liability
• Business owner policies
• Auto insurance
• Workers’ compensation

Make sure you get insurance that will protect your personal and business assets.

You'll want to keep your business and personal assets separate. Business expenses are tax-deductible, but personal expenses are not. A business bank account makes it easy to keep personal assets separate from your business expenses. Apply online or at your local credit union.

Small banks tend to have better approval rates than major banks when you apply for a business loan, so start building a relationship early.

Most window cleaners will also want a business credit card to pay for overhead costs like gas and cleaning solutions. If the bank approves you at the same time you open your bank account, you'll be able to use it for start-up costs.

You'll need to make it easy to provide price quotes to potential clients. Customer service representatives and your window cleaning team will benefit from having an easy way of providing estimates.

This is especially critical if you provide other services to existing customers. Martin told us:

[su_quote] “Window cleaning is super seasonal. We do that in the summer and then trailing into September. Late August, it starts to quiet down quite a bit.” [/su_quote]

They also offer gutter cleaning, roof cleaning, power washing, and Christmas light installation to provide year-round services for their target audience.

You might want to consider a similar approach to build relationships with existing and potential clients. It will help cover overhead costs during slow months. Check out our cleaners pricing guide for inspiration.

As mentioned previously, you should consider Responsibid or BookingKoala, but you can also use an Excel spreadsheet and script to provide window cleaning job quotes.

Check out our 7-Figure Cleaning Business Blueprint course to get the business skills, systems, and processes you need to run a profitable cleaning company. It will make day-to-day operations way easier.

You can buy window cleaning supplies on Amazon. You'll want to get:

• Cleaning solution

Window cleaning equipment might also include a pressure washing setup .

Check out our window cleaning business start-up kit on Kit . Combine it with the pressure washing kit for diversified revenue streams and power window washing capabilities.

Martin told us he attempted every type of marketing and found three that work well.

• Referral programs
• Send a mailer to five neighbors of each customer

He explained:

[su_quote] “I spend about $3,000 per month [on marketing]. We just use regular Google Ads. And then we also do a five-round automated with the cards that go out and to all the neighbors. When we're at a house, the neighbors get a card in the mail afterwards.” [/su_quote]

Check out our cleaning course to get templates for mailers, automations, and ad platforms.

You might also want to create social media accounts and join local business directories, like Angi (formerly Angie's List), Yelp, and Thumbtack. These provide leads and add to your authority.

You've started a window cleaning business, but now it's time to serve customers. If you offer other services like pressure washing, offer this to your customers to increase the revenue per trip. You already use similar cleaning solutions and towels—cleaning tools are pretty interchangeable.

Be careful when cleaning window panes. If you accidentally break a window pane, immediately pay for someone to come out and fix it. Accidents happen, but a quick, honest response can help build a good reputation even when you have accidents.

Now you know how to open a window cleaning business. We discussed how Martin runs his home window cleaning company and what to expect when you enter the industry.

Local service businesses, like window cleaners, can serve both residential and business customers to make a great living. To make a window cleaning business profitable, don’t offer $99 window cleaning unless you are in a place with a low cost of living. Window cleaning jobs require time and money, and you need to make money to stay afloat.

How much is window cleaning in your area?

How to Start a 7-Figure Cell Phone Repair Business (2024)

Joe's Story 

Step 1: come up with a cell phone repair business plan. .

• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This is an expanded version of your elevator pitch, and lists all the reasons you're writing your business plan. The executive summary is the first thing interested parties will see, but it will be the very last thing you write. Readers will either be captivated by your idea and want to read the rest of the plan, or, they'll get bored and won't. 
• BUSINESS DESCRIPTION: This is a concise overview of your cell phone repair business. What is it about your business that'll make it a runaway success? Describe, in excruciatingly exact detail, how your company is uniquely positioned to meet customers' needs. 
• OWNERSHIP: This is how you’re going to structure your cell phone repair business. When you're starting out, you'll probably be organized as a sole proprietorship. 
• MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION: Who's running the day-to-day operations of your repair business? Write about the experience of each person running the company, including you--the owner. Interested parties are going to want to know how each team member fits into the organizational structure. 
• MARKETING: How do you plan to promote your cell phone repair business? Write about your marketing strategy and how it'll drive more customers through the door. Whether it's by word of mouth, social media, or something else, it's important to plan it out.

• MARKET ANALYSIS: Here's where you list five similar repair shops and evaluate how they stack up to your own. Rigorously evaluate your competitors, describe the industry you're working in, and provide a little info on your target demographic. A fantastic thing to do is to list five repair shops similar to yours and how they stack up. 
• OBJECTIVES: How will you know when your repair business is successful? You won't know that unless you establish specific metrics. 
• TARGET MARKET: Who's your ideal customer? List all the attributes you can think of that make up customers you'd think you should be targeting. This is known as a customer avatar. 
• FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS : Here is where you take your objectives and translate them into figures backed by hard data. 
• REQUEST FOR FUNDING: Include current and future funding requests, so investors and lenders will know how much debt you're potentially taking on. 
• FINANCIALS: Here's where you'd put your financial projections. Normally, they'll want to see past financial data, but since you're just starting this company, that documentation is most likely nonexistent. 

Step 2: Make real-world experience part of your education.  

Step 3: get some equipment and supplies. .

Step 4: Acquire the necessary skills. 

Step 5: find a location that's right for you. .

Step 6: Assemble a team of dedicated ninjas. 

Step 7: fund your business with your profits. .

Step 8: Create an effective marketing strategy. 

Create a brand identity. .

Step 9: Start out organized and stay that way. 

Step 10: Learn to delegate. 

Step 11: have a guiding philosophy that permeates every aspect of your repair business. .

Step 12: Understand the market you're servicing.

Step 13: Always stay one step ahead of the competition. 

Step 14: create more income streams by adding more services to your existing ones. .

Step 15: Learn from your mentors. 

Step 16: be persistent. , what’s the downside of a cellphone repair business .

• THIRD-PARTY LIMITATIONS: Many cell phone brands won't let a third party business repair their stuff. However, Apple allows independent repair shops to repair out-of-warranty iPhones if they have an Apple-certified technician on staff. The only problem is that new phones are off limits, and the certification is expensive. 
• LOCATION ISSUES : If you're working from home, there's going to be distractions galore, so you won't get as much done as you would working at an office. On the other hand, if you work out of a dedicated storefront, you’ll be incurring a mortgage or lease expense. 
• MARKETING EXPENSE: If you’re not careful, marketing costs can quickly add up. Billboard and radio ads, mass mailings, and Google AdWords can be expensive. If you’re creative, you can effectively market your cell phone repair business with little money—you can even start on a shoestring budget. 
• EQUIPMENT COST: When you're just starting out repairing cell phones, you'll have to buy some basic equipment. While some stuff is cheap, other stuff can be quite expensive. 

How much does a cell phone repair business make? 

Is mobile repair a good business? 

How to Start a $58K/Month Vending Machine Business

Have you ever been super thirsty and unable to find a drink? Starting a vending machine business can be a great way to make passive income with low startup costs. Are you ready to learn how to start a vending machine business?

Adam Hill told us:

[su_quote] The corporate world was trying to make me bounce around a lot and I wanted to stay in my strip of paradise. I decided to leave my job, buy a vending machine route, and have been doing this ever since. [/su_quote]

He bought his first vending machine operator for $120K in 2014 and Hill Vending was born. 

Hill Vending lost its biggest client shortly after the change in leadership because the location wanted to start running its own vending machines. That didn’t stop Adam!

He rose above the discouragement to grow the business into a $600K passive income-generating machine. He's even started his own vending training course. We're going to share the secrets of his success.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]

We'll cover the four keys to running a successful vending machine business, plus everything below. Click on any of the text below to navigate to that part of the article:

Step 1. Is The Vending Machine Business Profitable?

Step 2. how much does a vending machine cost, step 3. write a vending machine business plan, step 4. form your vending machine business, step 5. how to buy a vending machine, step 6. how much does a vending machine make, step 7. where to get products to fill your vending machine, step 8. where can i put a vending machine, step 9. where should i store the products for vending machines, step 10. how do i maintain vending machines, step 11. how often should i check the vending machines and empty the money collected.

• Go Start a Successful Vending Machine Business [/su_note]

Let's dig into the vending machine industry first!

Adam told us:

[su_quote] You need to link up with an education platform like UpFlip. You'll be running your business by making mistakes if you don't. There's no college courses for this. [/su_quote]

Check out our interview with him below:

ATTENTION: Watch Adam Hill unravel his decade-long experience & help you launch a 6-figure vending business today in his free masterclass .

Vending machine business owners have the ability to make a ton of money if they can land their vending machines in the right places, but you need to understand the market to play the game right. We'll give you some background information.

Who are the major players in the vending machine market?

IBIS World , the United States vending machine industry, is highly fragmented, with over 18,200 businesses sharing $9 billion in revenue. According to the same report, the largest vending machine operators in the vending machine market  are:

• Compass Group PLC: They had $14.4 billion in revenue in 2021 and a 5% net profit. They are the owner of Canteen and Canteen One, with more than 200 health vending locations throughout the US.
• Aramark Corporation : The US revenue for Aramark is $6.8 billion (page 34), with an operating income of $131.8 million (page S-53) in their annual reports .
• Wittern Group : They are solely focused on vending. They are privately owned, so their income is private information, but Dun & Bradstreet (a 200-year-old analytics and risk management company) estimates Wittern Group had $71.2 million in sales in 2021.
• Swyft (formerly ZoomSystems): Swyft is turning the retail industry on its head with vending machines for everything. Want to buy a computer from a vending machine? No problem! They also create lockers for packages.

These major players are also where to buy a vending machine.

Trends in the vending industry

The vending machine offerings are becoming more sophisticated. Vending machine businesses accept more than quarters today. Vending machine owners still accept quarters, but vending machines also accept cards, ApplePay, and Google Pay

In addition, the average vending machine has seen other advancements, including:

• Automated shops
• More than just food and drinks
• Eco-friendly solutions
• Field management software
• Personalized products in vending machines

[su_quote] You don't need all that, though. A lot of people overcomplicate it… All you really need is box trucks and machines plus service agreements. You can get carts, lifts, and other tools that make your life easier as you go. You don't need a warehouse. [/su_quote]

Later in the interview, he told us:

[su_quote] I think vending is the future. If you look at it, even Amazon is going towards unattended retail. [/su_quote]

How much does a vending machine make?

[su_quote]I aim for $2,000+ per month from each location.[/su_quote]

Profits vary dramatically based on what you stock and how you purchase machines and inventory. At first, you'll probably have slimmer margins because you might not qualify to work with major distributors, but as you grow, so can your margins.

If you figure a 24-pack of Coke bottles is $13 from Sam's Club , and you can sell each one for $1.50 to $3.50, that's over a 64% gross margin. That's pretty good for checking your machines, collecting the money, and restocking. 

Adam broke down the costs for us:

•  Products : 50% •  Taxes : 20% •  Wages and profits : 30%

We talked to another vending business owner, Ben Smith of Friendship Vending Co., who told us:

[su_quote] Use the online ordering with store pickup whenever you can. It saves time. [/su_quote]

The more vending machines you own, the better you'll do in the vending machine business. As you add more machines, margins will increase because your route will become more efficient, and you'll qualify for bulk discounts.

Vending machine company profits per product

eVending specifically states that their machines can be paid for by selling 7 to 10 products at a profit of $.50 per product. That is probably a good target for the minimum acceptable profit margin.

How much does it cost to start a vending machine business?

One of the biggest considerations when considering how to get into the vending machine business is the cost. You can start by buying a vending machine for as little as $500, or you can buy routes that normally start around $5,000 per machine.

If you have a vehicle and a bit of extra money and are comfortable approaching business owners, go for it! It could change your life.

Sounds like a great industry, doesn't it?

There's more! You can find a vending machine for anything.

I wasn't kidding when I said there's a vending machine for anything you can imagine. Besides the standard food vending machines, you can start a vending machine business selling books, electronics, clothes––anything your mind can conjure.

Let's look at some of the most common types of vending machine businesses and what the vending machines cost.

How much is a vending machine for food?

Food vending machines can come in a variety of styles. You can have the old-school machines that hold the food with longer shelf lives. These are great for candy, chips, and cookies. 

Vending machines are commonly found for less than $1,000 used or $3,000+ for a new one (but financing is available for new ones.) We'll discuss whether you should buy new or used later, but let's look at some of the vending machines available on the market.

Snack Food Vending Machines 

You can sell snack food that doesn't need to be refrigerated out of vending machines, which is the most common style. Consider these features as you research:

• The number of snacks it can hold. Expect to spend an extra $25 to $100 for each additional snack dispensing section.
• The type of payments it can take. Expect to spend $300 more on card readers.
• Whether it's refrigerated. Expect to spend an extra $400+ for a chilled vending machine.
• The technology inside it. Expect a learning curve as you get started. 

Just to give you an idea of how we came to these numbers, check out the comparison of new snack vending machines from A&M Vending Sales .

What about gumball machines?

Kids love gumballs and candy machines. I know my kid used to ask for quarters for one every time we went into a store. Fortunately, you can buy these vending machines for cheap. 

They sell them on Amazon for anywhere from about $50 to $1,000. Check out some of the most popular ones:

I loved the spiral gumball machines when I was a kid. I'd suggest looking on other sites before going with the Amazon spiral one.

Often called bulk machines, these can also be used for trail mix or nuts.

How much are vending machines for healthy food?

An organic or vegan vending machine business should expect to spend on the higher end. The food will be more costly, and the machines will be refrigerated. The vending machine cost online is between $5,000 and $10,000 for this type of machine.

Healthy items will normally need refrigerated machines, and you'll normally have higher costs and prices for inventory.

How can I buy an ice vending machine?

We've all seen ice vending machines. They sell big bags of ice. Some also sell water. You can check out the following sites to find ice vending machines for sale:

• Everest Ice & Water
• Ice House America

They don't disclose their prices online, but other sources say these machines can cost between $20,000 and $150,000. If you can find them used, have a licensed refrigeration tech check it before making your purchase.

Search “ice vending machine business for sale” to find used ice machines.

How much is a pop machine?

You can find used pop machines for under $1,000 and new ones for $3,000 to $7,000.

How much is a hot beverage vending machine?

If you're brewing hot drinks like coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and hot chocolate, expect to spend $5,000 to $8,000 per new machine. They can also heat soup.

Can I sell electronics out of vending machines?

Selling computers, phones, and other electronics is an option in some of the higher-end machines. They can make a great profit but probably won't be as high-frequency purchases. You might find some success convincing electronic stores to rent the machines to make it easier to sell some of the products quickly.

Have you considered a book vending machine?

A vending machine for kids' books and other books makes a lot of sense in places like airports and pediatric hospitals. Learn about other types of vending machines .

Adam teaches a concept he calls the 4 Keys of Vending Machines. It is effectively a business plan that includes:

1. Location 2. Machines 3. Service 4. Pricing

He explained it like this:

[su_quote] If you're in a slow location, it doesn't matter how good your machines, pricing, and service are. You won't make any money. You have to have all four keys to be successful. [/su_quote]

Let's dig into the 4 Keys of Vending Machines and how they can drive your new vending machine business to profitability.

Key 1. Location: Where To Put A Vending Machine

The first key to starting and running a vending machine business is choosing locations . Adam told us:

[su_quote] You have two choices, go door-to-door or purchase an existing route. [/su_quote]

In either scenario, you'll want to consider traffic at the location. Adam told us:

[su_quote] You need at least 50 people to pass by the machine to make money. Less than that I consider low traffic, meaning 50 people and $500 per month. [/su_quote]

Adam also warned us:

[su_quote] Don't put machines outside. It wears them out faster. [/su_quote]

He also gave us some advice about whether to go door-to-door or find an existing route. We'll discuss each next.

Door-to-Door 

Adam explained that trying to find new locations to put vending machines can be difficult. Chances are that existing locations already have a service contract. He also explained that most people make the mistake of talking to the general manager.

[su_quote] The GM is the busiest person in the building. The gatekeeper (receptionist) is specifically instructed to brush people off politely. [/su_quote]

He went on to explain:

[su_quote] The Facility Manager is normally much less busy and will accept your visit. He's often sitting in an office and will enjoy your company. Once they like you, you have an in. Then you can propose replacing the service contract. [/su_quote]

Buying an Existing Vending Machine Route

Buying an existing route can be highly profitable, but you also need to be careful. You don't have to worry about finding the route and can focus on the other three keys. On the other hand, you risk paying too much. When asked whether he would have bought his first route again, Adam told us:

[su_quote]I would not have bought that route knowing what I do now. I paid too much for it. Plus, I lost the largest contract pretty quickly.[/su_quote]

He went on to explain that the route is also the reason he succeeded.

[su_quote]I didn't dabble in it. I had to dive right in. I borrowed $120K and had three years to pay it off. I didn't have the option to fail. I had quit my job. I had to figure it out. [/su_quote]

Key 2. How to Get a Vending Machine 

The second key to starting a vending machine business is choosing the right machines . Adam told us:

[su_quote]Automated Merchandising Systems (AMS) are by far the best machines I've used. Stick to a brand. You need your parts to be interchangeable to be profitable.[/su_quote]

He also explained the features you'll need in machines:

• Credit Card • Apple Pay • Tap Pay • I-Vend (guarantees the product comes out)

[su_quote]Some locations have 70% card sales. There are still machines out there without it. If you buy a machine that isn't credit card compatible that's a huge loss.[/su_quote]

While there are a ton of YouTube gurus who suggest buying a used vending machine, Adam told us:

[su_quote]Go talk to an AMS and Vendo distributor. Find who has the best price in your area and buy new ones. Once you know the machines, then you can go on [to] used markets.[/su_quote]

Key 3. Customer Service

Adam told us the third aspect of running a vending machine business is customer service. You need to have a plan for how you will handle it. He explained:

[su_quote]The last thing you want is for the account to call and say the machine is empty.[/su_quote]

You also need to make a commitment about how soon you'll be there when they need service. Put it in your contracts and make sure to provide them with a little cash and a log in case they need to provide refunds. People shouldn't need refunds often if you are using I-Vend, so the amount can be small.

He also explained that there are benefits to staying small:

[su_quote]Everyone I talk to says scaling past about $1 million becomes a real headache and I'm not looking for that. I don't want to go past $70K a month.[/su_quote]

We asked Adam what he'd do if Aliens took over the world. He told us:

[su_quote]Everyone needs to eat. I'd feed them![/su_quote]

Attention Earthlings!

We come to you from the planet Nimrod to tell you that invaders are coming to eat all your food. The only chance for survival is to start a vending machine business through UpFlip's Online Training Course . We have partnered with them to ensure your safety. 

Talk about customer service! He recognizes that aliens need food, too.

Key 4. Pricing

The final key to success in the vending machine industry is pricing. Adam primarily sells food but also owns a cigarette vending machine. He explained:

[su_quote]We got killed with inflation. A can of Coke went up 30% in one year.[/su_quote]

He explained that it's essential to follow the 50-30-20 rule to make a good living. As a reminder:

[su_quote]That's 50% product, 30% wages/profits, and 20% taxes.[/su_quote]

[su_quote]You should charge three times what you pay on drinks and two to ten times on snacks. Snack machines have more room for good deals because there are different promotions you can save money on.[/su_quote]

All the drinks are made by the same people, so there's not much room for variation.

If you're more comfortable tackling a standard business plan for your vending business, check out the information below.

Use a Standard Business Plan

Write a business plan for your vending machine business to help you stay focused and manage your vending machines and inventory. Your business plan should include:

• The name of your vending machine business
• What kind of machines your vending business will purchase
• Whether you'll buy new or used vending machines
• What types of business or property owners you'll want to approach
• How you plan to purchase the machines
• How you'll reach your target marketing plan
• Your financial projections
• What funding is needed

You can learn more about these subjects on UpFlip Learn . I suggest watching our interview with Mike about how to write a business plan to get started. Check it out below:

A business plan is often the difference between a successful vending machine business and an unsuccessful one. In fact, if you want to get financing to start a vending machine business, you'll have to have a business plan.

If you want your own vending machine business, you'll need to do everything to run it legally. Given your vending equipment will likely be on other property owners' locations, you'll want to make sure you have the following:

• An LLC or Corporation
• State, county, and city business licensing
• Business insurance
• Any food handling requirements

All of these have legal and tax implications, so I'd highly recommend talking with your local Small Business Administration office or a lawyer before starting a vending machine company. 

If all this sounds intimidating, you might want to check to see if you can buy an existing vending machine business. Check the following sites:

• UpFlip: Businesses for Sale
• Facebook Marketplace

Be aware that you'll need vending machines with credit card or analytics software to make the most profit. If you are buying a route that you cannot personally service, it's even more important because it helps protect against employee fraud. Given many machines are cash businesses, it would be easy for employees or subcontractors to steal from the machines.

Keep reading for more on how to become a vending machine business owner. 

Business Structure

Normally, I would tell you that you can have other forms of business structure, but you really need a Limited Liability Company or a Corporation as your legal entity for vending sales as a small business owner.

I suggest this because you'll most likely be selling food products on somebody else's property. That means a sole proprietor would be personally liable if someone gets food poisoning or is harmed by the machine. That's too much risk for the money made per vending machine.

Check out our blog about how to register a business . We go through the process of business registration as an LLC and getting your Employer Identification Number ( EIN ) from the Internal Revenue Service.

Business Licenses

Get the necessary business licenses for starting a vending machine business. These will vary based on your location. Start with a quick search about business licensing in your area, or talk to your local Small Business Administration office.

Business Bank Account

You'll need a bank account for your small business because it is required to keep personal and small business funds and expenses separate to avoid personal liability. For more information, read our blog about business bank accounts .

Business Insurance

If you start a vending machine business, you'll need insurance to protect the company if someone is injured. I'd recommend having general liability at a minimum and potentially restaurant insurance if you plan on placing vending machines throughout a city or region.

You may also want to offer to put the property owner on the insurance so that their own business isn't at risk if your vending machine has a lawsuit. They'll appreciate it, and if you are working with more prominent companies or governments, they'll require you to add them to the insurance.

I usually recommend starting by getting a bid from Simply Business .

Food Handling Requirements

Many cities will require food handling licenses if you work selling food. If you are starting a vending machine business, check if you need special licensing from the health department. Just search “ health codes near me ,” and it should bring up your local health codes for a business entity in your location.

Keep reading for information on buying a vending machine.

When buying a vending machine, remember to evaluate vending product options to establish which vending machine is suitable for you. Then, you'll want to inspect used and refurbished machines. Let's look at where to buy vending machines

Where to find vending machines for sale

I've separated the following places to purchase vending machines based on if you want:

• A new vending machine 
• Used vending machine offerings  
• Custom vending machines
• Refurbished vending machines
• Bulk vending machines

Where can I buy a vending machine new?

If you want to buy a new vending machine, you might be in luck because there are plenty. Most of them will offer to finance as well. Adam encourages buying new vending machines from an authorized AMS Vendo dealer , while Ben discourages buying new ones because they are more expensive.

Given the benefits of selling snacks over drinks, I would probably go for a machine like the AMS Multitasker or Low Temp Combo

You'll want to compare the vending machine price and features before deciding where to buy one, but some of the places you can buy machines include:

• Vending.com has the largest variety of machines, including specialty vending. The only option that isn't on their list is ice machines, which makes Vending.com a great place to start.
• Sam's Club has 12 Vending Machines for snacks, beverage vending machines, combo, and single-brew coffee (coffee maker not included). Based on the product listings, they don't sell chilled, refrigerated, or freezer vending machines.
• Swyft has two main vending products and lockers. These are high-tech, specialty vending machines with analytics, inventory management, and multiple cameras. They are meant for locations doing $36K in business or more. Swyft also offers placement assistance and maintenance services.
• eVending.com has hot and cold beverage machine options, plus food and beverage machines, and specialty machines called a Sani-Center that offers masks, gloves, and sanitation wipes. They have diverse offerings based on the ten sites that were reviewed for this blog.

Alibaba also sells vending machines, and they are far less expensive, but that's before shipping from China. I would only suggest using Alibaba if ordering in bulk.

Some places also suggest Vending World, but I am hesitant about websites where the pictures don't load on a computer. It may be a temporary issue, but I can't recommend it for that reason.

If you only need a few vending machines, I would go with one of these providers, but consider buying used machines when buying bulk vending machines. The reason I suggest this is because the savings can be tremendous as long as they all have interchangeable parts.

Purchase a vending machine used

You can buy a used vending machine or even full routes. Places to buy a used vending machine include:

• Craigslist • eBay • Going out-of-business sales • Government auctions • Search the web for vending routes for sale

Ben told us:

[su_quote]When you're just starting off, you might want to use the used route. It will save you a lot of money when you start up. Make sure to test everything and negotiate prices based on repairs.[/su_quote]

Make sure to inspect the machines very thoroughly when buying used machines. Business owners are notorious for poorly maintained machines. I actually have a story about this.

When I worked in HVAC, part of the job included maintaining and repairing ice vending machines for motels, schools, universities, hospitals, and other locations.

Business owners wanted to keep their profit margins as high as possible, which meant they didn't regularly sanitize their ice vending machines.

That's great for maintaining your overhead costs, but it can (and does) allow mold to grow. Mold remediation is far more costly than routine maintenance by a few thousand dollars. 

The moral of the story is to maintain your machines to provide top-notch customer service.

Inspect Used Vending Machines Before Purchase

Make sure you check the vending machines before you buy them. Test:

• Each dispenser
• The coin and bill acceptor
• The credit card reader (if there is one)
• Compressor and fan for cooled machines
• If the unit is meant for indoors or outdoors
• If the machine feels cool (You can't have candy and coke machines in the heat without a cooling system.)
• Dates on the packaging
• Look for frayed wires
• Look for mold, signs of bugs, or rodents

Used healthy snack and drink machines have refrigeration units to check. Be careful when buying them second-hand. If you aren't mechanically inclined, bring someone who is when you look at the machines. Used machines will typically be purchased as-is.

Most of the companies that sell new ones also sell used machines. If you're concerned about buying used vending machines, consider refurbished machines.

Find a Refurbished Vending Machine for Sale

Buying refurbished is an established business model where companies accept damaged products, fix them, and then resell them. If you've ever gotten a replacement phone with your warranty, it was most likely refurbished.

Buying a refurbished vending machine is the best of both worlds. You have low startup costs, but a warranty is typically half as long as buying a new vending machine. Anywhere you can buy new vending machines will often have refurbished options, but it will probably be much slimmer pickings.

Custom Vending Machine Options

If you need custom machines, your best options are Swyft, Vending.com, or reach out to one of the manufacturers on ThomasNet . Lead times are longer for custom vending machines, and you'll be paying more. If you want to develop brand recognition, it may be the way to go.

Can I Get Financing for a Vending Machine Business?

Yes, the majority of vending machine suppliers offer financing options. Their terms vary, but many give estimates of the cash flow or profit that will cover the machine's price. Don't forget that Adam suggests only using machines that include:

• Credit Card • Apple Pay  • Tap Pay • I-Vend (guarantees the product comes out)

He also prefers food machines because they allow for more profitable options.

It's hard to give a solid answer as to how much a vending machine makes, but Swyft states that their machines require $36,000 a year to break even and that their typical machines make between $70,000 and $250,000 a year in high foot-traffic machine locations like airports.

In slower locations, you might only make a few hundred dollars a month. That's still not too bad for a couple of hours per machine.

[su_quote]Our slowest machine makes about $600 per month and our best one is about $2,000.[/su_quote]

How much do vending machines make?

It should be noted that owning multiple machines comes with significant benefits. 

A single machine might only make a few hundred dollars per month at a low-traffic location. Meanwhile, a high-traffic location like an airport can be up to $250K per year. In addition, your passive income can skyrocket as your vending machine business grows.

Adam described what he considers a solid location:

[su_quote]A 120-bed nursing home will make $2K-4K per month with 2 to 3 machines.[/su_quote]

Let's look at revenue and profits for different numbers of machines.

As you can see, your revenue and profits can vary dramatically depending on how you run your business and where your machines are located.

Part of learning how to start a vending machine business is buying the products to sell. Most people will buy their products from places like Sam's Club or Costco, but depending on how many machines you have, you may qualify to work with a distributor. Given the speed of Amazon, you might also look for deals there. We put together a shop of vending machine products inspired by this blog. Check it out.

[su_quote]I got a warehouse to have distributors ship to once I started going to Sam's Club twice a day. It's really saved me time and money, but you don't need it when you first start. You can store the product in your living room.[/su_quote]

[su_quote]Check on a daily or weekly basis to see who has the best prices… Don't forget to check wholesale restaurant warehouses and your local store promotions.[/su_quote]

He also suggested using the online order functionality and just pick it up when you're ready. 

If you want to sell Coca-Cola products, go to the Coke Solutions website to get registered to purchase from distributors. PepsiCo Partners website is the link for Pepsi.

For other providers, go to ThomasNet.com.

The next step in starting a vending machine business is finding places to put your machines.

You can put a vending machine anywhere a property owner will give you permission. Common locations for a vending machine include:

• Buildings with office space
• Grocery stores
• Hookah lounges
• Hair salons
• Gas stations
• Fitness centers
• Barbershops
• Concert venues

[su_quote]Start by asking friends and family. Then just go talk to the management of places that have a lot of people.[/su_quote]

He also told us:

[su_quote]We look for locations that make $2,000 a month.[/su_quote]

You also want to look for locations that have:

• Fifty to 100 people walking by per day
• Forty or more employees
• No competition preferably within two miles (grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants)

Almost anywhere with lots of people is a great place to put a vending machine. That's good to know, but how can you find specific places that need a vending machine?

How should I market a vending machine business?

Marketing is a big part of how to start a vending machine business. You'll need to find property owners willing to let you put your vending machine on their property. That means you'll need some common marketing tools!

• A website : Learn how to build a website with our easy-to-follow guide.
• Vending machine business cards : You need to have professional business cards to hand to business owners.
• Social media : Sign up for social media business accounts and market to business owners.
• Car decals : Once you have vending machines, car decals can help you get new clients because you'll be driving around and parking at places with lots of traffic. You never know when someone will see it and need your services.
• Google Paid Ads : Successful businesses often use them.
• Product brochures : Have a pamphlet to tell business owners what you offer.
• Walk-ins : You can ask to speak to a business owner in person, but it's lower success and higher cost than other ways of marketing.

Adam told us he spends $100 to $200 per month on Google Ads, and Ben suggests using marketing that says:

[su_quote]Get a free vending machine in your business.[/su_quote]

Make sure to sign contracts

You'll need a contract to protect your machine, outline the responsibilities of each party, and commission (if applicable). One video I reviewed said 10% was normal to pay to have a vending machine at a property, but don't volunteer it. You might be able just to offer the service and not have to pay for it.

Adam discourages paying to put your units on the property. It reduces your profitability.

LawDepot for quick, easy contracts tailored to your business.

How much does a vending machine weigh?

Empty vending machines weigh between 400 and 900 pounds. Climate-controlled machines like drink machines, ice cream machines, and combo machines, weigh closer to 900lbs. While snack and candy machines are much lighter. Make sure to use a dolly to transport them.

In a YouTube video about how to buy vending machine products, the business owner suggested keeping them at your house in a container that can be locked. If you don't lock the products up, expect your family to eat them.

He was quite entertaining! Check out his YouTube below:

Both Adam and Ben suggest using a storage facility to store your snacks, drinks, and extra vending machines.

When you start a vending business, you'll need to maintain your machines. You can either learn to do this yourself or pay subcontractors to monitor them. Join the National Automatic Merchandising Association and take some of their certification courses to learn about:

• Level 1: Job fundamentals • Level 2: Refrigeration • Level 3: Electronics

They also have selling and business courses.

Ben also told us:

[su_quote]You'll also need a dolly, a trailer, and straps to secure it down while traveling. Make sure not to put it on its side. They need to travel standing up.[/su_quote]

It depends on how busy the locations are. Most locations will need to be done weekly or every other week. If it's a busy location, you may need to check them even more frequently.

[su_quote]When you get a new location, you want to go at least a couple times a week until you get a feel for how busy it is. The best way to lose a location is for them to have to call you because they ran out of stock. Once you understand the traffic flow, you'll be able to go less.[/su_quote]

Ben gave some advice too:

[su_quote]Give the store owner your phone number and be responsive. Stores change vendors if you aren't responsive. That—and don't bother them. They are busy.[/su_quote]

Ben also told us

[su_quote]We have one machine we have to replace every three days.[/su_quote]

He also said:

[su_quote]We integrate our card readers with analytics, so we know when we need to refill. We also integrate it with QuickBooks to make accounting easy. Also, set alerts and keep it above 60% full and never let the favorites be empty.[/su_quote]

Definitely use automation to help you improve your profit margins.

Your Free Vending Masterclass: Everything you need to start a vending business in less than one hour. We've partnered with Adam to unravel his decade-long experience & help you launch a 6-figure vending business today. Access this free masterclass here .

Go Start a Successful Vending Machine Business

After you get your first location, start putting the revenue into more machines, and you'll scale in no time. If you enjoyed this article, share it and leave a comment. 

Don't forget to sign up for our vending machine free training program with Adam.

What kind of vending machine company are you thinking about starting?

Discover the latest trends in poultry breeding and genetics in Pakistan with Poultrybaba.com. https://poultrybaba.com/blogs/the-amount-of-calcium-in-milk

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How To Write a Business Plan for Poultry Farm in 9 Steps: Checklist

By henry sheykin, resources on poultry farm.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan
• SWOT Analysis
• Business Model
• Marketing Plan

Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for a poultry farm in 9 steps. If you're thinking about starting a poultry farm business, you've come to the right place. Poultry farming is a booming industry that continues to grow year after year. In fact, according to the latest statistics, the global poultry market is projected to reach $470.97 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 4.8% . With such promising growth prospects, it's essential to develop a solid business plan to ensure your success in this highly competitive market.

Research Industry And Market Trends

Before starting a poultry farm, it is crucial to conduct thorough research on the industry and market trends. This step will provide valuable insights into current market demand, potential growth opportunities, and any challenges or risks that may arise. Here are some important points to consider during your research:

• Market Demand: Explore the current demand for poultry products, including meat and eggs, in your target market. Consider factors such as population growth, dietary preferences, and consumer buying habits.
• Trends and Innovations: Stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in the poultry industry. This could include advancements in breeding techniques, feed formulations, or sustainable farming practices. Identify opportunities to differentiate your business and meet consumer preferences.
• Competitive Landscape: Analyze the existing poultry farms and suppliers in your area. Look for gaps in the market that your business could fill or areas where you can offer a unique value proposition. Consider the pricing, product quality, and customer service of your competitors.
• Regulatory Environment: Understand the regulations and requirements governing the poultry farming industry. Familiarize yourself with laws related to animal welfare, food safety, and environmental sustainability. Compliance with these regulations is essential for the success and long-term sustainability of your business.
• Seasonal Demand: Consider any seasonal fluctuations in demand for poultry products. You may need to adjust your production and marketing strategies accordingly to meet the changing demands throughout the year.

Tips for Researching Industry and Market Trends:

• Subscribe to industry publications, attend conferences, and join online forums to stay updated on the latest trends and developments.
• Network with other poultry farmers and industry experts to gain insights and learn from their experiences.
• Utilize market research reports and studies to gather data and gain a deeper understanding of the industry.
• Engage with potential customers through surveys or focus groups to understand their preferences, needs, and expectations.
• Keep an eye on changing consumer trends, such as an increasing demand for organic or free-range poultry products, and assess the feasibility of incorporating such practices into your business.

Define Target Customer Segment

Defining your target customer segment is crucial in developing a successful business plan for your poultry farm. The more specific and focused you are in identifying your ideal customers, the better you can tailor your products and marketing strategies to meet their needs and preferences.

Here are some important steps to help you define your target customer segment:

• Conduct market research: Gather data and insights about the poultry industry, including customer preferences, habits, and purchasing behaviors. This will help you understand who your potential customers are.
• Segment your market: Divide your potential customers into specific groups based on similar characteristics, such as demographics, geographic location, or buying patterns.
• Create buyer personas: Build detailed profiles of your target customers, including their age, income level, education, lifestyle, and motivations. This will help you better understand their needs and design products that resonate with them.
• Identify pain points and desires: Determine the challenges or problems your target customers face in relation to poultry products. Also, identify what desires or aspirations they have when it comes to poultry farming.
• Assess market size and potential: Evaluate the size of your target customer segment and determine if there is enough demand for your premium quality poultry and related products.

Tips for Defining Your Target Customer Segment

• Consider conducting surveys or focus group interviews to gather qualitative data directly from potential customers.
• Look for niche markets or specific customer groups that may have unique needs and preferences, which you can cater to.
• Stay updated with the latest market trends and changes in consumer behavior to adapt your target customer segment if necessary.
• Regularly revisit and refine your target customer segment as your business evolves and new opportunities arise.

By defining your target customer segment accurately, you can develop a poultry farm business that meets the specific needs of your customers, allowing you to stand out in the market and maximize your profitability.

Conduct Competitor Analysis

Conducting a thorough competitor analysis is crucial for the success of your poultry farm business. It allows you to understand your competitors' strengths and weaknesses, identify any gaps or opportunities in the market, and develop strategies to differentiate your business from others. Here are some important steps to follow when conducting a competitor analysis:

• Identify your direct and indirect competitors in the poultry industry. Direct competitors are those who offer similar products and target the same customer segment, while indirect competitors may offer different products but still compete for your customer's attention and budget.
• Examine your competitors' product offerings, pricing strategies, and quality of their poultry and related products. Consider visiting their farms or stores, if possible, to observe their operations firsthand.
• Analyze their marketing and promotional activities. Look out for any unique selling propositions (USPs) they use to differentiate themselves in the market and attract customers.
• Evaluate their distribution channels and how they reach their target customers. This will help you identify potential gaps in the market or opportunities to improve your own distribution strategy.
• Study your competitors' customer feedback and online reviews. This will provide insights into their customers' experience and satisfaction levels, helping you identify areas where you can excel and offer better value.
• Assess your competitors' strengths and weaknesses. Identify areas where they are underperforming or lacking, which could present an opportunity for you to position your business as the preferred choice for customers.

Tips for conducting a competitor analysis:

• Use online tools and resources to gather information about your competitors, such as their websites, social media accounts, and online directories.
• Keep track of any new entrants or emerging trends in the poultry industry that could impact your competition.
• Regularly review and update your competitor analysis to stay informed about any changes in the market landscape.
• Consider attending industry events and trade shows to network with competitors and gain further insights into the industry.

Identify Suitable Location For The Farm

Choosing the right location for your poultry farm is crucial to its success. Here are some important factors to consider:

• Access to Resources: Look for a location that has easy access to resources like water, electricity, and feed suppliers. Availability of these resources will ensure smooth operations and minimize costs.
• Proximity to Market: It is beneficial to be located close to your target customer segment or potential buyers. This will help reduce transportation costs and ensure freshness of your products.
• Climate and Weather: Consider the climate and weather conditions of the potential location. Poultry farming requires specific temperature, humidity, and ventilation conditions for optimal growth and health of the animals.
• Zoning Restrictions: Check local zoning regulations to ensure that the location is suitable for poultry farming. Some areas may have restrictions or require specific permits for agricultural operations.
• Transportation Network: Assess the transportation network around the location. Easy access to major roads or highways will facilitate efficient transportation of poultry and related products.
• Environmental Factors: Evaluate the surrounding environment to ensure it is suitable for a poultry farm. Avoid areas with high pollution levels or close proximity to factories or industries that may emit harmful substances.
• Consider conducting a site visit to assess the potential location firsthand.
• Consult with local farmers or agricultural experts to get insights on the suitability of the location.
• Research about any potential future developments or projects that might affect the area's suitability.

Determine Legal and Regulatory Requirements

In order to start a poultry farm, it is crucial to understand and comply with the legal and regulatory requirements of your specific region. These requirements may vary depending on the country, state, or even local ordinances. Failing to adhere to these regulations can result in penalties, fines, or even the closure of your business.

Here are a few key steps to consider when determining the legal and regulatory requirements for your poultry farm:

• Research the specific laws and regulations governing poultry farming in your area. This can include laws related to animal welfare, biosecurity measures, zoning restrictions, and permits required for operation.
• Identify the government agencies or departments responsible for overseeing and enforcing these regulations. This may include the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, or local health departments.
• Ensure that you have the necessary licenses and permits to operate a poultry farm. This may include obtaining a business license, livestock permits, and any required certifications.
• Familiarize yourself with any restrictions or guidelines related to the construction and maintenance of poultry housing, ventilation systems, waste management, and other infrastructure.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the food safety regulations and quality control standards that apply to poultry farms. This includes proper handling, storage, and labeling of poultry products.
• Consult with local agricultural extension offices, industry associations, or legal professionals specializing in agriculture to gain a better understanding of the specific requirements in your area.
• Keep track of any updates or changes in the regulations that may affect your poultry farm. This could include changes in laws related to animal welfare, food safety, or environmental protection.
• Maintain accurate records of your compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This will not only help you avoid potential penalties but also demonstrate your commitment to operating a responsible and sustainable poultry farm.

By taking the time to understand and adhere to the legal and regulatory requirements for your poultry farm, you can ensure that your business operates in a manner that is both ethical and compliant. This will not only protect your farm and animals but also contribute to the long-term success of your venture.

Assess Financial Resources And Sources Of Funding

As you embark on starting a poultry farm, it is crucial to assess your financial resources and identify potential sources of funding. This step will help you determine the feasibility of your business plan and establish a solid financial foundation to support your venture.

1. Evaluate Your Personal Finances: Begin by analyzing your personal financial situation. Assess your savings, assets, and available funds that can be allocated towards your poultry farm. It is important to have a clear understanding of your own financial resources before seeking external funding options.

2. Research Grants and Loans: Explore grants and loans available specifically for agricultural businesses or poultry farms. Research government programs, local initiatives, and private organizations that support the agricultural industry. These funding options can provide a significant boost to your financial resources and help you establish a strong foundation for your poultry farm.

• Connect with agricultural organizations and industry networks to stay updated on potential funding opportunities.
• Consider reaching out to local banks and financial institutions that may offer specific loan programs for agricultural ventures.
• Prepare a well-structured business plan to increase your chances of securing funding.

3. Seek Investment Partners: If your personal financial resources are not sufficient, consider seeking investment partners who share your vision for the poultry farm. Collaborating with individuals or organizations who are willing to invest in your business can provide the necessary capital and expertise to ensure its success.

4. Explore Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding platforms have become increasingly popular for funding various business ventures. Research crowdfunding platforms that focus on agriculture or small-scale farming. Present your business idea and attract potential investors who are interested in supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices.

5. Prepare a Comprehensive Financial Plan: Develop a detailed financial plan for your poultry farm, including projected expenses, revenue, and profit margins. This plan will provide a clear picture of your financial requirements and help you determine the amount of funding needed to launch and sustain your business.

Assessing your financial resources and identifying potential sources of funding is a critical step in establishing a successful poultry farm. By thoroughly evaluating your personal finances, exploring grants and loans, seeking investment partners, and considering crowdfunding, you can secure the necessary capital to turn your poultry farm business plan into a reality.

Analyze Start-Up And Operational Costs

When starting a poultry farm, it is crucial to carefully analyze the start-up and operational costs involved. This step will help you determine the financial requirements of your business and plan accordingly. Here are some important factors to consider:

• Infrastructure: Assess the cost of constructing or renovating poultry houses, sheds, and other necessary facilities. Determine whether you will need to purchase or lease the land for your farm.
• Equipment and Machinery: Research the prices of essential equipment and machinery such as incubators, brooders, feeders, and waterers. Make sure to consider the costs of maintenance and repairs.
• Feed and Nutrition: Calculate the expenses associated with purchasing quality feed for your poultry. Consider different feed options and their costs, including custom feed if you plan to offer specialized products.
• Animal Stock: Determine the cost of acquiring high-quality poultry breeds or hatching eggs. Take into account transportation costs and any necessary quarantine procedures.
• Labor: Estimate the wages and salaries of the staff required to operate your poultry farm. Consider both full-time and part-time employees, as well as any additional training costs.
• Utilities and Running Costs: Account for expenses related to electricity, water supply, heating, ventilation, and waste management. These costs will vary depending on the size and complexity of your farm.
• Insurance and Licensing: Research the costs associated with obtaining insurance coverage for your farm and complying with the necessary permits and licenses.
• Consider contacting suppliers and vendors to get accurate cost estimates for equipment, feed, and other essentials.
• Create a spreadsheet or financial software to track and monitor your expenses effectively.
• Factor in contingencies and unforeseen expenses in your budget to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover unexpected costs.
• Regularly review and update your financial projections to stay informed about your farm's profitability and make necessary adjustments.

By carefully analyzing the start-up and operational costs, you will gain a clear understanding of the financial aspects involved in running a poultry farm. This knowledge will enable you to develop a realistic budget and secure the necessary funds to establish and maintain a successful venture.

Develop A Comprehensive Marketing Strategy

A comprehensive marketing strategy is essential for the success of a poultry farm business. It involves creating a plan that outlines the specific marketing activities and tactics that will be used to promote the products and services offered by the farm.

To develop a strong marketing strategy, it is important to understand the target customer segment and their needs and preferences. This will help in tailoring the marketing messages and campaigns to effectively reach and attract the intended audience.

Research: Start by conducting market research to identify the current trends and demands in the poultry industry. This will provide valuable insights into the market potential and help in identifying opportunities for differentiation and growth.

• Stay updated with the latest market and consumer trends in the poultry industry.
• Identify gaps in the market that can be leveraged for competitive advantage.
• Consider conducting surveys or focus groups to gather information directly from potential customers.

Brand: Create a strong brand identity that reflects the core values and unique selling propositions of the poultry farm. This includes designing a compelling logo, choosing appropriate colors and fonts, and creating a consistent brand image across all marketing materials and platforms.

Online and Offline Marketing Channels: Develop a mix of online and offline marketing channels to reach the target audience effectively. This may include creating a user-friendly website, leveraging social media platforms, participating in relevant industry trade shows and exhibitions, and distributing brochures and flyers in local communities.

Content Marketing: Produce high-quality content that educates, entertains, and engages the target audience. This can be in the form of informative blog posts, videos, social media updates, or newsletters. The content should be tailored to address the pain points and interests of the target customers, positioning the poultry farm as a trusted source of information and solutions.

Promotions and Incentives: Consider offering promotions, discounts, or loyalty programs to attract and retain customers. This can include special offers on bulk purchases, referral programs, or exclusive access to limited edition products.

Networking and Partnerships: Establish connections with other businesses in the poultry industry, such as feed suppliers, veterinary clinics, or local restaurants that may be interested in using or promoting your products. This can help in expanding the reach and visibility of the farm.

By developing a comprehensive marketing strategy, a poultry farm business can effectively promote its products, build brand awareness, attract customers, and ultimately achieve long-term success in a competitive industry.

Establish A Network Of Suppliers And Potential Partners

In order to ensure the success of your poultry farm business, it is crucial to establish a strong network of suppliers and potential partners. Building relationships with reliable suppliers will ensure a steady supply of high-quality feed, equipment, and other essential resources for your farm. Additionally, partnering with companies that share your values and goals can help expand your business and open up new opportunities.

Research and Identify Potential Suppliers: Conduct thorough research to identify reputable suppliers who can provide the necessary resources for your poultry farm. Consider factors such as the quality of their products, pricing, delivery options, and customer service. It is important to establish long-term relationships with suppliers who can meet your farm's needs consistently and reliably.

Develop a Comprehensive Supplier Evaluation Process: Before entering into partnerships with suppliers, it is essential to evaluate them thoroughly. Assess their track record, reputation, financial stability, and ability to meet your specific requirements. This evaluation process will help you choose suppliers who align with your farm's values and can contribute to its success.

Build Strong Relationships: Foster strong relationships with your suppliers by maintaining open and transparent communication channels. Regularly communicate your expectations, requirements, and any changes in your farm's needs. Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for improvement and cost-saving measures. Building long-term relationships based on trust and mutual growth will benefit both parties in the long run.

Explore Potential Partnerships: In addition to suppliers, consider potential partnerships with other businesses in the poultry industry. This could include distributors, retailers, restaurants, or even other poultry farms that specialize in different products. Collaborating with partners can help you expand your market reach, explore new distribution channels, and leverage each other's strengths.

Tips for Establishing a Strong Network of Suppliers and Partners:

• Attend industry trade shows and conferences to connect with potential suppliers and partners.
• Join professional networks, associations, or online communities related to the poultry industry to expand your contacts.
• Seek recommendations and referrals from trusted industry professionals.
• Regularly review and assess the performance of your suppliers and partners to ensure they continue to meet your farm's needs.
• Consider establishing backup suppliers to mitigate the risk of disruptions in the supply chain.

In conclusion, writing a business plan for a poultry farm requires careful research, analysis, and planning. By following the nine steps provided in this checklist, entrepreneurs can ensure they have considered all the necessary aspects of starting and running a successful poultry farm business.

From researching industry and market trends to establishing a network of suppliers and potential partners, each step plays a crucial role in setting up a poultry farm that can produce and sell premium quality poultry and related products.

With a comprehensive business plan in place, entrepreneurs can confidently approach lenders or investors for funding, as well as navigate the legal and regulatory requirements involved in operating a farm.

A strong marketing strategy and focus on building a reliable distribution network also contribute to the success of a poultry farm business, allowing for wider reach and increased profits.

Overall, writing a business plan for a poultry farm is an essential step in ensuring a well-organized, efficient, and profitable operation. By following the steps outlined in this checklist, entrepreneurs can set themselves up for success and achieve their goals in the poultry farming industry.

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The Big Book Project

Agribusiness Training & Startup Tools

How To Start A Poultry Farm (Ultimate Guide For Beginners)

Last updated on February 10, 2022 by Temi Cole 5 Comments

This is a HIGHLY detailed guide on how to start a poultry farm – for beginners.

In this new tutorial you’ll learn, step-by-step, how to:

• Get into poultry farming from scratch
• Make a poultry business a success – avoiding loss
• Decide if your focus will be on eggs or meat (table birds)
• Survive the competition and rising costs
• Start a poultry farm on a small scale & up your growth for good ROI

Let’s get started (and begin to answer those questions).

Understand That Starting A Poultry Farm Is Agribusiness

• Get To Know The Poultry Industry (Before You Start A Poultry Farm)

Find Out Your Key Poultry Economic Indicators

Be prepared for commitment, choose your business model, establish your target market, building & construction, type of business, rearing system, yield, performance, quality & mortality, production modelling, secondary income streams, estimating cost expense, pricing & value proposition, estimating sales & breakeven analysis, growth & diversification, now, over to you on how to start a poultry farm….

Today, the ultimate poultry farmer is an agribusiness pro .

A modern blend.

(Neither all farmer nor all business – but both).

A kind of expert animal husbandman meets a business management mindset.

Don’t think you need qualifications to start a poultry farm. You don’t.

Successful poultry farmers come from all walks of life.

In fact (at the last count) the 5,632 subscribers to my poultry business newsletters are quite a mix – not at all what you would expect…

…accountants

…government officials

Write Your Poultry Business Plan - in Just 90 Mins!

Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 - fastest way to write your project report online.

…even pilots

You could say that this proves that pretty much anyone can start a poultry farm.

Whilst you don’t have to be a trained farmer, you do need the mental agility to straddle both (practical ‘hands on’ and commercial) disciplines of this venture.

If you can bring these two qualities to the table:

• Relevant practical knowledge
• Strategic commercial thinking

Then, in my opinion. you have a good chance of succeeding commercially in starting a poultry farm business – in any country.

Get To Know The Poultry Industry ( Before You Start A Poultry Farm)

As well as some very attractive opportunities in the poultry industry,

There are equally some very real and potentially devastating threats.

So, before you start a poultry farm, you need to know your way around .

Get used to the routes to market and the forces at play.

Also, knowing how poultry fits into the wider livestock production market helps.

FAO Agricultural Outlook

I advise a good starting point is reading the latest FAO Agricultural Outlook Report .

It’s heavy reading but comprehensive.

And about as upstream as you can get.

The FAO have a bird’s eye view on the worldwide agri trade and their statistics are widely trusted.

However, an outlook is always subjective – depends on how you see things.

That said, their report is filled with iron-clad poultry stats, so definitely worth a read.

https://www.oecd.org/publications/oecd-fao-agricultural-outlook-19991142.htm

http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/PP

Governmental Statistics Office

Your national government’s statistics office is your #1 go-to for on the ground figures.

They often present a wealth of information on the poultry industry in your country, 

From price indices to production and demand estimation – with lots of local sensitivity.

Reading their resources is a good way to stay on trend with your economic climate,

And how it affects poultry and is likely to influence your business profits.

For example,

I recently wrote this piece on the latest 2021 poultry industry figures for the Philippines .

When researching I always look to find the primary source.

It’s the most reliable.

I literally found all of the facts and figures that I needed in just a few clicks.

All under one roof.

Pro tip : want to get the latest breaking news from the stats office? Sign up to the Twitter channel. Again, the Philippines have one – so you’re never behind.

That brings us on to…

https://psa.gov.ph/

https://twitter.com/PSAgovph?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Industry Press

The poultry industry’s press has journalists on salary whose job it is to bring the best news – now .

The poultry industry often lights up the mainstream news with news coverage often reporting:

• Price volatility
• Regulatory pressures
• Import-export disputes

…and more.

Articles like this are a gold mine for…

…market insights, research and general sentiment or trend analysis.

https://poultryworld.net/

https://www.thepoultrysite.com/

http://www.poultrynews.co.uk/

https://www.wattagnet.com/

Follow The Experts

Experts enjoy teaching.

It comes naturally.

But to teach they need an audience.

Often this is where experts fail to reach their potential of passing on their knowledge.

Why do they tend to fail at this?

• Lack of time to work at promotion
• Money to spend on platforms to get found

So, often experts are all the happier when people who need their help contact them directly.

It’s not always the case you get a response, but when you do – you’ll be surprised at the valuable knowledge they literally just GIVE away .

For example,  I recently approached Dhia Alchalabi, expert international poultry consultant. This was my mission: To get an expert’s view on poultry house environmental control and its impact on profit. In just a couple of lines of text via LinkedIn (you’ll also find experts on Twitter or Research Gate), And I received some exclusive articles he published years ago,  Which are still golden today. With that in hand I published this premium article entitled: “ Increase Your Poultry Profit By $300,000 with optimal environmental control .”

Visit Forums

Forums are the digital equivalent of the shambles.

People visit these online pages for help and discussion on specific topics.

I find these IDEAL for market research .

Because they’re filled with lots of ‘real life’ comments from people at both ends fo the experience spectrum

Sure you’ve got to do A LOT of fact-checking.

But it’s great for coming up with ideas or thinking ways around problems.

For example, This forum thread on The Farming Forum provides some great leads for mobile chicken house designs. Great research value. Pro Tip : To find relevant poultry farming forums from your country use the following Google Search Operator command… poultry farming inurl:'[country abbreviation]’ inurl:’forum’ Read The Poultry Business - Like Never Before! Chicken Snippets Newsletter - deep poultry analysis to sharpen your acumen, by email. Get My Newsletter For example, try finding a poultry forum in Nigeria… poultry farming inurl:’ng’ inurl:’forum’ An example result .

Journalists constantly consume  quality data .

They will travel far and wide for the right findings.

One mention in a popularly read publication can go a long way to kick-starting your poultry farm promotion.

And it doesn’t necessarily have to be for your own product.

The key here is to  serve the journalist  with what they need.

[So long as it is relevant to agribusiness & in particular: poultry.]

Say you had plans for launching your poultry farm in Dhaka (within the next 12 months).

Wouldn't it be great if your 'name' already was covered by major new publications?

All you need to have done is to have made some solid journalist contacts.

Here's how...

Type into Google:

poultry market Dhaka

What you get is...

Clicking onto the page, reveals the author’s name:

You search for the author's Twitter ID:

You visit Reaz's Twitter profile page:

Next, find out the kind of agribusiness story he likes to Tweet:

• Upcycling wastewater
• Black Soldier Fly Farming

...from  www.aquaculturealliance.org

This is your lead for the kind of material that interests Reaz.

[i.e. the kind of story he might Tweet, or even quote - if relevant - in one of his authored articles for Dhaka Tribune.]

What if  you wanted to find many other journalists , like Reaz to contact?

Simple enough. 2-steps.

1) Type this into Google:

intext:journalist intext:bangladesh inurl:twitter intext:agriculture

2) This is the result...

Abu Siddique and Hassan Khan are your next two journalist leads.

Get knocking on some doors for your poultry business.

Economic indicators are key inputs for any poultry farming business plan .

When building a complete feasibility plan for a start-up poultry business,

I figure that an entrepreneur would have to discover some 109 economic facts and figures.

That’s A LOT of prep for the assignment. 

We’re talking months – not weeks.

But it is critical to get reliable stats to base your business on.

The shifting sands of guesswork will only lead to collapse.

Consumption

Demand is the root of all economic activity.

Demand drives the market . Without it there can be no trade. 

Somebody has to have a need somewhere for something to be bought or sold.

In the poultry market, the demand is consumption.

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People, in large numbers, in every country eat chicken and eggs. And prefer this meat over and above other types.

How many people? Where they are? And in what volume do they eat poultry products? …

…Is usually surveyed and published by the government or institutions.

These consumption figures are usually quoted as a per capita statistic – in kg per person per annum,

And tell of how popular eating poultry products is.

India’s per capita consumption of poultry meat in 2016 is estimated at around 3.1 kg per year.

Again, the government stats office is your first port of call.

How do you measure demand to make estimations for a business plan?

I’m glad you asked,

This is all you need:

https://thebigbookproject.org/advanced-poultry-pickup/calculating-poultry-demand/ (for paid subscribers only )

In poultry, production is to consumption, what supply is demand.

One feeds the other.

Finding out how much eggs or chicken meat is useful for case building.

By quoting the production output of your country or region, 

You demonstrate the need for more producers.

An investor’s interest is peaked when a supply gap is identified.

You need some number to justify your intention to serve the market.

Reports, like this one from the US Foreign Agricultural Service are usually packed with useful numbers:

“South Africa produces 19.6 million birds (broiler chicken) per week…” ( Source )

For an advanced tutorial on estimating poultry production for your business plan, I recommend reading:

https://thebigbookproject.org/advanced-poultry-pickup/estimate-poultry-production/ (for paid subscribers only )

Import/Export

Many countries have a domestic production gap in poultry production.

This means they don’t produce enough eggs or chicken meat to meet demand.

What’s the answer?

Aside from encouraging start-up entrepreneurs to increase production (with discounted funding & poultry farm loans ),

Imported poultry product s are invited.

(They get more in from outside.)

In many cases, the domestic poultry industry bears a negative impact.

For example, “On the other hand, the South African Poultry Association is said to have urged the government to increase the tariffs on poultry shipments from the US and Brazilian markets as it contributed to an annual loss of $393m for South African poultry farmers.” (Source: Feed Processing Technology )

Trade tariffs play a large role in discouraging imported products.

Such measures are a country’s efforts in preserving the domestic production value chain.

Read the news on poultry in your country – subscribe to receive email alerts.

Keeping abreast of market trends is key to maintaining sustainability.

Your poultry business has got to be relevant to survive.

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It’s got to continually demand.

But demand is very much a moving target.

What people want today is often different tomorrow.

I find the industry trade press is a useful source of trend discovery.

For example, 

WattagNet articles like this one shed light on what the industry sees as the next thing in poultry.

Trends like:

• automated, 
• environmental controls in chicken houses, 
• feed supplements etc. 

It all adds a variety of options to your poultry farm plans ahead.

Pro tip : Google has a suite of free tools that are useful in such cases. Google Trends is a go-to of mine from time to time. Literally type in an emerging poultry trend like, ‘Sustainable Poultry’ and the web app will show you a graph detailing the popularity of the trend over time. It’s a smart way of plotting the growth of industry topics i.e. how many people searched over the last x months/years for this? Also, Google Alerts allows you to get the latest news on, say, poultry prices delivered to your email inbox as soon as Google gets it.

Value Chain

Chickens are bred, then farmed and either sold or their eggs sold.

The hands that the birds pass through (plus all supporting services, like feed etc.)

Is called the value chain.

Here’s an example of a poultry industry value chain :

In my experience, 

I have found that you simply cannot market your products or services effectively without knowing your value chain.

(Inside, out.)

The poultry industry is a process. 

Many parts and activities all add value until the product is eaten by the public.

Each participant has either a direct or indirect effect on the profitability of the others.

Your farm is a critical piece of the puzzle.

But is not a business that exists in isolation. It has peers and participants neighbouring it.

Knowing what they value and what they want helps you to develop a strategy to strengthen your cause in the chain.

And there are real tangible benefits to working with those around.

For example, Suppliers give more favourable terms to customers that strategically partner their cause. This could result in reduced costs for feed, or chicks.

Recently, I came across a revealing article quoting many interesting facts about the early years of Cobb-Vantress – broiler breeder global leaders.

I learned a lot from the read – especially how Cobb held a very close relationship with leading retailers like Tyson Foods early on.

And how Tyson Foods actually had a stake in the company historically.

A critical fact to understand if you are in the poultry business.

Because this collaboration is partly the reason Cobb is the global leader it is today.  

How and why did this come about?

And what should we learn from this?

It goes like this:

Tyson Foods (as leading food retailers) knew exactly what the market wanted to eat. They had keen ears to the ground.

In the 1970’s this trend began changing – and Tyson was on to it.

But to adapt to meet the change ahead of their competitors and take advantage of the opportunity,

Tyson needed a partner. 

A producer who was willing to experiment with breed stock with the MOST desired features.

They found their partners in a company of poultry breeders who joined with them in the venture.

It wasn’t long before they had bred the ideal chicken to meet market demand.

The Cobb 500 chicken strain landed.

Today, Cobb 500 is arguably the most production efficient broiler in the business. 

From this, I learned that customer demand moves markets.

Get on-trend early and react quickly to get a competitive advantage.

Pro tip : Interview the key value chain stakeholders and get to know their concerns and ambitions. This way you know 1st hand where your value proposition will be well received. Example : Pakistan Poultry Value Chain https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00361/full

Major Market Players

Track and investigate the success of market leaders.

Their achievements are often rooted in some very hard-to-find lessons learned .

I’m not saying that you should ‘copy cat’.

But take a close look at HOW they do what they do, and why . 

It often reveals key strategic strengths or routes to market that would apply to you in your journey.

In a phrase:

Examine a variety of business models .

And don’t only look at the biggest. Look at the best. In every niche.

Say, you had in mind to start an intensive broiler farm close to the city,

Why not look at the business model of a sustainable, organic egg farm in the country?

In this newsletter, I shared some great tips for improving your long term profits through…

Sustainable Poultry Farming (for paid subscribers only ) .

Reading the newsletter…

…you might find that some of the production models of the farmers’ don’t align with yours,

But what you do have in common is that your ambitions are not far apart.

In fact, every business shares the same (2-part) principal challenge .

• How do we serve our customers best…
• …and retain optimal profit (- considering what we value)?

The rest is problem-solving.

You stand to learn a lot by thinking ‘outside of the box’ in business.

Starting a poultry business involves a lot of time-intensive activity . 

Like with anything new, there is a learning curve.

But when you are having to find out all the resources yourself,

And process the information once you have it,

Much time and personal commitment are necessary to succeed.

Here are some pointers to carry you through:

Much time in the early days is spent on research and input discovery.

A poultry farm business plan requires lots of data input .

• Land targets
• Capacity dimensions
• Prices for chicks, feed, equipment etc.
• Timings and schedules for production

I’ve found over time that unless you put all your data in one ‘secure’ and ‘convenient place,

You run the risk of losing valuable input information and wasting your time.

This can be VERY frustrating.

Here’s my fix:

I recently released a new version of my business planning software for poultry start-ups.

It’s called Poultry Project Reporter .

With this 2.0 version , I released also a 109-row spreadsheet , detailing all of the key data points.

(Yes, you read that correctly – 109 data points – surprising, but true.)

Having done all the hard work, 

I’m helping poultry entrepreneurs save hours, days and weeks of rooting around . 

Pro Resource : Take a look at this business records template for poultry farmers PDF download. It’s ideal for getting a grasp of the basics of poultry farming record keeping: https://egrove.olemiss.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1198&context=acct_corp

Accountability

Record keeping is a key discipline of poultry farming startup.

How else can you keep account of your progress?

Especially if you have investors, you’ll want to justify your figures on every side with well-published reporting.

This planner is an example that I use when producing forecasts of egg or meat production:

(Screenshot taken from Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 )

It gives a very neat presentation of your production figures as an annual snapshot.

A great way of demonstrating attractive returns potentials to investors.

On to another example,

One of my most successful free poultry farming email newsletters over the past year has been:

Broiler Farm Record Keeping

The subject generates TONS of responses.

Like this one:

Because it strikes beginners how important record-keeping is to profits.

Without keeping accurate operational records, you simply have no handle on metrics.

And if you cannot measure performance, you cannot steer profits.

Get a firm foundation on record keeping.

To win at poultry, you need to think poultry .

Timings, seasons, primary products vs. secondary (or by-)products like manure are all features of the business.

Your vocabulary has got to change. And the way you think has got to match up with poultry.

It takes effort to become fluent.

But when learning about the poultry trade, 

• Reading widely around the subject
• Going upstream to research papers
• Interviewing farmers
• Watching expert videos of success cases

…helped me get up to speed quite quickly on poultry.

That’s why I wrote this Guide To Learning Poultry Farming .

It’s a vault of personally curated PDFs and worksheets etc. for poultry farming beginners to flatten out the learning curve.

On another note…

I find examining project reports is another way of understanding the poultry farming trade.

I learned a lot from looking up poultry farming project reports.

Samples go a long way to getting your head around how the numbers stack up.

This is why I decided that The Big Book Project would host a learning archive with lots of:

• Samples Plans
• Tutorials  
• Definitions
• Calculators

For getting you off the ground successfully in rearing chicken for business.

Pro tip : …looking for personal recommendations for broiler farming success from farmers who are ahead of their field? Type into Google: intext:’broiler farm’ intitle:’success’

Personal funds

As a poultry farming entrepreneur, you are more than a business person.

You are also a principal investor .

What does that mean?

It means you are the first to put confidence in your farm vision by investing your own personal funds.

This email newsletter of mine is a great introduction to  investing successfully in agribusiness:

Finance,  Funding , Loans & Grants

Through this newsletter, I have attracted responses like this one:

Because it tells you what you don’t know about agribusiness investments and teaches how to improve your proposal writing.

By writing a winning poultry farming proposal you can inspire others to follow the trend by investing in your venture too.

This will help you gather capital for one-off purchases like:

• Shed Construction

Also, working capital to get stock inputs and start production. 

But it won’t come easily.

This will take your finest efforts in either winning poultry investment for your poultry farm ,

Or stumping up the cash yourself (skin in the game, as they call it in business.)

Either way, 

The commitment to make your proposal ‘investment’ ready takes lots of financial planning .

There are various business models and methods of ownership in the modern poultry business.

Each has its distinct profile of risk vs. reward.

Here are some insights:

Independent poultry farm

Just as it sounds, a separate commercial entity without tie ins to any schemes, programs or networks. 

This is a new poultry venture which has its design and destiny firmly rooted in the mind and hands of the owner.

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/livestock/poultry/poultry-farming-queensland/chicken-meat-production/contract-independent-farms

https://thecounter.org/small-chicken-farmers-thriving-coronavirus-shutdown-poultry-perdue-tyson-covid-19/

Advantages : 

Sovereignty. You make your own decisions. No strategic constraints or other ‘cooks in the kitchen’. You steer the company as you see fit – with you and your staff taking all the rewards of independence.

Disadvantages :

It’s all on you. You’re having to think through the entire business plan yourself, from the ground up. No headstart, no ready-made solution. You work it all yourself.

Cooperative poultry business

A group or conglomerate. It’s when poultry farms with a similar vision, get together and combine their collective production to make one big poultry business.

It’s run as a partnership or club, with individual parties still retaining their rights to leave.

But the advantages of the Coop are only valid if partners stay committed.

https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/collaborative-farming/

https://farmlandaccess.org/collaborative-farming/

Advantages :

Access to niches, like the organic sector, without having to work out the operational conversion headaches yourself.

Coops often provide well versed legal and regulatory advisors and effectors for handling all the tough paperwork.

Your production capacity and forward planning is totally taken up by the ‘deal’.

If you find more profitable opportunities elsewhere, the divestment costs can be more hassle than they are worth.

Contract poultry farm

Poultry farming with all the worries sucked out.

The contract company provide a ‘buffer (or shelter)’ against the real economic conditions in the market,

You take cover under their wing and (in theory) have less to worry about.

Like going on a tour of the outdoors,

But some else has already planned the day’s activities according to the weather reports.

All you need to think about is what you do best.

https://www.chickencheck.in/faq/chicken-contract-growers/

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/57a08a9eed915d622c00080f/riu040412-tz-policy-brief2.pdf

https://www.farmprogress.com/livestock/8-things-know-about-contract-poultry-growing

Predictable input costs and a ready made sales arrangement.

They feed your business with all inputs like bird feed and chicks – even capital equipment.

Plus, they buy the eggs or meat from you at the end.

They take all the guess work out of the equation.

You pay for it. The margin the contract company takes reflects all their hard work and risk.

And for you to make a (liveable) profit you’re farm is under immense pressure to hit peak performance.

Your input costs are decided on a tournament basis.

This is where the best performing farms (contractors) get the lowest priced inputs. 

In other words, 

You are rewarded on performance.

Also, you are under obligation to play EXACTLY by their rules.

When they want you to spend on new or improved equipment,

You have no choice.

And they can shut cut you off from trade if your refuse or fail to comply.

Joint venture (JV)

I’ve seen some really smart joint ventures in the poultry industry.

One’s that really make A LOT of common sense.

Playing to strengths is what makes joint ventures work. And a mutual benefit to share.

And poultry has many distinct benefits to offer other agritraders in potential JV.

https://cooksventure.com/pages/our-story

I covered a JV story of an ingredient-and-recipe-meal-kit company and a multi-generational poultry breeder,

Who teamed up to play to strengths. 

It’s just one of many great examples of how to make JVs work in the poultry trade.

Gain core business competencies that would have been costly and the least,

And impossible at the most.

You’re able to reap almost immediate commercial benefits.

In considering a growth plan for your farm – you weigh up a JV.

The idea is to double your sales within 12 months.

You seek a venture partner that offers your business instant access to a customer base that is likely to buy your product.

You work with them to introduce your egg or meat product to their audience.

There is still work involved with making a joint venture successful. 

The expectation can be that things will immediately work out – but it doesn’t happen that way.

It often takes a lot of time agreeing terms – which can be costly.

Also, you lose privacy. Your partner will usually require access to some areas of your business that otherwise would be sealed off. 

Franchise poultry farm

The cookie-cutter approach.

Ready-made (or at least on paper). And a bit like buying a business with a working model from off the shelf.

https://www.internationalegg.com/app/uploads/2018/02/October-2018-increasing-egg-availability-through-smallholder-business-models-in-East-Africa-and-India.pdf

https://sugunafoods.co.in/farmers/why_suguna/why_suguna.asp

Formula-based. 

The franchise owner (franchisor)  should already have a method of making things profitable, without your trial and error.

Often, their branding comes with benefits such as awareness within your market.

A headstart of their experience and expertise.

Disadvantages : 

You still need large upfront capital investments.

You are often tied in to pay franchise fees for supposed benefits, like a website etc. 

(This money comes straight out of your bottom line, whether you make money or don’t.) 

They usually come with restrictions on how you market and the techniques you use to access the market.

They have a brand reputation at stake and will not allow you to take chances.

Acquire an existing poultry business

You hit the businesses-for-sale market and hunt down a potential target to take over.

With the right capital and a solid prospect,

You could find yourself taking on a very profitable ‘going concern’.

https://poultrysouth.com/

https://www.facebook.com/shelter.mart/posts/6-plot-poultry-farm-land-for-sale-at-senya-breku-price-ghc-200000-negotiable-ref/2952174158189632/

https://ghanapropertycentre.com/for-sale/land/mixed-use-land/central-region/gomoa-east/6310-poultry-farm-plus-apartment-on-10-plots

An existing book of paying customers.

Established supplier arrangements for chicks, feed etc.

Land which is already purposed for a poultry farm.

Buildings and flock already producing.

Often staff who know how to manage the farm.

Immediate cash flow.

Owner’s residence, if you find the right business.

Can be difficult to value properly.

Hidden flaws or nasty surprises in the physical assets or financial paperwork.

Debt, at times.

Choose Your Market

The poultry market is diverse.

There are SO many pockets of commercial advantage that you can pick up.

I recommend subscribing to trade press like Poultry World.

Case studies & interviews are a great way to get a feel for the segments within the market.

They often present very informative, yet real-life close-ups of what makes certain poultry businesses successful.

A key failure made by many is:

Presumption.

“I have this great idea to start a poultry farm doing [x,y,z]”

But a successful poultry farm delivers the needs of the customers.

Being customer-led means you don’t misalign your offering.

Instead, you spot gaps where you could make all the difference and attract loyal customers.

For example. 

https://nesfp.org/sites/default/files/resources/niche_poultry_enterprises_in_new_england.pdf

https://www.chickenwhisperermagazine.com/nutrition/to-buy-or-not-to-buy

Find Out What People Want

The driver of the poultry industry is demand.

What customers want to eat.

To succeed in poultry farming you’ll need a deep understanding of your customer’s intent .

The mere fact that eggs and chicken are popular food choices & are eaten in vast quantities is not enough.

Having a long term profitable poultry business relies on you knowing ’WHAT’ & ‘WHY’ your customers buy…

This article published in Wattagnet reveals some quality concerns voiced by industry leaders.

Matters like antibiotic-free birds were top of the list.

Whilst drug-free birds might be the ‘WHAT’ consumers want,

The ‘WHY’ is discovered by reading stories like this one..

(a biography from ‘Farmer Paul’, co-owner of Pasture Bird):

“Throughout my athletic career and physically demanding job in the Marine Corps, I always had achy joints that seemed to get worse and worse.  

What started out as ice baths in college led to Motrin (Vitamin M) in the military and then full-blown arthritis symptoms in my early 20’s.”

Used to the idea of combat, 

“As a Crossfitter, I’d heard the hype about Paleo but never committed to trying it out.  

I finally gave it a go and after two weeks felt like a kid again.  

I could breathe through my nose, joint pain was gone, energy levels were up, and my sleep came back to normal.  I’d never look back.”

From there, 

Paul vowed to complete his mission to share his findings with as many as would listen:

“My wife and her whole family even jumped on board.  People were losing weight, feeling better, and just overall healthier and happier.”

And then…opportunity knocked:

“The problem was, the more we jumped into meat labeling the more we learned that some companies were just [misleading us].  Many Free Range chickens never actually went outside, and Antibiotic Free birds actually got a bunch of antibiotics.  Wait what?

We were [really disappointed]  Honestly.  We felt cheated, misled, and lied to.”

Suffice to say, the blend of athlete / soldier / certified accountant in Paul took entrepreneurial courage,

And decided on a venture to scratch that itch – enter Pasturebird:

“So in April of 2012, we were sitting around over Easter with the family joking around about getting some chickens for the backyard.  

Nobody had any type of a farming or livestock background, so I thought it was just a big joke.  

But sure enough, my brother in law Rob disappeared from the room for about 5 minutes and returned with a big grin on his face. 

“Guys, I just ordered 50 chicks and they’ll be here in 2 weeks” Rob said.

Over the next few years we continued to realize that there was a huge gap in the market for pastured poultry into wholesale accounts like:

•  restaurants, 
• butcher shops, and 
• online retail.  

People wanted it, but the actual product didn’t really exist.  

So we grew.  

And grew.  

And now, we’re the largest pastured poultry producer in the USA (and maybe even the world).”

How do you find out the unplugged gaps in your market?

Start listening to the consumer.

But there’s one important 1st step, before you can listen…

You need to find out where they gather to talk.

And in 2021 – there is one universal answer:

SOCIAL MEDIA.

The numbers speak for themselves :

So, without a doubt, we now know where to listen.

Now, here’s how to do it:

Type this into Google – antibiotic-free inurl:’reddit’

And you’ll find 1,640 topic threads-worth of discussion from forum members on the topic, like:

https://www.reddit.com/r/business/comments/ufjtz/antibioticfree_meat_business_is_booming_thanks_to/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Omaha/comments/1694gw/your_go_to_provider_for_hormone_antibioticfree/

Now, swap reddit for instagram :

Type this into Google – antibiotic-free inurl:’instagram’

The hashtag #antibioticfree has 41,422 posts.

https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/antibioticfree/

Twitter also is a massive source of consumer social insight,

Statistics like this:

500 million tweets are sent each day.

Declare the potential for listening ‘consumer research’ the platform offers your poultry business.

Want an expert guide of best practice of how to research using Twitter?

Here’s a complete tutorial from media consultant, Simon Owens:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-use-twitter-conduct-market-research-simon-owens/

For the official statistics on social media usage globally:

https://www.smartinsights.com/social-media-marketing/social-media-strategy/new-global-social-media-research/

And one of the go-to resources online for the state of social media today :

https://buffer.com/resources/state-of-social-2018/

Long term buyer interest (Peace of mind)

Your poultry business will benefit from a diverse mix of customer types.

Each type called a segment (in marketing language).

Every segment has distinct needs and therefore present pro’s vs con’s for your business model

One thing you will want to get a healthy balance of early on is:

Long term buyers .

It’s no secret that brand loyalty in marketing terms is GOLDEN.

Repeat purchase adds a massive amount of ROI onto the bottom line.

For every customer who buys regularly over years,

You literally snowball your returns.

It’s called customer lifetime value . 

As far as marketing strategies go, it’s a golden oldie –

But in recent years it has made a massive comeback:

Returning Customers Spend 67% More Than New Customers

In the poultry farming business, there are many ways to secure long buyers ,

Some independent and others by obligation.

One popular but ‘tied-in’ method is by becoming a contract grower .

This is when as a farmer you enter into a contract with what’s known in the industry as an integrator.

Integrators are deal aggregators.

Their whole purpose is to acquire advantageous commercial arrangements,

For running a model of poultry farm which is geared for optimal profit.

Everything from forward contracts on inputs to exclusively buying out all stock,

Integrators are both supplier and buyer for poultry farming businesses, 

Offering significant peace of mind and risk limitation to farmers.

But as with any favour given in business,

This relationship comes at a cost to the farmer.

Namely margin. And obligatory rules, policies and laws.

The producer in this circumstance is entirely bound by law to yield full strategic decision making to the integrator.

The producer is simply left to focus on rearing. 

(Minus the usual pressures of the input vs. output balancing act of their independent peers.)

This guide neatly outlines pros vs. cons of the broiler contract farming arrangement:

https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/guide-for-prospective-contract-broiler-producers

For an example of what terms and conditions can be included within such a contract,

Take a look at this AB connect poultry producer terms:

https://www.ab-connect.co.uk/sullivan-poultry-terms.html

There is quite a lot of debate in the industry about how fair the terms of such arrangements actually are.

Industry analysis like this one , examines the features of such agreements in detail.

The purpose being to weigh-up the sharing of risk vs. reward.

Moving the goalposts (even just a little) can either give or take significant advantage.

Trade Sales

Selling your poultry farm produce to other businesses (business clients or business-to-business B2B) has distinct advantages.

Product volume per purchase is one of them. 

In other words, bulk – or wholesale.

But who would buy wholesale from you?

Profitable business customers for your poultry farm could be hotel chefs, canteen cooks, caterers and specialist retail shops.

They have a CONSISTENT need for LOTS of eggs and chicken.

The benefit for you is simple…

…for the expense of landing one trade account with a business buyer, you (potentially) get  years worth of sales & profitability.

A very cost-effective arrangement if you can find it.

Finding a local or regional grocery store or chain that will stock your eggs, for example, can get you into hundreds of households – all at once.

Here’s a quick guide for getting your poultry products on the shelves of your local store:

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/how-to-sell-pastured-meat-products-to-grocery-stores

A fellow small-scale egg producer who has enjoyed good success in such a business-to-business sales strategy is:

Eddie Ferreira – otherwise known as Farmer Eddie of Eastern Cape, South Africa.

He clearly has worked HARD to get his certified organic eggs networked around his region.

Take a look at his list of stockists:

https://farmereddie.co.za/organic-egg-store-locator/

Very impressive.

But what about getting your produce on the menu of eateries?

Chefs of relatively small hotels even get through hundreds of eggs every week, serving breakfast alone.

But how do you sell either your eggs or chicken to chefs?

Here it is:

This study is the ideal guide to helping you build good commercial relationships with chefs :

https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/188052014.pdf

The study reports on the findings of a survey taken of restaurant owners in America.

The analysis literally shows you exactly what chefs and restaurant owners are looking for in:

• Local food producers
• Types of food they prefer to buy locally

Here’s a digest of the analysis which points out the most critical points for success :

https://smallholdingsforsale.co.uk/how-to-make-profit-selling-produce-to-restaurants-from-a-smallholding

A vital study for your poultry farm marketing plans.

Selling To The Public

That was selling to trade customers, 

But what about selling your eggs or chicken meat to the general public?

Selling your poultry products to households can be a much steeper challenge than selling to businesses.

There are more of them.

Plus, you can’t go to them (as easily) – they’ve got to come to you.

In which case, your poultry business needs:

• To understand the likes & dislikes of the different customers (niches) 
• Develop products that suit the most profitable niches
• Know what messages will sell you products best
• Build a brand that supports those messages
• Find out where your customers do their product research
• Discover ways of starting conversations with your customers
• Provide ways customers can conveniently buy your eggs or chicken meat

Here’s a useful list of example top-selling producers & their brands :

https://smallholdingsforsale.co.uk/5-qualities-to-copy-from-top-selling-produce-at-farmers-markets

The article is full of useful insights for how you would position your poultry business to attract the crowds .

https://extension.psu.edu/management-considerations-for-implementing-e-commerce-in-a-food-or-farm-business

It’s no secret that the internet is a very effective tool for selling directly to the public.

This guide shows you how to build an online shop for selling your poultry products :

https://smallholdingsforsale.co.uk/how-to-sell-produce-online-farm-shop-guide

For a more traditional approach, the following guide shows you how your farm might partner with local markets to boost sales:

https://smallholdingsforsale.co.uk/farmers-market (For the pro-digital entrepreneur.)

And finally, this is an advanced strategy for using collaboration to your advantage.

One of the most popular articles from my poultry farming newsletter – entitled:

‘ Agri Value Chain ’

…is an expert tutorial in how working with your fellow poultry businesses can promote tons of demand for your farm products.

Well worth a read.

Direct Selling

Selling is a contact sport.

The art of doing it well is all in the personal touch.

Getting your eggs or chicken meat out of the farm gate and into the right sales channels will take persuasion.

And persuasion at its root is about positioning .

Positioning is perhaps the most misunderstood and yet most critical factor for marketing and sales success.

(And what IS positioning?)

Positioning is how to frame something in relation to something else.

In geography – positioning is determined by longitude and latitude.

Grid style.

Just like on a chessboard. 

Or even a spreadsheet.

Each square, cell or playing piece can be pinpointed according to where it lies against the horizontal and vertical axis.

By calling out the coordinates – we are able to locate the exact position of our target.

The same can be said for marketing and sales.

In order to accurately hit your target sales targets, you need to position your offer.

In other words,

It is important to focus your communication on the topics and customer concerns that REALLY matter.

Let’s take selling eggs to a grocery store manager, for example… If the store manager gets complaints from customers disappointed with low stock volume of premium organic eggs, Then there’s no point trying to sell him cheap caged-hen eggs. Neither he nor his customers want to save money on the product, They actually want premium-priced QUALITY eggs – and LOTS of it.

Getting your positioning right saves on wasted sales opportunities.

For a gentle introduction to the idea of organising your egg or chicken meat marketing ,

Take a look at this FAO guide – it’s quick, simple and straight to the point:

http://www.fao.org/3/Y4628E/y4628e06.htm

(An excellent beginner’s summary to farm gate sales for poultry farmers.)

Now, let’s advance forward…

What you also ought to know about direct selling is that it is SYSTEMATIC.

A highly strategic flow of communications,

That leads to a predictable outcome of products sold.

Recently, as part of my premium business planning email training course called:

Business Planning Specs (… that’s right, ‘specs’ – as in ‘spectacles’, get it? )

I condensed my 16 years worth of direct selling experience into an expert guide called:

Grow Your Poultry Business With Direct Selling 

In this guide, 

I reveal EVERY direct selling technique that helped me build my own businesses and others.

By using the same enclosed tips,

I turned cold contacts into over 6-figures worth of sales revenue to date.

https://thebigbookproject.org/business-planning-specs/direct-selling/

Proximity To Market

Immersion is a key factor to your poultry business success.

(Immersion = deep dive.)

Because immersion leads to:

Saturation & solution.

By definition, the word ‘immersion’, means to plunge into.

Getting your feet wet in business is not bold enough. 

You won’t win being tentative.

You’ve got to dive in to reap the rewards.

The reason is that business is littered with problems.

The more problems you solve, the more valuable your business becomes.

The tougher the problem, the more valuable your solution for it.

And the toughest problems will require your every effort to overcome.

If author, Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers is anything to go by, It may take you 10,000 hours of soaking up the problems of your customers before you stumble upon something worthwhile to sell to them.

It’s time to get immersed .

But how do you act like a sponge to draw up insights from your customers?

You need to be around them and engage them to talk.

This is one reason why proximity to your poultry marketplace is important.

(And I mean marketplace, rather than market.)

Or even better territory .

By definition, this is the geographic area in which your customers live and work.

Both business clients and consumer households.

The area being the maximum distance that you are physically and profitably able to serve with your poultry products.

Get a map. Take a compass. Put the point in the precise location of your farm. Make a judgement on how far you could feasibly travel to deliver your eggs or chicken meat and still make a profit. Set the range of the compass accordingly and draw your circle. Everything that falls within is your viable sales territory.

Everything outside is to be excluded for now.

This is your sales territory . 

Full of income-generating sales potential and profit-making opportunities.

Now, it’s time you OWN it.

Here’s EXACTLY how to do that:

https://www.repsly.com/blog/sales-territory-management-best-practices

Next up, transporting your stock once you’ve sold it.

Transport Connectivity

Location is one thing to consider, 

But transporting your eggs or chicken meat to the customer is yet another.

This detailed PDF produced by the Poultry Service Association is a valuable practical guide (with worksheets) for getting your broiler birds to market – SAFELY…

Poultry Handling and Transportation Manual

Also, here’s an easily digestible introduction to the basics of getting your poultry products to market:

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/location/transport-logistics/

Building your chicken houses and other civil structures requires capital investment.

Materials, like concrete for foundations and timber framing,

Alongside labour will feature as significant one-off costs in your poultry project planning.

Ongoing, your poultry business will also have to hold contingency funds for expanding the capacity of bird houses,

And for maintaining all structures on-site.

Also remember to factor in biosecurity measures like – fencing around the farm perimeter and surrounding bird pens.

Generally speaking, there are three main ingredients when planning our poultry farm building and construction.

Here’s the list:

Poultry farming, like any livestock farming model, is labour intensive.

Many man-hours per week are required to keep your flock in good laying or growing order.

Feeding, drinking, weighing, monitoring and observing, cleaning, removing dead birds, collecting eggs, data recording…

…are just some of the routine duties.

All these manual efforts keep the flock in optimal condition, and operations ticking over profitably.

There is, however, another MASSIVE factor in maintaining tip-top poultry farm conditions.

• Environmental control.
• Ventilation.

These conditions, according to the experts, are strong contributors to poultry profit.

Because they influence the bodily performance of the birds.

(From Broiler Farming: The Definitive Guide )

Getting the balance right helps the birds:

• develop, and;
• convert more of their feed into chicken meat and eggs.

I recommend this basic introduction to broiler housing environmental control: 

https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/basic-introduction-to-broiler-housing-environmental-control

For help understanding what solutions you have available for environmental control of your bird houses,

 I find the following paper to be a really useful outline:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324483130_Environmentally_Controlled_House-In_Poultry_Production

The internal poultry house is competing with external conditions.

Tropical climates pose danger to birds because of the threat of overheating.

As a chicken doesn’t have the temperature regulating control of sweat glands, 

They are less able to lower their body temperature if exposed to very hot climates. 

Other issues, such as adequate airflow from wind-assisted ventilation, will impact how comfortable birds feel on your farm.

For deeper understanding of the relationship between the internal and external poultry environment ,

I recommend reading this article:

https://www.farm.com.np/knowledge/environment-controlled-system-of-poultry-housing/

Whilst systematic poultry house environmental control requires the installation of electronic equipment,

Which is a costly investment,

The real financial benefits of an increased feed conversion are often worth the upfront cost.

In a recent edition of my premium poultry farming newsletter ,

I share some very revealing insights on the relationship between poultry house environment and lowering your feed costs.

The email was based on a study led by Dr. Dhia Alchalabi (Poultry Farming Consultant),

In the study, Dr. Alchalabi shows how in farms of all sizes, increasing feed conversion can lead to huge profit increases.

I recommend you study the detail.

https://thebigbookproject.org/advanced-poultry-pickup/poultry-house-environment/ (for paid subscribers only )

Bird Houses

(Taken from Poultry Houses: Poultry Houses: 197 Designs, Structures, Plans & Systems (PDF Guide)

From experience, 

There are very few truly actionable tutorials on the internet for building your own poultry house.

This resource however totally fits the bill.

It’s many decades old – but the value still holds good today as it did on the date of publication.

This article features step by step features for building both broiler and layer houses –

As well as houses for chicks, pullets and adult hens.

It includes:

• measurements and dimensions and
• example pictures with guidelines for capacity.

It’s a brilliant effort at bringing the beginner up to scratch on how to construct the ideal poultry house .

(And better yet – it’s all in PDF !)

https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1758/m1/3/

Site Layout & Design

Physical business operations TOTALLY depend on workflow efficiency to be profitable.

For a business to succeed properly and things to be done on time,

Staff need to get around from A-B with as much ease (and as little obstruction) as possible.

Just think of all the practical activity that takes place on a poultry site :

• Arrival of chicks and carrying them to the brooder
• Changing and washing of staff before they enter into bird houses
• Carrying feed bags from storage to the houses
• Cleaning out litter after a batch is culled or sold
• Weighing birds for monitoring performance

…and much more.

A well planned and designed site… …ticks along like clockwork and is free from accidents and spills. A poorly planned and designed site… …is sluggish, slow, error and accident-prone and ultimately unprofitable.

Here’s a very beginner-friendly video presentation from Africhic which is comprehensive.

(I recommended watching it before planning your poultry farm site layout):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXZDNdXoZf4

For an expert walk through the best practice principles of site planning ,

Take a look at this short guide.

I published it in my Poultry Farming Project Hub:

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/strategy/design/

The poultry farming industry is highly regulated in almost every country.

There are strict rules governing the value chain from breeders to growers and sellers.

The rules control scale, pricing, labelling and more.

As a poultry farmer, you need to be up on the latest guideline, do’s and don’ts.

Pro Tip :  Your country or region is VERY likely to have a poultry association. Its members will comprise fellow farmers, grain producers, retailers and other value chain members. Their purpose is to fight the cause of participants in the poultry industry. The goal? To provide a fair playing field for all involved…as best as they can. For example, here is the Kerala Poultry Federation website: https://poultryfk.in/

Their #1 goal?

≡ “To assist and promote the growth and development of poultry in every way in the country.”

Try finding your local, regional or national poultry association. Type into Google Search: ‘[place name]’ poultry association

One useful service provided by such an organisation is reference paperwork.

Having the benefit of experience, they usually stockpile resources like guidelines and registration forms on their website.

For example, the South African Poultry Association have all their useful start-up documents saved here: http://www.sapoultry.co.za/home/regulations.php

(Again, this is just an example – your own relevant poultry association should have something similar).

The laws governing farming and processing practices in the poultry industry often come under fire.

In South Africa, there were recent changes made to how much brine is permitted to be injected into chicken carcasses. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/south-african-national-standard-that-focuses-on-the-welfare-of-chickens-2021-03-18/rep_id:4136

Even as small a difference as 2% in the amount of brine,

Which is injected into the chicken meat can rock the balance of profit for producers.

Here’s another example:

An article on meat safety law from South Africa shows minimum standards that are expected of abattoir conditions: https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/28520a.pdf

Ideal if you plan to get involved in meat processing in South Africa.

Or, let’s take The Philippines for example, A Barangay Certificate (or Certificate of Residency) is required when opening any new business.

So, if you are starting up in the Philippines poultry industry , 

Be sure to enquire officially about this and other relevant licenses.

Training is a huge factor for business success.

It’s a safeguard against lack of experience, and for most…

…the best way to get your knowledge up to speed ASAP and therefore reducing risk of failure.

Running a poultry business is a multi-disciplinary act.

Spinning plate on all sides and a wide range of skills needed to make it a profitable venture.

Here are just some of the key skills necessary for success in the poultry trade – in any country:

The nature of the business at the grassroots level is animal husbandry.

Handling the birds from accepting them on your farm either as day-old chicks or pullets,

And seeing them through to the end of their productive life.

This is the job of the husbandman.

Keeping the birds in tune with their top performance parameters takes specialism.

Access to such teaching may not always be possible in person.

Here are some quality tailor-made resources for learning better bird skills:

The Big Book Project – Poultry Farming eBook & Email Course

For the last 12 months now, I have provided a free email course and eBook for poultry start-ups.

So far, 6,308 students have been admitted to it.

It’s the ultimate handbook for getting on track for optimal profit when starting a poultry business.

I recommend you sign-up today , if you haven’t already received emails from me.

Advanced Poultry Pickup

Due to the success of my free email course for start-up poultry farmers, 

I developed and launched a premium newsletter training program in November 2020.

To show you the EXACT techniques, proven by advanced level farmers, which are able to take your poultry business to the next level of ROI and profit.

Strictly for the pros.

I recommend you sign-up today .

Knowledge Base

Facts are facts and never change.

Even in poultry.

Knowledge items like feeding schedules, production volumes and growth targets are the same today as they always have been.

Yes, new commercial breeds shave off some cost as well as push the production ceiling,

But within reason, chicken doesn’t really change.

Based on this,

I produced a poultry farming knowledge base filled with facts and figures relating to rearing and steering a poultry business.

Almost daily, readers request either:

• a copy of a feeding chart, 
• disease chart
• growth/weight expectations by age of bird .

This was my reason for publishing the one-stop-shop: Poultry Farming Knowledge Base .

It’s a work in progress and still growing and relies on your input.

Take a look and get in touch if you have any request:

https://thebigbookproject.org/knowledge-base/

Breeder Manuals

Breeders know best.

It’s their business to know.

Critical bird behaviour and performance down to the last percentage point presents a GREAT advantage to anyone downstream,

Including your poultry farm.

And to remain ahead of their peers, 

Breeders are forced by reason of their trade to plough $millions into research and development.

EVERYTHING they learn, they document in user guides.

And at regular intervals they revise the edition of their guides giving producers like you the chance of getting even more return on your farm investment.

Here is a broiler management guide from leading meat bird breeder Aviagen:

http://en.aviagen.com/assets/Tech_Center/Ross_Broiler/Ross-BroilerHandbook2018-EN.pdf

A l ayer management guide written by Hy-Line (leading layer bird breeders) can be found here:

https://www.hyline.com/filesimages/Hy-Line-Products/Hy-Line-Product-PDFs/Brown/BRN%20COM%20AUS.pdf

Without doubt, 

The #1 request that I get  from readers of The Big Book Project is:

Help with business planning.

Like this one…

What’s interesting is that this topic (business planning) must be among the most heavily published commercial related topics online.

And still, the more that gets published, the LESS confident beginners are of what to do.

Being a general discipline that applies to every business it can be difficult to translate into poultry.

This is EXACTLY the reason that I put together my premium agribusiness planning newsletter for start-up poultry farmers.

I called the newsletter:

Business Planning Specs

The goal with it was to help you…

(*whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced business planner) 

…see precisely what your business plan should be doing for you and why.

It’s a detailed digest with lots of practical examples, plus templates to work with immediately.

And you get it delivered in chapters directly to your inbox over the course of a few weeks.

Made for convenience. For the self-paced learner in you.

I recommend giving it a try today (paid subscription).

(Taken from the Poultry Farm Project Report Hub )

A fundamental step to being successful in poultry farming is:

Economic understanding.

You need to know the conditions affecting the wider commercial climate.

Issues such as:

• supply chain dynamics 

…can quite suddenly cause a snap on pricing.

This is not felt any more sharply in poultry trade than with feed costs .

Feed costs contribute the majority of production expense for most poultry farms.

Often poor grain harvests or competition for grain supply from ‘shoulder industries’ like biofuel,

Puts a strain on availability.

And where availability shortens – prices rise.

Articles like this one – really make it easy for you to get a hold of the basics.

A highly recommended read :

https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/feed-costs-affecting-the-poultry-market

Business Management

Besides planning and economics – your business head needs to know…

… Management .

How best to handle the daily running of your business (and not just your birds),

For the most profit.

For example,  Risk management is a necessary feature of any business – and is an ongoing need. What is it and why? It’s when businesses take proactive measures against things that could go wrong. And they do this as a way of preserving any future loss of income. In professional project management,  Project managers (known as PMs) use risk management matrices, like this one: https://thebigbookproject.org/templates/risk-management-matrix/ (for paid susbscribers only ) To log all known risks and score them according to likelihood and damage potential.

I recently published a library of over 30 business templates to make it easy for you to learn and practice better business management.

I recommend using these templates in your poultry business planning.

For example,  A risk in your poultry business could be that all of your sales revenue is tied up in one client. This leaves your business exposed to the risk of losing that client along with ALL of your future sales. This would be logged in your risk management matrix . A potential solution would of course be to diversify your customer base. The cost of doing this would be more of your time doing business development to attract prospective clients.

Starting a poultry business is an investment .

Things of value from you go in, for the hope of a reward later on.

Making profitable investment decisions takes knowledge.

Either by experience or training.

Or sometimes, even both.

Some years back when I was studying as business management postgrad,

I came across a most innovative method of learning real-life business principles.

Software simulation.

The software, in this case, is called Markstrat .

In a nutshell,

The software simulated real market conditions,

Whilst mimicking for you the experience of being a marketing director responsible for launching your company’s products.

Round after round you had to adjust your:

• product mix (types of products offered, pricing, positioning, placement etc.)

Whilst reacting to how the market received your decisions and staying on target for maximum sales.

In short, it was very life-like and quite addictive (if I’m honest) but the lessons learned stay with me to this very day.

Unforgettable.

This was what drove me to invest my time and experience into developing a similar resource,

But this time only for poultry farmers.

The software I developed is called Poultry Project Reporter .

Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 is the  fastest  and most flexible way to build your winning layer or broiler proposal.

I recommend that if you are writing your project proposal that you subscribe to use the software today .

It plays on 109 project variables (cost & metric inputs) related to either a layer or broiler farm business,

And auto-calculates accurate outcomes of profit and ROI based on what business model decisions you make.

It’s basically the IDEAL zero-risk, but HIGH IMPACT way to learn which rearing systems & business models make the most poultry profits .

I personally use the system almost everyday. 

And I produce some of the internet’s most detailed poultry financial reports and analysis using it.

My most popular analytical tutorials like this one:

https://thebigbookproject.org/advanced-poultry-pickup/broiler-income-analysis/ (paid subscribers only )

It was entirely made and automatically calculated using Poultry Project Reporter .

I would dream of writing a poultry project proposal without it now.

There are so many different types of poultry-related business out there.

And each having its own profile. Suiting some types of owner and not others.

As a golden rule, I always say, before making a decision it always pays to research thoroughly .

That way you don’t miss out on a more profitable opportunity and stumble upon threat.

Here is a brief guide to choosing the right poultry business for you:

Know The Value Chain

The spine of the poultry industry is the value chain.

It’s what makes it stand.

From beginning to end much like a river starting up in the mountains and flowing out to sea,

The poultry value chain sets a course from breeder to eater with all in between.

Here’s what all of that look like: 

These are the upstream providers of commercially tried and tested strains of broilers and layers.

Their strength is to selectively breed the most productive birds on the market.

Competition for finding more percentage improvements on performance, 

Drives the breeders to produce more and more economically viable birds.

Hatchery (Day Old Chicks)

Hatcheries take from the proven stock of breeder strain and multiply the potential.

Their business is to provide ready stock of chicks for producers to take on and rear for profit.

They are the accelerators of the poultry trade. 

Wholesalers making stock available and plentiful for retailers to purchase.

There are some layer farms that prefer to receive ready-made ‘point of lay’ birds than day-old chicks.

In such a case, the farm indirectly pays the cost of rearing the birds from day one.

It’s actually bundled into the price of the birds.

The benefit to the farmer is you get the birds delivered ready to lay and therefore fast forward your egg production timescale by 18 weeks.

This has clear cash flow advantages, yet (I say it again) not without cost.

Which brings us on to…

Layer Farming

This is the practice of rearing hens for the purpose of producing table eggs . 

Layer hens at peak performance will approximately lay an egg per day.

After some 72+ weeks of age layer hens generally fall beneath the line of profit-making and are culled .

Broiler Farming

(Taken from Broiler Farming: The Ultimate Guide )

This is raising special table meat birds for – exactly that, chicken meat.

They are raised from 1 day old and reared for approximately for 6-7 weeks until peak weight.

Then, the birds are rounded up and shipped off to market where they are sold either live or as carcasses.

Further processes occur where the carcasses are divided into pieces, sometimes frozen, sometimes delivered fresh and handed over to wholesale and retail.

Packers are exactly that. 

They specialise in taking the stock from the hand of the producer and preparing it for retail .

They are yet another link in the chain and their involvement (just as with the involvement of every other link) puts a squeeze on the margins on producers.

This can at times prove unpopular when it threatens the earnings and survival of farmers .

Equipment Vendor

Poultry equipment is specialised and more than often manufactured in The Far East.

This makes the availability of such equipment at times rare or at least hidden if not promoted effectively.

Equipment vendors are the source of getting poultry farming kit like cages, feeders and drinkers at affordable rates.

Whilst capital intensive to hold stock, 

This kind of business can be quite rewarding if you strike a good balance between supply and demand – keeping inventory lean.

The classic middleman.

Agents are the market makers of the poultry industry .

Where the marketing efforts of the producers and farmers lack bite.

These opportunists land big volume deals which make all the difference,

And receive a commission for their efforts.

They save farmers time and resources doing the business development themselves,

Often a very welcome exchange,

Yet they cost the value chain yet again more margin.

Feed Miller

The people convert bare grain into complex feed mixtures ,

Which are tailor-made for optimising bird growth and productivity.

Whilst their product is not as perishable as the birds themselves,

The timely and tightly controlled:

• Preparation

…of the product must be orchestrated with precision to land fresh, quality feed on the doorstep of the farm,

With minimal or even zero-loss.

These are just some of the key players in the poultry farming industry – and food for thought for the type of poultry business you want to start.

There are many ways to commercially raise chicken for eggs or meat.

And the decision isn’t always so clear cut.

Often, the first thoughts are always BIG and FAST are best.

But more and more it is seen in markets across the world,

That poultry consumers are becoming much more…

… QUALITY conscious.

According to Dr. Osler Desouzart,  ‘…a Brazil-based food-industry analyst who helps poultry companies with marketing and planning through his company OD Consulting.’ “A premium chicken sold at a premium price cannot be made… with second- grade feed, with the lots managed by untrained people and with the ‘cost dictatorship’ determining that the least expensive ingredients should always be used,”   “Quality begins at the beginning, but has to go all the way to the end. There is no ‘partial’ quality, or quality just in parts of the process, by part of the departments and part of the time,”   ‘Today’s consumer wants to know what he eats, from where it came and how it was produced. He wants assurance that what he eats is safe for his health and the environment’ “My point is that if European producers try to fight the imports with their unbeatable prices and tailor-made bulletproof productions that resist any quality assurance audit, they shall fail. If they think that they can entrench behind protectionism, they are doomed.” (Source: The Poultry Site )

According to thegrocer.co.uk,  “…sales of organic produce in the UK rise by 12.6% to £2.79bn in 2020 – the category’s highest growth level in 15 years.” (Source: The Grocer )

A large proportion of this growth is due to organic poultry products, according to The Soil Association.

• No chemicals on feeds (pesticides etc.), 
• non-GM, no hormones, 
• no antibiotics

… purely reared naturally – without intervention.

Yes, there are many hoops to jump through to obtain official accreditation as this label is heavily regulated.

But once achieved, a premium price tag will not be resisted by the consumer.

In fact, the premium price tag on organic foods, in the UK for example, can fetch as much as 89% more: “Organic food also attracts a hefty premium over non-organic food. In 2016, in the US, a survey by USDA found the organic premium varied from 7% for fresh spinach to 82% for eggs. In the UK, the organic premium is higher. Shoppers pay on average an organic premium of 89%.” (Source: Economics Help )

To some, animal welfare has multiple benefits.

They go something like this:

If your layer or broiler flock spent more time outside than inside:

• Birds would enjoy a far better life having more exercise and better health
• Access to natural foods sources from foraging gives a more nutrient dense product
• Consumers enjoy better nutritional value for money.
• The soil receives back nitrogen rich manure which is recycled for more growth

Because of this, there are segments of consumers who see free-range eggs and chicken as greater value .

(…and the health benefits as being worth paying more for.)

According to a 2017 study by Kenyatta University, Kenyan poultry consumers, “…exhibit  high  preferences for indigenous chicken eggs and are willing to pay 41.53% more compared to other eggs.”  (Source: Analysis of Consumer Preference in Product Attributes: A Case of Indigenous Chicken Eggs in Kenya )

Now, the label Free Range Eggs are certified and not a marketing-ism. 

Therefore you:

• meet criteria and 
• then are awarded 

…before being able to use the product description lawfully.

The process differs from country to country but here is an example from the UK : 

https://www.egginfo.co.uk/egg-facts-and-figures/production/free-range-egg

And just in case you are still a little confused (or a lot) about the definitions of what makes an egg ‘organic’ vs. free-range , for example…

This guide clarifies things in an easy to understand way:

https://www.farmdrop.com/blog/egg-labels-truth-difference/

Deep Litter

At the ‘lighter end’ of the semi-intensive scale of production is deep litter poultry farming.

In summary, this is how it works:

The birds spend their entire time indoors, but are free to roam within the house . Uncaged.

They spend their time on the litter which in turn must be kept clean to prevent disease.

For broilers, at the end of their typical 6-7 week rearing period the house is cleared out and litter usually sold as fertiliser.

Layers spend their production life on the litter and at the end of 70+ weeks, the flock is culled .

During this period the litter is topped up and changed.

But how often and how much?

I recently wrote this simple guide to the deep litter method for chickens to help you calculate the cost for your project:

https://thebigbookproject.org/knowledge-base/deep-litter-method-for-chickens-a-simple-guide-to-calculating-the-cost/

If you were thinking, how deep exactly should deep litter be ,

This is just the article for you:

https://thebigbookproject.org/knowledge-base/how-deep-should-poultry-litter-be/

And what about the type of material?

What works best for poultry litter?

Here is an easy to use table for comparing the benefits of poultry litter .

https://thebigbookproject.org/knowledge-base/common-types-of-poultry-litter-material/

Caged (Intensive)

Caged poultry farming is intensive .

The chickens are denied the freedom to roam around the birdhouse.

The short term commercial benefits are: 

• a smaller floor space required, 
• no litter needed and 
• time-saving (automated manure collection, feed and drink systems)

For these reasons, a caged set up is sometimes preferred by farmers.

But how do you choose the most suitable cage system?

To answer this question, 

When I recently upgraded and improved my software Poultry Project Reporter to 2.0.

It is now able to predict how many repeatable bird cages you need .

Plus, it can advise on the type and shape of the cage.

Here’s a PDF example of a broiler form cage report:

(Taken from Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 )

For a useful tutorial of the types of poultry cage systems – 

Take a look at this page:

https://www.farming-machine.com/livestock-machinery/chicken/layer-chicken-cage/

Poultry farming, like any business, is target based .

What does that really mean for you?

It basically means all of your efforts will be entirely wasted UNLESS you hit the mark .

And the mark for sustainable profit is getting more distant and difficult to reach, by the day.

Inflation, price volatility and increasing competition work to squeeze margins.

This means that the modern-day poultry business owners must be:

More results-focused than ever before.

Whatever the model, 

So much is riding upon every individual gram of weight or hen day egg, 

That poultry farmers are under increasing amounts of pressure to perform .

Survival in poultry farming comes down to due diligence.

And in particular with your METRICS.

As everything in the business comes down to metrics and measurements.

Master them – and you’ll give yourself the eyes to see the road to success.

Know Your Standards & Targets

First, things first,

Your poultry product has got to be legit.

Without passing the quality standard tests, you simply can’t get your eggs or meat out of the farm gate.

Knowing the standards and being very comfortable with your ability to meet them is key.

Pro Tip : Find your country’s relevant egg or meat standards by typing into Google: ‘Table egg standards [country name]’…E.g. ‘Table egg standards Philippines’ Example for the Philippines: http://spsissuances.da.gov.ph/attachments/article/1101/PNS-BAFS35-2005-TableEggs.pdf ‘Meat Inspection code [country name]’…E.g. ‘Meat Inspection code Uganda’ Example for Uganda: https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2017/TBT/UGA/17_5529_00_e.pdf Whilst these standards help you see what is expected,

You still need to know how to achieve the goals set.

This is EXACTLY why I included these two resources in my Knowledge Base:

• Broiler welfare assessment template used by the RSPCA in England for rating general condition of broiler birds. I recommend using this to assess your broilers before marketing:

https://thebigbookproject.org/knowledge-base/broiler-welfare-assessment/

• Kadaknath egg quality rating is a rating system and calculator for assessing the quality of eggs from a Kadaknath bird. Using these 10 indicators you get a solid system for measuring egg quality. I recommend take a look at this study:

https://thebigbookproject.org/knowledge-base/benchmarking-kadaknath-egg-quality/

ROI Analysis

Return on investment (ROI) is what poultry business survives on.

If you don’t get out greater value than what you put in , 

Then your business is not sustainable.

It cannot survive.

ROI is not guesswork either. 

It comes down to expert financial calculations and estimates .

You need a FRAMEWORK – tried and tested that gets results.

That’s exactly why I produced Poultry Project Reporter .

When I started The Big Book Project, I spent so much time writing out poultry proposals ‘long hand’,

And I found the manual method was:

• Error-prone
• Generally off-putting

And speaking with over 5,000+ subscribers of my email newsletters who are start-up farmers and poultry professionals,

It seems I wasn’t the only one with this problem.

I decided to scratch the itch.

• 1,800+ software design & development hours later
• 109 individual data entry points
• 74 integrated PDF-fillable forms & calculators
• Countless (‘000s) factual expert references

…the Poultry Project Reporter was complete .

I launched it in September 2020 and picked up my first few license holders, 

Ranging from value chain managers, PhDs and start-up farmers.

A good start, but still there was work to do.

The launch version had some speed issues, lacked memory and was a little rigid in parts.

Not wanting to leave a job half-done I took to completely overhauling the system,

And adding to it all of my first wave user suggested improvements .

It now answers ROI queries in multiple currencies, is generally much quicker and now is mobile friendly…

…PLUS much more.

Welcome to Poultry Project Reporter 2.0

One of the features I added, which was one I personally really wanted to see,

Was the ability for the software to take an individual section of a poultry business financial proposal & run a ‘micro analysis’.

I wanted users to get analytical value from it without having to fill in the ENTIRE form each time.

And because of this feature, it works great as an ROI scenario planner .

It lets you run all kinds of interesting comparisons helping you weigh up the most PROFITABLE decisions,

BEFORE you invest in your poultry business idea.

In a recent premium email newsletter series , 

I weighed up the profit-making potential of various broiler and layer production models,

Showing how the slightest of changes in egg or bird production gearing can make a significant difference to your earnings.

I highly recommend you read these before planning your poultry business income:

https://thebigbookproject.org/advanced-poultry-pickup/layer-income-analysis/ (paid subscribers only )

https://thebigbookproject.org/advanced-poultry-pickup/broiler-income-analysis/ (paid subscribers only ) 

Example Egg Yields

Egg yield in principle is quite simple.

With a commercial layer breed like the Hyline Brown , you can expect each hen to produce:

1 egg per day – 96% of the time (during peak laying weeks e.g. week 29)

Lohmann Brown Classic, on the other hand, achieves a hen-day egg production of 93%.

Just a few points shy of Hyline Brown.

But that is assuming, that your husbandry skills are on par and the birds are receiving all of the input help they require…

• Ventilation etc…

Now, that’s just talking of one bird.

But don’t things get complicated when you start projecting flock production?

And even more so with multiple flocks ?

How do you estimate production then?

The answer…

…it’s very difficult.

Because there are just SO MANY variables involved that you can quite quickly tie your brain in knots.

Factors like:

• Interval of buying batches
• Age of each flock 
• Number of multiple batches
• Culling age

…add layers of complexity and make accurate predictions seem almost impossible.

Tough, isn’t it?

But here’s how to beat it:

In response to overcoming the challenge of accurately predicting egg production using various rearing systems,

I included within Poultry Project Reporter an egg production statement.

What does it do?

Well, on one hand, it’s quite complicated…

…it splices up your multiple flock egg production models into separate layers,

And using the expert breeder data according to age the software lines up each flock and its egg output,

(…now, here’s the SIMPLE bit…)

Blending them all together into one neat flow of eggs – complete with ups and downs, taking into account:

• Age of hens
• Culled flocks ( spent hens )
• Mortality adjustments

The result:

A seamless statement of EXACTLY how many eggs your farm will produce, looking forward up to 6 years.

And like I said, 

At the click of a button, you can switch between production models to see the difference.

My premium email newsletter :

Layer Production Systems , outlines many scenarios for you to look at.

How many eggs per year will a 1+2 rearing system with a batch size of 1,500 chicks produce?

(Taken from Layer Production Systems – Poultry Project Reporter Email Newsletter)

Very revealing.

I highly recommend reading this :

https://thebigbookproject.org/advanced-poultry-pickup/layer-production-systems/ (paid subscribers only )

Example Meat Yields

Meat yield also has its complexities.

Although, on the face of it – the production dynamic is a simple 1-to-1 relationship.

Not like with egg layers.

Egg-laying calculations needs to take into account hen-day egg averages.

But 1 broiler chicken = 1 chicken carcass.

Simple enough.

But we can’t just stop there…

…it gets quite a bit deeper than this in practice.

Firstly, there is the weight of chicken .

Broiler carcasses are sold on weight.

Either per kg or per lbs.

One chicken of greater weight therefore will be sold for more money at market.

But then there is the issue of meat yield.

( Taken from Broiler Farming: The Ultimate Guide )

Meat yield takes into account that not all of a chicken carcass is meat.

The is bone tissue, blood, head, feet, feathers, inwards and more…

Leading studies say on average you can expect 68.8% meat yield from a broiler bird carcass.

You can generally expect that a shade over 2/3rds of a broiler chicken’s body weight will pay you back in marketable meat.

And all of that happening within a period of 6-7 weeks.

From day-old to market-ready.

But again, that is the single bird version.

What about when you scale it up to a flock?

Adopting a single flock farm model, otherwise known as All-In-All-Out ,

The farm’s entire cash flow dependency rests upon a single flock’s 6-7 week production cycle.

In between (or rather during) rearing cycle,

The farm suffers from ZERO cash flow (awaiting the big payout at the end of the cycle).

With a multiple flock model.

You get an overlap of production . 

Like this 4+1 broiler rearing system:

You reduce the dependency. And smooth out the cash flow .

This model takes more capital outlay and expenditure to house more flocks at once,

But if achieved, 

The farm benefits from a more consistent income stream.

As for how that REALLY looks like, along with some detailed examples,

I highly recommend reading my premium email newsletter called:

Broiler Production Systems (paid subscribers only )

( Taken from Broiler Production Systems from Poultry Project Reporter )

In it, I open the lid on EXACTLY how you model cash flow with the broiler business.

And how to set things up to maximum profit.

A recommended read :

Age Distribution

Mature birds bring marketable product.

Juvenile ones don’t.

Peak performance for both broiler and layers is like a harvest. 

Until you reach it, your business is unprofitable.

And beyond it, the same applies.

There is an optimal window where all your hard work comes back to you in either:

• High volume. high-quality eggs, or;
• Nutritious, optimal weight, healthy chicken meat

Leading poultry farming consultant, Richard Jackson of St. David’s Poultry  claims: “The first week of a broiler chick’s life forms the basis of its health and productivity for its entire time on the farm.” (Source: Farmers Weekly )

That said, 

I recommend reading this knowledge base article I wrote recently.

It tells you the critical steps to prepare before accepting a new broiler chick batch:

https://thebigbookproject.org/knowledge-base/step-1-before-chick-delivery-broiler-management-by-age-mini-series/

Everything in poultry farming works to schedule.

(Taken from Projecting Layer Egg Production – Free Poultry Farming Email Course )

You simply can’t rush nature.

It takes its course and can’t be changed.

On one hand, this sounds like a constraint.

But thinking it through another way,

It just gives you some firm parameters to work with .

Some predictability.

With good time management – your model has no hiccups.

And your cash flow will be as expected.

But any slips and trips will have an impact on your timing for delivery, sales and income.

This short guide will help you understand the importance of rearing cycles.

Average Mortalities

Bird mortalities are routine on every poultry farm.

There are a certain proportion of broilers and layers in every batch that will never reach their potential.

This is to be expected.

And budgeted for.

In the Hyline Commercial Brown management guide , 

The cumulative mortality rate is 8.4% over 100 weeks.

The broiler equivalent can be found in the U.S. Broiler Performance Report,

This survey quotes an average mortality rate of 5% (the data sample accounts for 95% of the total US broiler output).

Ratios & KPIs

Every poultry farmer needs a performance dashboard.

Like driving a car, 

To safely operate the vehicle you need a continual view of the car’s vital stats.

Any blindspot will threaten the chances of the vehicle reaching the desired destination.

The same can be said of managing a poultry farm.

When developing Poultry Project Reporter software , 

I made sure that I added a Key Performance Indicator Dashboard.

I call it ROI Metrics .

The page is really simple, yet very (VERY) important.

At a glance, it gives you the following ROI-related measures:

(Taken from Poultry Project Reporter software 2.0 )

• Feed Conversion –  how much feed by weight is converted into meat?
• Broiler Meat Yield – how much of the broiler carcass is actually meat?
• Cost Analysis – what is the feed and chick cost for raising a marketable broiler?
• Revenue & Margin – what is the average sale price of a broiler and how much gross profit is there?
• Manure Yield – how much manure will the average broiler produce in a rearing cycle of 6-7 weeks?

This simple report gives you the key profit-related metrics in one.

Optimal profits in poultry farming take some engineering.

I have found that deciding on the ideal poultry rearing model is like commissioning a tailor-made suit.

• You have in mind a desired design and result.
• Choose the ideal material, colour and style.
• Get measured up.
• Production.
• Adjustments.

The ideal result?

A perfect fit (for you).

Let’s take a look at the key components of a poultry business production model.

Cash Flow & Obligations

An important factor in planning a poultry farming business is structuring cash flow.

Here is a simple fact about starting up…

…if you have expenses before generating income, these obligations come out of investment funding.

Perhaps out of your own pocket, if that is the case.

Whilst some start-up farmers have the financial ability to carry this initial burden,

Others don’t.

But the ideal situation is that your flocks begin generating their own income as soon as possible.

For example,  If you compare broiler and layer farming – they each naturally offer different cash flow benefits. Broiler farming begins producing income as soon as the first flock is sold (6-7 weeks). Layer farming from day-old chicks, however, has a 20 week delay before income is generated. But on the other hand… Layer farming produces daily product and consistent cash flow. Whereas, broiler farming income arrives in a lump sum when a flock is sold – some 6-7 weeks from arrival.

Want to visualise this clearly?

( Taken from Layer Income Analysis – Poultry Project Reporter Email Newsletter )

I recommend reading a series of premium newsletters that I recently published (paid subscribers only ):

https://thebigbookproject.org/advanced-poultry-pickup/poultry-income-statement/

https://thebigbookproject.org/advanced-poultry-pickup/broiler-income-analysis/

https://thebigbookproject.org/advanced-poultry-pickup/layer-income-analysis/

Single Flock

Some farmers prefer single flock models,

And simply won’t touch a multi-flock design.

Often, the answer is BIOSECURITY.

Multi-flock farms have a higher potential for cross-contamination and disease outbreak.

Naturally, you avoid this by raising 1 flock at a time.

I discuss the in’s and out’s of this for a broiler farm within this post:

https://thebigbookproject.org/knowledge-base/broiler-rearing-system/

Multi-Flock

Multi-flock poultry farming is like a sound equaliser on a Hi-Fi.

By overlapping and layering flock productivity,

Farmers can achieve the most profitable blend of production.

Common layer farming systems are:

• 1+2 = 1 brooder batch + 2 layer hen batches
• 1+3 = 1 brooder batch + 3 layer hen batches
• 1+1+5 = 1 brooder batch, 1 broder-cum-grower batch + 5 layer hen batches

And typical broiler rearing models are:

• All-in-All-Out = 1 flock
• 4+1 = 4 broiler flocks + 1 spare broiler house 
• 8+2 = 8 broiler flocks + 2 spare broiler houses

The poultry industry typically uses these production rearing models.

They’re tried and tested – producing predictable results, every time.

Each model has its own signature or fingerprint of production output.

The patterns of production are very detailed and have their own peaks and valleys – week in, week out.

Take this 1+3 layer rearing system with a batch size of 516 layers:

…and compare the production output of a farm with the same flock size of mature layers, but this time using 1+1+5 model:

To learn EXACTLY how much they produce and how best to use them for maximum profit,

I recommend reading these premium newsletter editions (paid subscribers only ):

https://thebigbookproject.org/advanced-poultry-pickup/layer-production-systems/

https://thebigbookproject.org/advanced-poultry-pickup/broiler-production-systems/

And for a quick guide to how the overlapping of multiple flocks works in principle,

This article is a quick and easy summary:

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/strategy/production-overlap/

Batch Buying

When a batch of either broilers or layers reaches the end of production,

The farmer then replenishes his livestock by buying another batch of birds.

No matter the rearing system, the number of birds per batch remains consistent.

For example, A 10,000 bird capacity layer farm using a 1+1+5 rearing system will use a batch size of 2,000 birds. How did I work it out? Well, it’s like this: To get 10,000 layers capacity using 1+1+5 you simply divide the total laying flock capacity by the number of layer houses, Which in this case is 5… …the answer = 2,000.

This is your batch size.

Want to really master this type of modelling with ALL the common rearing models?

I recommend you read my premium email newsletter series called Poultry Project Reporter:

And for an easy introduction to how this works in simple principle, read these articles:

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/techno-economic/rearing-cycle/

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/techno-economic/batch-intervals/

Laying hens are culled when their productivity becomes unprofitable.

When the cost of the feed they eat outweighs (or is greater than) the money received for the eggs they lay.

This point at which laying flocks tip the balance from profit to loss-making differs with every farm model.

But in general commercial terms,

Layer hens become unprofitable at 72 weeks of age , 

Which is when the hen-day egg production goes under 80%. 

(Or when hens start laying eggs daily 80% of the time.)

At this stage, unprofitable flocks are removed and often sold as discounted meat chicken.

Why are they sold at a discounted price?

Because the meat of a spent layer hen is usually:

• More stringy and tough
• More intensely flavoured 

…in comparison to broiler chicken meat.

Typical retail consumers value this spent hen meat less than broiler meat.

It, therefore, sells for less per kg or lbs than broiler meat.

Spent hen meat is also a popular choice for food processors who produce manufactured meals.

This is because their volume business depends on preserving margins, 

So cheaper meat with more flavour and tougher texture better compliments their recipes.

For a detailed guide on culling layer hens, 

I recommend reading this article by Mississippi State Agri Extension:

http://extension.msstate.edu/content/culling-hens#:~:text=Culling%20hens%20refers%20to%20the,for%20marketing%20or%20home%20cooking .

I also cover the topic in brief as a general introduction to culling hens  here:

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/model-options/culling-hens/

Processing Challenges

Processing seems like the home straight or an open field to touchdown,

But the number of start-up poultry farm operations that drop the baton or ball on the way home to market is ASTONISHING.

Complacency in this area can literally flush away profits and decimate all your hard work.

It’s absolutely vital to have this area sorted and down pat before counting your income.

For best practice advice on how to handle broilers in the hand over to processing,

I recommend a close studying of this article:

https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/preprocessing-handling-in-broilers

Also, in my Poultry Project Hub, this article will help you see broiler processing in light of your business model :

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/model-options/broiler-processing/

And this slideshow presentation is an excellent beginner’s guide to egg processing – for poultry farmers:

https://www.uspoultry.org/educationprograms/PandEP_Curriculum/Documents/PDFs/Lesson8/EggProcessingPres.pdf

Ready To Market

Once your production cycle has completed, 

Your next job is to get your eggs or chicken meat to market. 

This takes:

• Catching or picking, 
• Transporting
• Processing & cleaning, 
• Packaging, 
• Storing and 
• Delivering.

Eggs and chicken meat, as you can imagine, require different methods of handling.

But the result is the same – by the end,

A product that is ready to put into a refrigerated cabinet or on a shelf.

If you are new to the idea of slaughtering a chicken, this guide will help you get started (it has a great infographic too):

https://www.chickencheck.in/faq/how-chickens-slaughtered-processed/

For transportation advice , this guide presents a helpful introduction:

https://meatscience.org/TheMeatWeEat/topics/article/2017/05/30/transporting-meat-and-poultry

This next guide is a SOLID all-round presentation on how to market poultry products :

https://aims.tamu.edu/uploads/freefiles/MarketingPoultryProducts.pdf

And finally, this is a detailed article on packaging poultry products :

http://icpe.in/Plastics%20in%20Food%20Packaging/pdf/10-Final.pmd.pdf

A resourceful poultry farmer has more than one income stream from his flock.

Nothing goes to waste.

Because in both life and business – there is often use for most things, you just have to know what for.

Once you know, you just need to market it. The additional income serves to smooth out the joins between your dips in production.

Here is a list of common sources of secondary income for your poultry farm.

As mentioned earlier in this guide spent hens are layer hens that have reached their economic point of break-even.

Holding them any further will result in your farm losing money.

Selling these hens helps your farm retain profits.

In this article, the author describes where added value will benefit the company;

https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/finding-the-value-in-processing-spent-laying-hens

By-Products

On the broiler side of the poultry farming coin,

Broiler by-products are the equivalent to spent hens.

At the end of every broiler rearing system when the birds are packed and shipped for processing,

What emerges at the other end of the processing chain is ready broiler meat,

But along the way the lost material such as blood, bone, head, feet etc. are by-products.

Rather than discarded, this material is often prepared for sale on the by-product market.

Buyers, like fish farmers, will use the inwards and blood of processed broiler carcasses as protein food for fish.

This trade recoups some profit for the broiler farmer and presents a ready-source of input fort the fish farmer.

In agri, there are MANY win-wins like this at your fingertips.

Research and study will lead to EXACTLY where they are.

As a head start,

This PowerPoint presentation (+ PDF) is pretty much an ‘all you need to know’ guide on broiler by-products (by The University of Georgia):

https://athenaeum.libs.uga.edu/bitstream/handle/10724/34422/KiepperRenderingpresentation.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

https://poultryprojectreporter.com/broiler-28/

Plus, if you’re looking for a breakdown of by-products by the percentage of body mass , 

I also recommend this research article by The University of Zimbabwe and The University of Swaziland:

(I used these figures for my Poultry Project Reporter software calculations on by-products)

http://www.bioline.org.br/request?nd10108

Chicken manure makes for great fertiliser and fish food.

Take this for example,

A Kenyan fish farmer who built chicken huts above fishpools for natural recycling of organic matter from one livestock to another: https://wire.farmradio.fm/farmer-stories/kenya-farmers-use-chicken-droppings-to-feed-farmed-fish/

Such examples are becoming increasingly common,

As farmers innovate ways to economise on feed cost and optimse profit.

And how about as a fertiliser?

Read this…

It’s a great formula for maximising the use of poultry manure as part of a nutrient management plan for crops :

https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/B%201245_3.PDF

Chicken manure has different grades of quality though.

It’s judged by content.

Some manure has a higher concentration of nutritious content for crops and livestock.

Other manure has less. 

Proving your content can lead to you achieving more money and greater profit.

But what’s good manure content?

This study is just what you need to understand:

https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1654&context=wv_agricultural_and_forestry_experiment_station_bulletins

And for how manure recycling ought to fit within your poultry farm’s business model,

This short article in my Poultry Project Hub is just right:

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/model-options/recycling-manure/

Poultry feed in some economies and marketplace is delivered in what is commonly known as a Gunny bag (or Jute Bag).

These bags are made of hessian, burlap or crocus (sisal) plant fibre material.

They are rugged, durable, strong and can be used for many applications.

Poultry feed is just one.

But in the construction trade they tend to use it also for bagging up concrete.

Anyway, the long and short of it is,

Because of their durability, they can be recycled for use.

This means after you’ve used them for poultry feed, you can resell them for a small price.

Every bit counts toward ROI.

Here’s a handy video with a business plan for selling gunny bags , I recommend giving it a watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGeQBChDjhw

My outline with key points can be found again in the Poultry Project Hub, here:

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/model-options/re-marketing-gunny-bags/

A common question from readers whilst running The Big Book Project has been:

The cost of rearing poultry .

For a STEP-BY-STEP DETAILED tutorial, I recommend reading my guide .

But here’s a quick breakdown in the meanwhile…

Start-Up Capital (Sustainability)

Start-up capital represents all of your costs incurred for starting up .

Both one-off and the *money you need to begin operations for the first year*.

(First year running costs are termed working capital, for the purpose of your poultry project proposal.)

Combined together you have the total sum of money required to get your poultry farm off the ground.

Further reading:

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/financial-management/one-off-capital/

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/financial-management/recurring-capital/

Direct Costs

These are the costs that you can directly attribute or link to raising chicken :

• Cost of buying the birds

With these costs, you can literally tell how much expense each bird demands.

For example, We know that each broiler bird consumes approximately 5.348 kg every 6-7 week rearing period. And the layer feed consumption equivalent is 48.94 kg in 72 weeks of rearing from day-old.

To find out the direct cost of feeding a batch for your poultry farming venture,

Simply, multiply the feed consumed by the price per kg.

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/financial-management/expenses/

Indirect Costs

These are often referred to as business overheads.

They are the costs you pay whether you are rearing chicken or not .

• Mortgage or rent
• Accounting fees
• License for trading

The rule of thumb here is that they are not directly related to raising your chicken.

Hence, indirect.

Strategies For Saving

Increasing poultry farm earnings can either be gained by:

• Price raising, or
• Cost-saving 

Cutting back on either direct or indirect costs of running puts money back into your pocket.

If you are thinking of going the controlled environment route, 

I recommend reading this article for cost-saving measures in controlled poultry houses:

https://www.wattagnet.com/articles/617-15-cost-saving-ideas-for-poultry-housing

Agriculture is naturally labour intensive.

Livestock typically more so.

And chicken flocks are quite a demanding crowd to serve.

Getting the right team for your poultry farming project can make all the difference long term.

This small section was included to help you in planning labour management of your farm…

Recruitment & Training

Search the market for the best available talent .

Bird handlers, supervisors and farm managers are your operational A-Team.

They single-handedly care for your flocks,

And get them producing eggs and meat to the highest standards.

Here is an example job description for a Poultry Worker :

https://www.thejobexplorer.com/Job_Description/Agriculture/Poultry_Worker_I.html

Also, for a general all-round introduction to the topic,

I recommend reading this entry in the Poultry Project Hub:

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/research/labourers/

And for a well-rounded idea of what it takes to successfully raise a broiler flock from day-one to market-ready,

I recommend this quick guide to stockmanship :

https://thebigbookproject.org/knowledge-base/broiler-stockmanship/  

Workload (stock heads to labourer ratio)

A question you might have is:

How MUCH work is it to raise a flock of chickens?

Whilst scale of operation and type (whether broiler or layer) has bearing on workload,

The general principles of poultry husbandry apply.

But for a day-in-the-life-of view of poultry farmers at work, 

I recommend this insightful interview-based article :

https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/what-does-it-take-to-be-a-successful-poultry-grower-experts-share-their-views

A large advantage of an agribusiness like poultry farming is the fact it integrates well with family life.

You work together and enjoy the spoils together.

Plus, the trade is a very stable and viable means of earning household income.

Sustainable .

And naturally is an inheritance for the generation to follow.

Without any need for formal education or qualification, 

Learning the family trade of poultry farming could be setting up your young ones for a self-sufficient way of life.

Perhaps in these days, this is where true wealth really exists. 

In independence.

If you are thinking about using family labour in any way with your poultry farm, 

I recommend reading this ‘Values’ page from the Farmer Focus website:

https://www.farmerfocus.com/our-values

They are VERY big on keeping it in the family and planning ahead for successive generations.

A critical consideration to make in poultry farm labour management…

(But one that is hugely overlooked)

…is staff safety .

There are so many hazards involved in the raising of chickens commercially, 

For example:

• Ammonia, dust and other air pollutants in bird sheds
• Animal diseases
• Chemical exposure when cleaning

…plus many more.

An excellent framework for assessing these poultry farm occupational risks is this template from HSE (UK Health & Safety Executive):

https://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/casestudies/pdf/poultryfarm.pdf

Poultry products fetch whatever prices the consumers feel they are worth.

It’s the same for every product, service or investment.

The concept is called value perception .

It basically says that people buy value. 

Value is subjective, not objective.

Every sale price is dependent on how the customer sees it.

Put it this way, A bus ticket to buy your groceries at $2 might be good value. But the same bus ticket to make sure you’re on time for a once in a lifetime job interview (when you’re running late) could be of great value even at $40.

Again, it depends on how the customer sees it & what it does for them.

There are just so many value propositions out there that it is impossible to apply a broad brushstroke rule to poultry product pricing.

Nutritional benefits command higher prices.

(The basis of the value propositions here is, what price can you place on good health and life?)

Here are some factors that you should have in mind when considering your poultry pricing strategy:

Product Types (Example Price Comparisons)

Products are solutions to problems, 

There is a very important difference here.

One is relative,

The other is inherent.

For example,  An egg is an item.  We call it an egg because that’s just what it is. But the solution could be: Mixed size organic eggs. Why is this more valuable? Because customers who buy organic eggs for the health benefits don’t mind paying a premium for it. But crates of uniform-sized eggs that meet an exact standard require more labour in physical sorting and demand a higher price. However,  Random-sized packaged eggs save the farm cost in labour from not having to sort them. This cost-saving is passed on to the customer at a lower price per pack, For eggs that are still organic. The solution? Cheaper, organic eggs. Great value!

Now, let’s take a look at chicken meat.

Over the last few decades, we’ve all developed deep preferences for our favourite part of the chicken carcass.

And this is largely due to the popularisation of global fast-food chains like KFC, for example.

Because of the relative demand, certain parts have compared with others, 

Chicken parts now fetch different prices on the market.

Here is a really illustrative insight into how American consumers value the various parts of chicken :

https://www.al.com/news/2015/03/why_do_americanslove_chicken_s.html

Value Addition By Chain Participants

Eggs and chicken meat pass through various hands before they reach our tables.

Even between the farm and our table , value chain participants like:

• Distributors
• Wholesalers
• Caterers, chefs and canteens
• Ready-meal manufacturers

…all have their part to play in preparing the chicken or eggs for an optimal eating experience.

Each step of the process adds value in getting the raw product, even more, closer to what we expect.

Added value comes at a margin of cost.

This all contributes to the eventual price we pay for the product at retail.

Justify Price With Value To Customer

Customers pay more if it makes sense.

But they won’t if it doesn’t.

In fact, I have found in business that you simply can’t give something away for free if it doesn’t make sense to your customers.

So, herein is a golden rule:

To justify your price, you’ve got to communicate why.

Getting this right will mean you’ll push the ceiling on what you charge,

Maximising your profit.

Telling the customer WHY your product costs what it does can be a very valuable skill.

(Especially if your reason is related to a benefit that the customer REALLY values – and is willing to pay for.)

This article opens up the truth about some of the most common categories of table egg:

(A recommended read.)

Selling products of any sort…

(even eggs and chicken)

…comes down to your conversation with the audience .

It’s your chance to show them that you:

• Really understand what they want (your product/service),
• Know how they themselves would rate its relative value (price), and;
• Can get it to them VERY easily – with minimal fuss (distribution)

This conversation is called marketing.

If you’ve ever struggled with knowing how to do successful marketing,

I would condense the entire discipline into one SIMPLE saying,

And it goes like this:

“What is your business actually saying?”

Again, it’s a conversation.

You carry the conversation, by what you are saying. 

Either you are native and fluent, 

Nativity and fluency are the glue of the conversation.

They dictate language and ease of flow, back and forth.

Obstacles in this area make for a difficult relationship. 

And too many reasons to go elsewhere.

The following points are key success factors in getting that conversation ‘just right’.

To master your marketing communications strategy, I recommend reading this premium email newsletter :

Marketing Communications

Develop The Right Brand

Poultry product brands get the whole conversation off on the right footing.

It’s your chance to immediately hit it off with just the right entrance.

The brand sets the tone and expectation in the mind of the customer and offers promise for furthering the conversation.

Conversations are investments – of time and intimacy.

The brand gives confidence that this could be well worth the investment.

A good sign.

Here is an article listing 80 of the world’s leading broiler, turkey and egg-producing brands ,

I recommend it as a who’s who of what already works well in poultry branding:

https://www.wattagnet.com/directories/80-the-world-s-leading-broiler-turkey-and-egg-producers

This is a list of the worlds largest egg producers – I share this for you to examine the approach of the market leaders:

https://www.wattagnet.com/articles/34304-which-are-the-worlds-largest-egg-producers?v=preview

Key Messages

Credibility is a fruit of consistency .

People trust others who are what they say they are.

But if there be any shadow of a doubt, 

People tend to back off.

In the poultry trade – being food, there is a lot riding on trust.

For example, Take this Mexican brand which has led the market for a generation (70+ years), Examine the key messages here on their website, It will give you an idea of what ‘clicks’ or resonates with families in Mexico relating to eggs: https://www.elcalvario.com.mx/ (Their videos in particular take you right into the inner parts of their operation. Very transparent. Confidence-inspiring stuff.)

Choose Your Channels

There are many different ways of getting your eggs or meat to customers and consumers .

Decisions surrounding which channels to use – much like everything else in business,

Comes down to what would equal the best SERVICE.

What would your customers like best? 

When it comes down to it, 

Consumers are very much creatures of habit.

Routine rules with them

Even if your products are JUST what they are looking for,

If they find them off the beaten track of their usual haunts – then you might just lose their custom.

Said differently,

Convenience i.e. the value of their time comes too steep a challenge for certain purchases, 

No matter how inviting.

Golden rule: 

Make it easy for them to buy.

This study is a great example of the persuading factors involved in where consumers buy fresh produce :

https://www.choicesmagazine.org/2006-4/produce/2006-4-06.htm

And for a decent overview of how to organise our marketing channels for selling eggs ,

I recommend reading this guide by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations):

http://www.fao.org/3/Y4628E/y4628e06.htm#TopOfPage

Segment Your Audience

All customers are not alike.

They each buy eggs and chicken for slightly (or even vastly different) reasons.

Marketing is that conversation by which your farm proves it holds relevant value to the customers’ decision re: buying eggs or chicken meat.

To sell your eggs successfully, 

You may have to communicate effectively with a variety of customer segments.

Each having their own preferred style of conversation, 

And holding their own values.

For maximum profitability,

Your business has got to become skilled in holding a variety of conversations with various audiences.

But how EXACTLY should you split up the different types of customer?

Along what lines?

I recommend this research-backed article that tells you the key reasons why consumers buy chicken in the US:

https://www.morningagclips.com/consumers-buy-chicken-for-versatility-value-variety/

Product Spread (Range)

Product diversification is key to resilience. And concentrating profit.

Some years ago, I used to work for a foreign exchange company.

We sold foreign currency:

• Australian Dollar
• South African Rand 

…all sorts.

I was a broker .

My job was to talk with customers and bring them to the point of ‘the deal’.

Now the deal would only happen when it was proven that there was solid match of:

• Understanding
• Ease of transaction

And it wasn’t always value that swayed the client.

Most times it was actually flexibility .

Because often their exposure to foreign currency was quite complicated .

And there were so many conditions and potential outcomes riding on any particular decision,

That having some wiggle room for upside and downside benefit was a BIG advantage.

This is why the insurance industry is massive.

It gives soft-landing parachute exits for all the potentially costly ‘what if’ scenarios. 

In the case of the foreign exchange brokerage, I worked for, 

Their competitive advantage was that they traded what is commonly called Option contracts.

They literally skyrocketed to our popularity in that market. 

When we launched them in 2009, we traded hundreds of £millions of contracts in very little time.

Why were they so popular?

As the name says, they gave the customer options.

Rather than buying a foreign currency at a set price,

They offered the customer a comfortable worst case scenario price, 

But gave them the ability to buy at an improved price if the market got better,

Yet if the market got worse the contract even offered some profit from resell.

In other words, they won no matter what!

The flexibility and luxury of having options does cost,

But at least they weren’t locked in.

These products FLEW off the shelf.

We couldn’t sell them quick enough. And no one else was doing them in our market.

Lesson learned – customers DELIGHT in options .

Here is a great example of a poultry farm that successfully markets its eggs – WITH OPTIONS: https://steweeggs.com/our-range/

Packaging & Presentation

Packaging, transport and storage are key aspects to preserving profits in poultry.

And at the same time, it’s the end of the process where you can think you’ve made it.

But the money isn’t safe until it’s in the safe.

So much can go wrong with the packaging, transport and storage of eggs and meat.

The quality of the product can degrade massively too – because it’s highly perishable. 

Even egg quality can fall off quickly just from the wrong temperature or room humidity.

As for packaging, 

There are some practicalities involved.

The number of eggs is one.

Half a dozen?

The key question(s) to ask is:

Who are you selling to?

And what works best for them?

You can’t guess it.

You’ve got to ask .

Finding out will save you lots of lost time and money.

A mismatch in this area tells customers that you’re still figuring things out.

Not disastrous, but a bit like hitting the wrong gear and stalling.

Recovery is possible – but it’s hardly smooth running.

This FAO guide is a comprehensive piece on the subject: http://www.fao.org/3/Y4628E/y4628e05.htm

Getting your eggs or chicken meat into the possession of the customer is the final, yet critical step.

Delivery takes place as the fulfilment of the deal .

When selling to retailers especially, there are expectations to meet that require some expertise.

You’ve got to know what details store owners really care about .

Talking with them will unearth all sorts of deal parameters that can make or break a firm agreement.

For example,  “How many stores are you interested in delivering to? In what area(s)?” Having ready responses that overcome potential underlying objections will help you stay on the front foot in negotiations.

Looking to sell eggs to grocery stores?

I recommend this practical guide by North Carolina State Extension,

They do a great job of breaking down how to do it the right way.

(It even included scripted communications for best results.)

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/how-to-sell-shell-eggs-into-grocery-stores-through-direct-store-delivery

Thinking of selling chicken meat directly to consumers for better profit?

Then freezer chicken is probably your best bet.

In which case, 

I HIGHLY recommend reading this in-depth tutorial for selling freezer chicken to consumers.

(Jam-packed with LOTS of practical and profitable tips.)

https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/direct-marketing-meats-selling-freezer-chicken

When starting a poultry business,

A key moment is sitting down with a blank piece of paper and guessing what your sales figures will look like.

This kind of projection exercise can be both revealing and worthwhile,

If done correctly.

You’ve got to know the dynamics…

How sales move .

Sales is a recipe. But ingredients are what really make the difference to the revenue.

Here are the ingredients :

Money per sale . The more in it per sale, the greater your rewards for the same amount of effort spent.

However, get the value proposition wrong and you won’t achieve optimal customer sales.

It’s a balance and a case of trial and error.

But if you get an optimal level on price,

Your profit greatly improves.

For example, Let’s say, you sell a tray of 12 eggs for $1.50. Given the competitiveness of your marketplace, you don’t feel a higher price can be achieved. You want to increase profit and look at the price for your improvement. So how do you go about raising the price, but maintain sales?

Think value proposition .

Enhance your product or service.

Investigate trends that are in increasing demand from your customers.

For example, Food manufacturers and professional caterers value the consistency of yolk colour. It helps them also achieve consistent results with their work.  “According the Egg Producers Federation about 15 per cent of eggs sold were used in the baking and catering industries, and Silcock said consistency of ingredient colour was important for food manufacturers.  If you’re getting products that range wildly from very, very intensely coloured to very pale, that’s going to be a problem.” (Source: www.stuff.co.nz ) Giving your catering clients a more superior product, satisfies their need and your additional labour justifies a higher price.

Channel Convenience

Distribution costs money.

Getting your eggs or meat into the right channels either means you pay the owners a fee,

Or you invest in owning the channel yourself which is a capital cost.

But the benefit of using convenient channels for your customers could mean many more sales .

Nowadays, the internet is increasingly becoming a preferred sales channel for households – even when it comes to groceries.

For example, “…36 percent [of consumer households] in the Netherlands [buy their groceries online].” (Source: Statistia )

Offering an eCommerce store to consumer households and business clients may well be on-trend.

Yes, the capital expense of eCommerce set up can be considerable if you outsource it (cheaper if you DIY it),

But in the long run monies that would otherwise have been lost to 3rd party commission,

Are recouped by channel ownership .

Every item sold adds more revenue to your business income.

Of course, your actual profit earned on each sale depends on the sale price and direct cost of goods sold.

But all else being equal,

More items sold should mean more profit (earnings).

We think this way, especially with wholesale or business-to-business sales.

This is when we sell in bulk.

In such cases, 

Wholesale suppliers try to encourage buyers to buy greater volume with bulk discounts.

The discounts mean less money earned per item, 

But the discounts are not enough that you make a loss overall, but actually, make more profit per deal.

Such discount deals are profit maximising.

More money for the same effort.

For example, 180 eggs = $32.00 360 eggs = $59.00 That’s a discount of $5.00 or 8% for ordering twice as much. And if your margin per sale is 25% then your profit for selling 180 at $32 is $8. If you sold 360 at $64.00 without discount, your profit margin would be $16. A discount of $5 would bring down your gross profit to $11. This is $3 more than if you sold 180 at full price. So, for the same work of delivering 180 eggs for $8 profit, You could persuade your customer to buy from you 360 eggs for $11 profit.

Break-Even Point

This is the point at which you cover your cost of goods sold, but nothing more.

No profit. But then again, no loss either.

In fact, your costs neutralise the benefit of the sale, so the one cancels the other out.

The result is called Break-Even Point .

This is the volume of units sold at ‘x’ price which result in you covering your direct costs,

But not quite making a profit.

Like sitting in neutral.

The engine is engaged, but there is no bite and no motion. Your car is at a standstill.

Any more volume sold than this = profit.

Less volume = loss.

Higher price = profit.

Lower price = loss.

Break-Even (B/E) is a useful statistic to have in mind and sight when planning or running a poultry business.

Starting a poultry farming business requires money at the outset to get things going.

Large capital items like land and buildings need capital outlay.

Or, perhaps you own land already with suitable structures on it?

You’ll need to buy your first flock and feed them daily throughout your 1st cycle of production.

There is always SOME need for start-up money. Although you can minimise this by thinking strategically.

The question remains, where do you get the startup funds from?

There are generally 2 answers to funding your poultry business start-up:

Here is the breakdown of how they work…

Self-Fund (Zero Debt)

The cheapest way to start up your poultry business is to use your own money.

• Cash in hand (wages).
• Liquidising an asset.

These are all ways of starting cheaply.

You may not have as MUCH as you’d like to start,

But it does mean that profit from every egg or bird sold goes directly back into our pocket as earnings.

A wise start.

Borrowing money costs you .

Although, you get the pleasure of using someone else’s money when you borrow,

You end up paying the lender back.

Often this charge for use of their money is levied as a percentage (interest) on money borrowed (principal sum) .

With finance like this, you repay the money borrowed according to a repayment schedule.

Usually, equal sums over an agreed time frame.

The amount paid on each turn or installment will comprise some interest element and some principal element.

Together you pay back the money borrowed and used, along with the charge of the lender.

Sometimes your national or local government will offer poultry start-ups financial assistance.

This is typically in the form of a grant.

Money is given if you qualify for receiving it.

Often, to qualify you will need to have already obtained a loan.

And the grant will behave as a discounted borrowing cost on your loan.

Money is given back to you to help you pay back the principal and interest of the loan you’ve taken.

I highly recommend reading my comprehensive guide to poultry farm loans:

(…and why you don’t need one, today)

https://thebigbookproject.org/agri/poultry-farming/loan/

As I said, poultry farming grants are government subsidies to discount the cost of commercial start-up loans .

Governments will typically offset their cashing out to occur only when you’ve paid off your loan.

They are not free money given to start your farm,

But ‘money off’ your loan to start your farm – and only given when you’ve fulfilled all repayments on your loan.

I also cover some examples of these in my post on poultry farming loans .

Once your poultry farm is making a predictable profit,

You’ll no doubt have eyes on expansion .

More of the same. Or perhaps, more of something a little (or a lot) different.

Growing your poultry farm takes some know-how and also requires caution.

Because growth requires resourcing. And resource = investment.

…it’s a way of taking what you have today and spending it, in exchange for a predicted gain tomorrow.

Now, a future return on that investment isn’t guaranteed, but if put into a venture that already bears fruits,

The odds are highly likely that your money spent will multiply back future earnings to reward your ‘guts’ for having a go. 

The following points are the key principle controls for growing a poultry business :

Profit Focus (Sustainable)

Go for profit.

Growing the scale of a business without profit is vanity.

The point of business is profit.

(That is pays you back for your efforts spent.)

For example,  There’d be absolutely no point running a 100,000 layer farm for $10,000 profit,  If keeping 1,000 layers got you the same money. The larger scale business would just be greater stress for no additional benefit.

So a golden rule in growing a poultry farm is:

To expand the business where you will make more profit.

You are rewarding yourself and your stakeholders with every extra egg or bird sold.

For a detailed breakdown of poultry farming profits, I recommend digging deep into my guide :

https://thebigbookproject.org/agri/poultry-farming/profit-calculation/

Opportunities & Trends

Enduring businesses are by nature customer-centric .

Brand names like Walmart, for example, have enjoyed multi-generational success off the back of one main feature:

Serving the customer.

But as life changes, 

And people change,

So do the needs of customers.

To be successful in business you need an open conversation with customers – at all times .

Staying on-trend and being proactive with adapting your product and service to match their needs is critical to long term survival.

For example.  In the 1970’s research led by “Janey Barnard had begun selecting breeding stock with a less pronounced keel bone…made the finished product more appealing to consumers.” The result of this extensive study was the emergence of the world’s most efficient broiler bird: The Cobb 500 . 50 years on, the bird is still one of the highest-selling broiler strains in the world today.

The following is a practice guide to growing your range poultry business:

http://cecentralsierra.ucanr.edu/files/275183.pdf

Records & historical analysis

Record keeping on your poultry farm helps you make data-driven decisions.

Poultry business owners who make poor decisions can be suckers for sentimentality.

You know the stuff…

Making decisions on how you ‘feel’ (fluff) and not on hard facts and figures .

However, keeping tight records on:

• productivity, 

…will give you trustworthy input for future decisions on growth and diversifying.

I recommend this short, but a to-the-point guide on poultry farm recording keeping by Tamil Nadu University:

http://www.agritech.tnau.ac.in/expert_system/poultry/Poultry%20Farm%20Records%20Maintenace.html

Case Studies

I have found over the years, that one of the BIGGEST helps for me growing my business are:

Case studies.

Finding out what has worked for others has worked wonders in the following areas for me:

• Letting me know that I’m not alone
• Showing me something to aim for
• Telling me how to overcome challenges
• Making more confident strategic decisions
• Understanding why things work in business
• Giving me alternatives to what I already know

If ever I need a pick up in business – I reach for a case study .

And the good news is, that there are TONS of case studies online in the area of poultry farming.

Cases from farmers of all sizes – small and great, layer or broiler.

Here are a few to get you going :

https://www.foodformzansi.co.za/he-started-successful-poultry-farm-after-watching-a-youtube-video/

http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/characteristics-successful-poultry-growers

https://www.smallfarmcanada.ca/livestock/poultry/a-poultry-success-story/

Feasibility

The ambition to grow is one thing – but whether the ambition is realistic or not needs technical judgement.

This is where feasibility planning comes in.

Whilst the softer elements of feasibility are arguably more subject to opinion,

The harder financials are more telling.

But equally harder to produce.

One VERY useful tool that I use often in feasibility analysis is:

Benefit-Cost Analysis .

I talk about it often in my #1 poultry farming eBook .

In fact, I’ve also included it in my Poultry Project Reporter software .

But why is it so highly recommended?

Simplicity.

It’s basically a traffic light system for assessing poultry investments.

You add all project income benefits) together and project costs together,  Then measure them one against another… The resulting measurement is a ratio. A ratio of 1 (benefits/costs) = break even. A ratio above 1 = ROI (or profit) A ratio below 1 = loss. To invest confidently in a solid poultry farming investment, you are looking for a BCR (or Benefit Cost Ratio) of more than 1. Simple as that.

I recommend reading this guide on Benefit-Cost Analysis in my Poultry Project Hub:

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/investment-decision-making/benefit-cost-analysis-bca/

Projections

When going through the steps of planning growth for your poultry farm,

You’ll want to make accurate income projections .

Before you jump in there and begin counting your future potential pennies,

There’s one critical treatment that you need to apply.

It’s called discounting your cash flow .

Here’s what it is:

Say, you plan to grow your poultry business cash flow by $100,000. Before you count your future increase as $100,000 –  You’ve got to take away some value for realism sake. Firstly,  You must discount the $100,000 by a comparative rate of interest. Why? Because the money invested in your growth project might have been invested elsewhere. Like a savings account for say 6% annual interest. So, to give you a real picture of what your poultry money tomorrow would look like tomorrow, You take away 6%.  In one year this would be $6,000 – leaving $94,000. Also, inflation at 4% would further discount the value of tomorrow’s money. This is because the cost of living continuously increases. So, subtract a further $4,000, leaving $90,000. Now, your future cash flows which from growing your poultry farm which originally looked like an additional $100,000, In practice, it will actually look more like $90,000. Without this discount, you’ll be inflating the actual benefit of your plan. A deceptive miscalculation.

Beware the discounted cash flow.

For more info on this, I recommend reading my guide in the Hub:

https://thebigbookproject.org/poultry-farming/project-report/investment-decision-making/discounted-cash-flow-dcf/

Last but not least, when getting into poultry,

Getting good quality business advice will help you :

• Avoid common pitfalls 
• Take profitable advantage.

Good professional advice gives you the benefit of flattening the learning curve by piggybacking someone else’s experience.

Advice in the poultry trade is typically packaged in 2 different ways.

• Software-based
• Consultancy-based

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Here’s how I see things:

Software-based learning

Software is a very convenient go-between for learning in the current day.

It gives poultry farming beginners the advantage of:

• Being self-directed
• Distance learning
• Scenario-based examples
• Learning at your own pace
• Customisation
• Cost-saving

Above and beyond traditional consulting methods, well-designed software can really excel.

A major drawback however of software-based learning is SUPPORT.

No matter how well prepared the delivery of teaching is via the software route,

Users ALWAYS have questions to ask.

And besides taking an educated guess and making something like a knowledge base in advance,

Software vendors to reach success must invest substantial resources in support.

Real-live people at the end of a phone or computer ready, able and waiting to deal with questions.

When I built the Poultry Project Reporter software I made sure that it would have a really STRONG support package.

I actually manage it myself.

This way I can guarantee that the quality is 1st class every time.

The software itself is pretty good,

And is now the fastest way of producing a professional PDF version poultry project proposal online.

But even BETTER is my support .

It’s more like a value-added consultancy than a troubleshooting service.

Subscribers drill down into so much more than just the program function,

But rather get strategic tips on how to use it to give their poultry farm business planning a serious boost . 

And at the price point per license, this remote-consulting service works out at pennies…

…or more accurately, as little as 21cents per day !

If you are currently writing a layer or broiler feasibility report, 

Or producing a poultry farm business plan ,

Then I highly recommend using my software Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 :

Visit – https://poultryprojectreporter.com/

Agri Consultant

The right agricultural business consultant can help you see profitable farming much CLEARER .

When I started The Big Book Project in 2019 – I had one goal in mind,

To help poultry farming beginners invest in profitable businesses .

Not just short profit, but long term profitable agri-enterprises . With large ROI.

I was (and still am) persuaded that ANYONE can do it .

Regardless of nationality, educational background, financial status or experience – 

You (just as well as anyone else) can plan and execute a PROFITABLE strategy for leading your market with quality poultry products.

You’ve made your first attempt today, by finding me through this blog article.

Well done (- not a bad 1st stop).

But there are very MANY more authors out there that will no doubt help you on your way.

Here are just a few I recommend :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-darre-a29b5115/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhia-alchalabi-4b1b046b/

Ioannis Mavromichalis

https://www.linkedin.com/in/draatef/

And there you have it, my complete beginner’s guide on how to start a poultry farm for any country.

Are you currently considering starting a poultry farming business?

Are you trying to weigh up if you have what it takes to be successful in poultry?

Leave me a comment below – now.

I read every one.

Reader Interactions

Write your poultry project proposal in just 90 mins.

May 2, 2020 at 7:28 am

The best poultry farming guide that I have come across. Thank you for this article.

Ernest Chinonso Umeghalu

May 3, 2020 at 1:44 pm

Dear Ernest,

I am truly honoured to have received such an encouraging review of this website’s content.

On behalf of all involved, I would like to thank you for taking the time to visit us and provide feedback.

Please feel free to send us your questions, should you need any specific agribusiness advice.

Yours sincerely,

Temi @ The Big Book Project

July 30, 2022 at 8:29 am

Poultry farm is actually a great business , specially in high populated area, region or country . Thanks for sharing this detailed stuff this business.

November 15, 2022 at 9:49 am

Thanks for sharing about How To Start A Poultry Farm, amazing one . I love this business idea, even my friend suggest be to start or invest in poultry farm business.

November 24, 2022 at 9:39 am

I am actually planning to start a Poultry farm business , this will really help me a lot . Thanks for sharing this one with us.

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Poultry farm business plan template + PDF

This guide presents an innovative AI Business Plan Generator template, crafted specifically for entrepreneurs eager to start or scale their poultry farm business. It's important to emphasize that the names and financial projections provided in this example are entirely hypothetical, used solely as instructional aids to smooth the path of your business planning process. These instances are carefully chosen to illustrate how you can customize your own AI-generated Poultry Farm Business Plan, empowering you to overcome challenges and seize opportunities within the poultry farming industry.

For tailored customization, we offer a downloadable 'Poultry Farm Business Plan PDF.' This document is crucial for entrepreneurs committed to developing a persuasive and effective strategy to initiate or grow their poultry farm service. The 'AI Business Plan Generator' acts as a detailed guide, offering deep insights into the poultry farming market. It equips you with the vital tools to adeptly oversee and expand your poultry farm business, utilizing AI for unmatched strategic planning.

How this poultry farm business plan sample was created

Seamlessly customize your personalized poultry farm business plan with our AI Business Plan Generator. Simply click 'Generate your business plan' and proceed through a sequence of focused questions about your poultry farm venture. Our sophisticated AI technology will evaluate your responses to develop a business plan that precisely matches the objectives and needs of your poultry farm business. This quick and efficient approach only requires 5-10 minutes, yielding a detailed and well-organized plan. Our platform enables you to adjust and fine-tune your plan, ensuring it accurately mirrors your distinctive vision for your poultry farm service. Once complete, your plan is ready for download, offering a clear and thorough guide for launching and developing your poultry farm business. Utilize the power of our AI business plan generator, tailor-made for poultry farm businesses, to boost your strategic planning.

Poultry farm business plan sample

Executive summary, business description, market research and analysis, swot analysis.

• Organizational Structure and Management Team

Products or Services

Marketing and sales strategy, operations plan, financial projections, risk analysis.

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, nestled in the fertile lands of Springfield, Illinois, presents an innovative and sustainable approach to poultry farming that prioritizes ethical practices, quality produce, and environmental stewardship. Founded by Janet Wilson, an expert with over 15 years of experience in Poultry Science, Feathered Friends has quickly established itself as a beacon of excellence in the agricultural sector. With a dedicated team that includes Operations Manager Tom Hargrave, Chief Veterinarian Dr. Rachel Kim, Marketing Director Lisa Chang, and HR Manager Michael Robbins, the farm is positioned for unprecedented growth and success.

Our farm specializes in a variety of poultry products and services designed to meet the rising demand for healthy, ethically produced food. The range includes fresh cage-free and organic eggs, broiler chickens, specialty birds such as ducks and quails, organic and conventional chicken feed, and live chickens for those interested in backyard poultry farming. This diversification not only allows us to cater to a broad segment of the market but also mitigates risks associated with demand fluctuations in the agricultural industry.

In the heart of our operations lies a commitment to sustainable and humane farming practices. Our production processes are meticulously managed to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental sustainability. This commitment is reflected in our extensive biosecurity measures, rigorous health checks, and our sustainable waste management practices. Our operational efficiency is enhanced by our strategic distribution channels, encompassing direct sales, B2B relationships, and an expanding online presence, ensuring our premium products reach a wide audience.

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm operates within a growing industry, buoyed by consumer preferences shifting towards healthier and ethically produced food options. With a keen focus on the local and regional markets, including households, eateries, and small-scale grocery stores, we have identified significant growth opportunities. Additionally, our diverse product range and adherence to ethical farming practices provide us with a competitive edge in a market increasingly dominated by concerns about food origin and production methods.

The financial trajectory of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is promising, with projected revenues set to climb from $500,000 in the first year to $1,100,000 by year five. Our strong revenue forecasts are underpinned by an expanding market presence and operational efficiencies that drive down costs and improve profit margins. Our net profit is expected to grow from $50,000 in the first year to $250,000 by year five, reflecting our strategic investments in infrastructure, marketing, and product development.

However, we are not without our challenges. Potential risks include disease outbreaks, regulatory changes, and market competitions. To mitigate these, we’ve established comprehensive contingency plans, including stringent biosecurity protocols, diversified supplier relationships, and aggressive marketing strategies. Our insurance and legal considerations are designed to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances, ensuring we maintain our growth trajectory.

In conclusion, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm stands at the cusp of significant expansion. Our dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability positions us as a leader in the industry. As we seek investment to fuel our growth, we invite partners to join us on this journey towards making a tangible impact on food production ethics, environmental sustainability, and community nutrition. At Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, we believe in nurturing the land that feeds us, respecting the creatures in our care, and providing our customers with the highest quality poultry products on the market.

Situated in the heart of Springfield, Illinois, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm stands as a testament to the resilience and innovation within the agricultural sector, specifically the booming poultry industry. As a purveyor of high-quality poultry products, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm has carved out a niche for itself in a market that is increasingly demanding ethically raised, healthy food options. The poultry farm industry, a critical component of the global food supply chain, has witnessed substantial growth, driven by a surge in consumer demand for poultry products due to their health benefits, affordability, and versatility in culinary applications. Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, through its commitment to sustainable farming practices and ethical treatment of animals, is at the forefront of this industry, providing an array of products and services to meet the diverse needs of its clientele.

The history of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is a story of passion, dedication, and a deep-seated belief in the value of fresh, locally sourced food. Founded five years ago by Janet Wilson, a graduate with a B.Sc. in Poultry Science and 15 years of industry experience, the farm was born out of a desire to offer an alternative to the mass-produced poultry products that dominate the market. From its inception, the farm's purpose has been twofold: to supply the local community with fresh, high-quality poultry products, and to educate consumers on the importance of supporting ethical and sustainable farming practices. This dual focus has driven the company's operations, shaping its approach to everything from animal husbandry to customer service.

The mission statement of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm encapsulates its ethos: "To nourish and enrich lives by providing the highest quality, ethically raised poultry products, fostering a connection between the community and the source of their food." This mission guides every decision made at the farm, ensuring that operations align with the core values of transparency, sustainability, and excellence.

Legally structured as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Feathered Friends Poultry Farm benefits from the flexibility and protection this form affords. The LLC structure not only shields the owner's personal assets from the farm’s liabilities but also offers tax efficiencies and operational flexibility, critical factors in the volatile world of agricultural business.

Looking to the future, the long-term potential of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is bright. The global trend towards healthy eating, coupled with a growing awareness of the environmental and ethical implications of food production, is creating vast opportunities for businesses like Feathered Friends Poultry Farm. As consumers increasingly seek out products that align with their values, the demand for ethically produced, high-quality poultry products is expected to grow exponentially.

In meeting this demand, the farm is poised for expansion, with plans to increase its product range, enter new markets, and continue its advocacy for sustainable agriculture. By staying true to its mission and leveraging emerging trends in the industry, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is on track to not only succeed financially but also make a significant impact on the food system. Through its commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community engagement, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm exemplifies the potential of small businesses to lead the way in creating a more ethical and sustainable future for food production.

The poultry industry represents a vibrant and essential sector of the global food market, characterized by its dynamic trends, substantial size, and robust growth rate. With a keen focus on sustainability and health, the industry is currently experiencing a paradigm shift towards organic and ethically produced poultry products. Market research indicates that the global poultry market is anticipated to grow steadily, propelled by increasing consumer awareness about the health benefits of poultry meat and eggs, as well as a surging demand for protein-rich diets. This sector's resilience and adaptability are evident in its swift response to consumer preferences and global supply chain challenges, ensuring its continued expansion and relevance.

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm’s target market is multifaceted, encompassing local households in search of fresh, high-quality poultry products, regional eateries and restaurants that prioritize farm-to-table offerings, and small-scale grocery stores aiming to cater to health-conscious consumers. This target group is characterized by a demographic that values sustainability, ethics in food production, and quality over price. The size of this target market is substantial and is on an upward trajectory, given the increasing population in Springfield, Illinois, and the surrounding areas. The growth potential within this market segment is significant, fueled by a growing trend in consumer behavior that leans towards supporting local businesses and a preference for products that are perceived as healthier and more natural.

Market needs and demands are evolving, with a clear preference for poultry products that are not only fresh and of high quality but also produced in a way that aligns with ethical and environmental standards. Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency in the production process, animal welfare considerations, and minimal use of antibiotics and hormones. This shift in consumer preferences reflects broader market trends and patterns, including a surge in demand for organic and cage-free options, the popularity of specialty birds such as ducks and quails, and an expanded interest in backyard farming.

Competition within the poultry industry is intense but varies significantly in scale and scope. Feathered Friends Poultry Farm's primary competitors include Cluckin' Fresh Farms, Happy Hens Hatchery, and Barnyard Birds Ltd. Cluckin' Fresh Farms is known for its extensive marketing efforts and broad product range, although it has faced criticism for its animal welfare standards. Happy Hens Hatchery specializes in egg production, with a strong reputation for quality but lacks diversity in its product offerings. Barnyard Birds Ltd. offers a wide array of poultry products but struggles with consistency in product quality. These competitors hold a considerable market share within the regional market; however, their distinct weaknesses present opportunities for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm to capitalize on, particularly in areas of product quality, ethical production practices, and customer engagement.

Potential barriers to entry in the poultry farming industry include the high initial capital investment required for land, infrastructure, and equipment. Additionally, stringent regulations and health safety standards pose significant challenges, necessitating substantial knowledge and adherence to legal requirements. Moreover, establishing a strong supply chain and distribution network is critical for success but can be daunting for newcomers. These barriers, along with the competitive landscape, necessitate a strategic approach to entry and expansion, underscoring the importance of a solid business plan and a clear understanding of the market dynamics.

In conclusion, market research and analysis reveal a promising outlook for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, given the industry's growth trajectory, the specific needs and trends of the target market, and the competitive landscape. By strategically positioning itself to meet the evolving demands of health-conscious consumers and leveraging its strengths against competitor weaknesses, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is well-placed to capitalize on the opportunities presented within the burgeoning poultry industry.

Organizational Structure and Management

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) located in Springfield, Illinois, operates with a well-defined organizational structure designed to maximize efficiency and support its strategic objectives. The organizational chart is hierarchical, with the Owner & Director at the top, followed by departmental heads overseeing Operations, Veterinary Care, Marketing, and Human Resources. Each department plays a crucial role in the farm's overall success, working collaboratively while focusing on their specific functions.

The management team is the backbone of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, consisting of highly skilled professionals committed to the company's mission. Janet Wilson, the Owner & Director, holds a B.Sc. in Poultry Science and brings over 15 years of industry experience. Her leadership and vision steer the farm towards its goals of providing high-quality, ethically produced poultry products. Tom Hargrave, the Operations Manager, with a Diploma in Agricultural Management and 10 years of poultry farm management experience, is responsible for the day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency and productivity. Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Rachel Kim, a DVM specialized in Avian Medicine, with 8 years in veterinary practice, oversees animal health and welfare, a critical aspect given the farm's commitment to ethical practices. Lisa Chang, the Marketing Director, with an M.A. in Marketing and 5 years in agri-business marketing, develops and implements strategies to promote the farm and its products. Lastly, Michael Robbins, the HR Manager, with a B.A. in Human Resources and 7 years in the agricultural sector, is tasked with managing the farm’s workforce, including recruitment, training, and ensuring workplace safety.

Staffing needs are anticipated to grow as the farm expands its operations and product range. Currently, the farm employs several poultry handlers, maintenance personnel, and office staff. Future staffing requirements include additional poultry handlers to manage increased production, a sales team to grow market presence, and potentially, an in-house nutritionist to innovate feed formulations. This expansion will necessitate structured recruitment processes, comprehensive training programs, and strategies for staff retention, acknowledging the critical role of an engaged and skilled workforce in achieving the farm's objectives.

Human resources policies and practices at Feathered Friends Poultry Farm are designed to create a productive, safe, and inclusive work environment. These include rigorous health and safety protocols, performance-based rewards, and continuous professional development opportunities. The farm commits to fair labor practices, providing competitive wages and benefits, and fosters a culture of respect, teamwork, and transparency.

External advisors and consultants play an integral role in Feathered Friends Poultry Farm’s strategic planning and operational efficiency. The farm engages a veterinary consultant specializing in poultry diseases to complement Dr. Kim’s expertise, ensuring the highest standard of animal health and biosecurity measures. A financial advisor assists with budgeting, financial planning, and identifying investment opportunities, crucial for the farm's sustainability and growth. Additionally, agricultural extension services are utilized for insights into latest farming technologies and practices, which can further improve productivity and environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, the organizational structure and management of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm are crafted to ensure a cohesive and efficient operation that upholds the highest standards of quality and ethics in poultry farming. As the farm grows, its structure, team, and policies will evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities, with a continuous focus on excellence, sustainability, and community engagement.

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm offers a diverse range of poultry products and services designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality, ethically produced food. Our product line includes:

1. Fresh Eggs: We provide both cage-free and organic options to cater to the health-conscious consumer. Our eggs are collected daily, ensuring the freshest product possible. 2. Broiler Chickens: Available as whole birds, individual parts, or prepared cuts, our broiler chickens are raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones, guaranteeing a natural and wholesome product. 3. Specialty Birds: Duck and quail offerings diversify our product range, catering to customers looking for alternative poultry options. 4. Chicken Feed: We offer both organic and conventional feed blends, catering to the needs of backyard farmers and commercial poultry operations alike. 5. Live Chickens: For those interested in backyard farming or poultry shows, we sell layers, broilers, and show breeds, all bred for health and vitality.

Our unique selling points and competitive advantages include our commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices. Unlike many competitors, our products are produced with a focus on animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and support for local economies. We guarantee freshness and quality by controlling every step of the production process, from feed to final product. Our transparency and commitment to these principles have earned us a loyal customer base that values not just the quality of the product but the ethos behind it.

Currently, our products are well-established in the market, with a consistent demand from local households, regional eateries, and small-scale grocery stores. Looking to the future, we plan to expand our product range to include more specialty birds and possibly enter into the organic meat market. We also aim to enhance our offerings with value-added products, such as marinated or pre-cooked poultry, to meet the demands of busy consumers looking for convenience without compromising quality.

In terms of intellectual property status, our brand name "Feathered Friends Poultry Farm" and logo are trademarked, providing brand protection and recognition in the marketplace. While our farming practices and product offerings are not patented, we continually seek innovative techniques and products that could qualify for intellectual property protection to maintain a competitive edge.

The production process at Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is meticulously managed to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety. From breeding to hatching, feeding, and processing, each step is carefully monitored. Our feed is sourced from trusted suppliers, with organic options coming from certified organic grain producers, guaranteeing our chickens' optimal health and growth. We maintain a close relationship with our suppliers, ensuring that all inputs meet our stringent quality and ethical standards.

In conclusion, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm stands out in the poultry market through our commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. Our diverse product range caters to a broad audience, from health-conscious consumers to culinary enthusiasts and backyard farmers. As we look to the future, we are focused on expanding our product offerings, exploring intellectual property opportunities, and refining our production processes to maintain our competitive edge. Our dedication to excellence and sustainability positions us for continued growth and success in the dynamic poultry industry.

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm's marketing and sales strategy is designed to solidify our presence in the local and regional markets, appeal to our target demographics, and expand our customer base. Our approach combines traditional and digital marketing techniques, a comprehensive sales strategy, competitive pricing, strategic distribution, targeted promotion and advertising, and exemplary customer service policies.

Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy focuses on highlighting the unique selling points of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, specifically our commitment to high-quality, ethically produced poultry products. We plan to utilize a combination of digital marketing, community engagement, and collaborations with local businesses to reach our target market effectively.

- Digital Marketing: Leveraging social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) to share engaging content that tells the story of our farm, our practices, and the quality of our products. SEO-optimized content marketing through blogs and newsletters will further drive online visibility. - Community Engagement: Participating in local farmers' markets, agricultural shows, and community events to build brand awareness and direct relationships with consumers. - Business Collaborations: Partnering with local restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores to feature our products, creating mutually beneficial relationships that introduce our offerings to new customer segments.

Sales Strategy

Our sales strategy is centered on building and maintaining strong relationships with both direct consumers and business clients.

- Direct Sales: At farmers' markets and through our farm shop, highlighting the freshness and quality of our products in person. We'll employ a knowledgeable sales team who can educate customers about the benefits of our farming practices. - B2B Sales: Developing a dedicated B2B sales team focused on establishing and nurturing relationships with local eateries, restaurants, and retailers. This team will also manage orders, deliveries, and ongoing client support. - Online Sales: Implementing e-commerce capabilities on our website for both local pickup and delivery, making it easier for customers to purchase our products directly.

Pricing Strategy

Our pricing strategy is designed to reflect the premium quality of our products while remaining competitive within the market. We will employ a cost-plus pricing model, ensuring that all costs are covered and a reasonable profit margin is achieved. Seasonal promotions and loyalty discounts for regular customers will be introduced to encourage repeat business and enhance customer loyalty.

Distribution Channels

Distribution channels include direct sales at our farm shop and local farmers' markets, B2B sales to local restaurants and retailers, and online sales through our website. We will also explore partnerships with local delivery services to expand our reach within the region.

Promotion and Advertising Plans

Promotion and advertising efforts will focus on digital marketing campaigns, local print and radio adverts, and sponsorship of community events. Seasonal promotions around holidays and special events will be leveraged to boost sales. Collaborative promotions with local businesses and eateries will help expand our reach. Influencer marketing with local food bloggers and chefs will also be pursued to increase brand visibility and credibility.

Customer Service Policies

Customer satisfaction is paramount at Feathered Friends Poultry Farm. We will implement clear policies ensuring prompt and friendly customer service, easy product returns, and responsive feedback mechanisms. Dedicated customer service personnel will be trained to resolve issues efficiently, ensuring customer experiences that foster loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.

In conclusion, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm's marketing and sales strategy is comprehensive, focusing on building a strong brand presence, establishing meaningful customer relationships, and driving sales through multiple channels. Our commitment to quality, ethics, and customer satisfaction will guide all marketing and sales efforts, positioning us for long-term success in the market.

The Operations Plan for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm outlines the comprehensive workflow and processes designed to ensure efficient daily operations, high-quality production, and effective supply chain management. Our operational strategy is rooted in sustainability, efficiency, and the ethical treatment of our poultry, which are hallmark principles of our farm.

Operational Workflow

Daily operations at Feathered Friends Poultry Farm are divided into several key areas: breeding and hatching, feeding, health care, egg collection, processing, packaging, and sales. The day begins with a thorough inspection of all birds and facilities to ensure health and safety standards are met. This is followed by feeding, egg collection, and routine health checks which are conducted by our skilled farmhands under the supervision of the Operations Manager and Chief Veterinarian. Specific tasks are allocated to team members based on expertise, ensuring the highest level of care and efficiency.

Production or Service Delivery Processes

Our primary services involve the production and sale of fresh eggs, broiler chickens, specialty birds, and chicken feed. Each aspect of production, from breeding to sale, follows a meticulously planned process:

- Breeding and Hatching: Utilizes selective breeding techniques to ensure healthy, productive stock. Eggs are incubated under optimal conditions to maximize hatch rates. - Feeding: Implements a nutritionally balanced regimen carefully formulated for different poultry stages, using organic and conventional feed blends sourced from trusted suppliers. - Health Care: Involves regular veterinary checks, vaccinations, and immediate intervention for any health issues. Biosecurity measures are strictly enforced to prevent disease outbreaks. - Processing and Packaging: For broiler chickens and specialty birds, humane processing is followed by hygienic packaging meeting all regulatory standards for food safety. Eggs are cleaned, graded, and packaged on-site.

Quality Control Measures

Quality control is integral to all farm operations. We conduct regular audits of our practices against industry standards and our ethical policies. All poultry products are subject to stringent quality checks before sale, ensuring they meet health, safety, and quality benchmarks. Feedback loops involving customers and suppliers also contribute to continuous quality improvement.

Inventory Management

Efficient inventory management is crucial to balance supply with demand while minimizing waste. We employ inventory tracking systems for feed, medicines, and packaging materials, ensuring timely reordering to prevent stock-outs. For perishable products like eggs and processed poultry, careful demand forecasting allows us to manage inventory levels effectively, reducing waste.

Supply Chain Management

Our supply chain strategy emphasizes relationships with local suppliers to shorten supply chains, reducing environmental impact and ensuring freshness. We prioritize suppliers who share our values of sustainability and ethical practices, regularly reviewing their performance. For sales, we leverage direct-to-consumer channels, B2B relationships, and online sales, optimizing routes and schedules to maximize efficiency and minimize carbon footprint.

Facilities and Equipment Needs

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm operates from a rural property in Springfield, Illinois, housing breeding facilities, hatcheries, coops, processing units, and storage facilities. Key equipment includes incubators, feeders, waterers, egg collection systems, and processing machinery. Future needs include upgrades to increase automation in egg collection and packaging, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs. An investment in renewable energy solutions like solar panels is planned to reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

In conclusion, the operations plan for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is designed to ensure smooth daily operations, high-quality production, and effective management of resources. Through meticulous planning, quality control, and sustainable practices, we are committed to delivering ethically produced, high-quality poultry products to our customers.

The Financial Projections section of the business plan for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is formulated to provide a comprehensive overview of the farm's anticipated financial performance over the next three to five years. The projections include a sales forecast, profit and loss projection, cash flow analysis, balance sheet projection, break-even analysis, and the underlying financial assumptions and considerations that shape these forecasts.

Sales Forecast

Over the next five years, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is projected to experience a steady increase in sales. This growth is anticipated based on the expansion of product lines, the scaling of production capabilities, and the strengthening of market presence.

- Year 1: $500,000 - Year 2: $600,000 - Year 3: $750,000 - Year 4: $900,000 - Year 5: $1,100,000

This forecast assumes an expanding customer base, successful marketing strategies, and stable market conditions.

Profit and Loss Projection

The Profit and Loss Projection highlights expected revenues, costs of goods sold (COGS), gross margins, operating expenses, and net profit.

- In Year 1, with revenues of $500,000 and COGS at 60% of sales ($300,000), we project a gross margin of 40%. Operating expenses, including salaries, marketing, and administrative costs, are estimated at $100,000, leading to a net profit of $50,000. - By Year 5, as efficiencies improve and the farm scales, we anticipate revenues of $1,100,000, COGS at 55% ($605,000), operating expenses stabilizing at $245,000, and a net profit margin improving significantly to $250,000.

Cash Flow Projection

The Cash Flow Projection outlines the net cash inflows and outflows, providing insight into the farm's liquidity and financial health. Initial capital investments, operational costs, and sales revenues are considered to project cash flow. In the first year, significant investments in facilities and equipment may result in tight cash flow, necessitating a credit line. However, as revenues grow and operational efficiencies are realized, positive cash flow is expected to improve, allowing for the repayment of any initial borrowing and supporting expansion plans.

Balance Sheet Projection

The Balance Sheet Projection for the first five years reflects the farm's assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity. We foresee a steady increase in assets, primarily driven by investments in operational infrastructure and potential land acquisitions. Liabilities, primarily composed of initial loans, are projected to decrease as earnings allow for the repayment of debt. Owner’s equity is expected to grow as reinvested profits increase the value of the farm.

Break-even Analysis

The Break-even Analysis identifies the point at which total revenues equal total costs, signaling where the operation becomes profitable. Given the initial investment in operations and conservative estimation of sales growth, we project to reach the break-even point towards the end of the second year. This analysis is critical for understanding timing for potential reinvestment and loan repayments.

Financial Assumptions and Considerations

- Market Conditions: We assume stable market conditions with moderate inflation. While we have contingency plans for disease outbreaks and supply chain disruptions, major market shifts could impact financial projections. - Operating Efficiencies: Projections are based on anticipated improvements in operating efficiencies as we scale, including reduced per-unit costs and increased margins. - Capital Investments: Assumes initial and ongoing investments in infrastructure are financed through a mix of owner’s equity and external financing. - Revenue Streams: Includes diversification of revenue through direct sales, B2B channels, and online markets to mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations.

In conclusion, the financial projections for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm suggest a robust growth trajectory, supported by strategic investments in infrastructure, market expansion, and operational efficiencies. These projections are based on careful consideration of current market trends, historical financial performance, and prudent financial assumptions. Our financial strategy is designed to ensure sustainability, profitability, and the realization of our long-term goals.

The Risk Analysis section of the business plan for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm comprehensively identifies the potential risks that could impact the operations, finances, and overall success of the farm. This section outlines proactive strategies for risk mitigation, contingency plans for unexpected events, and considerations regarding insurance and legal protections.

Identification of Potential Risks

Market Risks: - Consumer Demand Fluctuations: Changes in consumer preferences or economic downturns could lead to decreased demand for poultry products. - Competition: New or existing competitors could impact market share, especially those offering lower prices or alternative products. - Regulatory Changes: New regulations or changes in agricultural, environmental, or food safety policies could impose additional operational burdens.

Operational Risks: - Disease Outbreaks: Avian influenza or other poultry diseases could significantly disrupt operations. - Supply Chain Disruptions: Issues with feed or equipment suppliers could impact production. - Environmental Risks: Extreme weather conditions, such as droughts or floods, could damage infrastructure or disrupt operations.

Financial Risks: - Price Volatility: Fluctuations in the prices of feed or other key inputs could affect profitability. - Interest Rate Rises: Increases in interest rates could impact the cost of existing or future debt. - Cash Flow Challenges: Significant upfront capital expenditures or unexpected costs could strain cash flow.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Market Mitigation: - Diverse Product Range: Offering a variety of poultry products can cater to a broader consumer base and adapt to changing tastes. - Marketing and Branding: Strengthening brand recognition and customer loyalty through effective marketing can solidify market position. - Regulatory Compliance: Staying informed of and compliant with all regulations can prevent legal issues and fines.

Operational Mitigation: - Biosecurity Measures: Implementing and strictly adhering to biosecurity practices can prevent disease outbreaks. - Diversified Suppliers: Establishing relationships with multiple suppliers for key inputs can mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions. - Infrastructure Investments: Investing in weather-resistant infrastructure and emergency preparedness can reduce the impact of environmental risks.

Financial Mitigation: - Cost Control: Regular review of expenses and cost-effective strategies can maintain financial health. - Debt Management: Careful management of debt levels and terms can mitigate the impact of interest rate changes. - Emergency Fund: Maintaining a reserve fund can provide liquidity to address unexpected financial challenges.

Contingency Plans

- Disease Outbreak: In the event of a disease outbreak, an immediate action plan includes quarantine measures, veterinary intervention, and notification to relevant authorities. - Supply Chain Disruption: Contingency contracts with alternative suppliers and maintaining a stockpile of critical inputs can address temporary supply issues. - Financial Shortfalls: Accessing lines of credit or re-evaluating capital expenditures can provide financial flexibility in times of cash flow challenges.

Insurance and Legal Considerations

- Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive insurance policies, including liability, property, and business interruption insurance, can provide financial protection against various risks. - Legal Protections: Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) and directors and officers (D&O) insurance can protect the farm and its management against legal claims. - Regulatory Compliance: Regularly consulting with legal experts familiar with agricultural law can ensure ongoing compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

In summary, while Feathered Friends Poultry Farm faces a range of potential risks, thorough preparation and proactive strategies are in place to mitigate these challenges effectively. By anticipating possible scenarios, establishing robust mitigation measures, and ensuring comprehensive insurance and legal protections, the farm is well-positioned to navigate uncertainties and maintain a trajectory towards growth and success.

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Poultry farming business plan – amazing a comprehensive guide.

Updated on: August 14, 2023

Are you considering starting a poultry farming business? A well-thought-out business plan is essential for success in this highly lucrative and rewarding industry. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of creating a solid poultry farming business plan that sets you up for success.

Table of Contents

Introduction to poultry farming business plan, 1. executive summary, 2. business description, 3. market analysis, 4. products and services, 5. marketing and sales strategy, 6. poultry faming business plan management and organization, 7. financial projections, 8. funding and financing, 9. poultry farming business plan risk analysis and mitigation, 10. implementation plan, poultry farming business plan conclusion.

Poultry farming is a thriving sector that involves the raising of domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese for their meat, eggs, and feathers. It is a significant contributor to the global food supply and offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs and farmers alike. However, like any business venture, starting and running a poultry farm requires careful planning and execution.

The executive summary is a concise overview of your poultry farming business plan. It highlights the key points and provides a snapshot of your business vision. Include the following elements:

a. Business name and location

Start your executive summary by clearly stating the name of your poultry farming business and its location. This information provides an immediate context for your readers and helps them understand the scope of your operations.

b. Mission and vision statement

Include a compelling mission and vision statement that encapsulates the purpose and long-term goals of your poultry farm. These statements should reflect your commitment to providing high-quality poultry products and your dedication to ethical and sustainable farming practices .

c. Overview of products (meat, eggs, etc.)

Provide a brief overview of the poultry products your farm will offer, such as meat, eggs, or specialized poultry products. Highlight any unique or niche offerings that differentiate your farm from competitors. Emphasize the quality, freshness, and nutritional value of your products.

d. Target market and customer demographics

Clearly identify your target market and describe the customer demographics you aim to serve. Explain the size and growth potential of the market for poultry products in your chosen area. Discuss any specific market trends or consumer preferences that support the demand for your products.

e. Financial projections (revenue, expenses, and profitability)

Present an overview of your financial projections, including revenue, expenses, and profitability estimates. Use clear and concise language to outline your projected sales growth, production costs, and anticipated profit margins. Consider incorporating charts or graphs to visually represent your financial data.

This section delves deeper into your poultry farming venture. Describe your business in detail and provide essential information such as:

a. Business goals and objectives

Clearly outline the specific goals and objectives of your poultry farming business. Are you aiming to become a leading supplier of organic eggs in your region? Or do you plan to specialize in breeding rare poultry breeds? Define your short-term and long-term goals, and explain how you intend to achieve them.

b. Legal structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, etc.)

State the legal structure of your poultry farming business, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or another type of business entity. Each structure has its advantages and implications, so choose the one that best aligns with your business objectives.

c. Farm size and capacity

Provide details on the size of your poultry farm and its capacity. Mention the number of poultry birds you plan to raise, be it chickens, ducks, quails, or turkeys. Elaborate on your expansion plans if you intend to scale up the farm in the future.

d. Location and facilities

Explain the location of your poultry farm and the facilities available. Discuss the advantages of the chosen location, such as access to target markets, availability of resources, and proximity to suppliers. Describe the housing and equipment you will use to ensure the comfort and well-being of your poultry.

e. Overview of poultry breeds to be raised

Highlight the specific breeds of poultry you plan to raise and sell. Provide information about each breed, including their unique characteristics, growth rates, egg-laying capacity (if applicable), and suitability for your farm’s environment.

Example of Poultry Breeds:

• Rhode Island Red: Known for their hardiness and excellent egg production.
• Leghorn: A prolific layer of white eggs and well-suited for commercial egg production.
• Cornish Cross: Preferred for meat production due to their fast growth and robust size.
• Pekin Duck: A popular choice for meat production with tender and flavorful meat.

Understanding the market dynamics is critical for your poultry farming success. Conduct a thorough market analysis and cover the following aspects:

a. Demand for poultry products in your target area

Determining the demand for poultry products in your specific target area is the first step towards building a successful poultry farming business. Consider the following factors:

• Population Density: The number of potential consumers in your area plays a vital role in determining the demand for poultry products.
• Consumer Preferences: Understand the preferences and buying behaviors of your target customers. For example, do they prefer organic, free-range eggs, or conventionally raised chicken meat?
• Seasonal Variations: Be aware of any seasonal fluctuations in demand, such as increased egg consumption during festive seasons.

b. Competitor analysis (existing poultry farms in the region)

Identify and analyze existing poultry farms in your region. Thoroughly research your competition to gain insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning. This analysis can help you identify gaps in the market that you can capitalize on. Key points to consider:

• Product Range: Evaluate the types of poultry products your competitors offer. Are they focusing on egg production, meat, or both?
• Pricing: Study the pricing strategies of your competitors. This will help you set competitive and profitable prices for your products.
• Market Share: Assess the market share of each competitor to gauge their dominance in the region.

c. Pricing strategy for your products

Developing an effective pricing strategy is vital to strike the right balance between profitability and customer appeal. Consider the following aspects when setting your prices:

• Cost of Production: Calculate the cost of raising poultry, including feed, housing, labor, and other operational expenses.
• Competitive Pricing: Determine how your prices compare to those of your competitors.
• Value Proposition: Highlight the unique qualities of your poultry products that justify a premium price.

d. Identification of potential marketing channels

Discovering the most suitable marketing channels to reach your target customers is essential for effective promotion and sales. Explore the following avenues:

• Local Markets: Consider selling your poultry products at local farmers’ markets, where consumers often prefer fresh, locally-sourced produce.
• Online Platforms: Establish an online presence through a website and social media platforms to tap into the growing trend of online shopping.
• Collaborations: Partner with local retailers, restaurants, and grocers to expand your reach and boost sales.
• Community Engagement: Participate in community events and initiatives to create brand awareness and foster trust among potential customers.

Clearly outline the poultry products you plan to offer, whether it’s broilers for meat production, layers for egg production, or other specialty products like organic eggs. Provide details about:

a. Breeds selected and their characteristics

Selecting the right poultry breeds is fundamental to the success of your poultry farming venture. Each breed has unique characteristics that influence factors such as egg production, meat quality, and adaptability to specific environmental conditions. Clearly state the breeds you have chosen for your poultry farm and highlight their key characteristics:

• Broilers: If your focus is on meat production, choose broiler breeds known for rapid growth and high meat yield.
• Layers: For egg production, opt for layer breeds that are prolific in laying eggs and exhibit good feed-to-egg conversion ratios.
• Specialty Products: If you plan to offer specialty products like organic eggs, research and outline the specific breeds suitable for this purpose.

b. Production volume and timelines

Clearly define the intended production volume for each poultry product and establish realistic timelines for production cycles. This information will help you gauge your farm’s capacity and plan for scalability:

• Meat Production: Specify the number of broilers you aim to raise for meat production per cycle and estimate the frequency of production cycles per year.
• Egg Production: Outline the expected number of eggs to be produced per day or per week by your layer flock.
• Specialty Products: If you are producing specialty products, determine the quantity you plan to produce within a given timeframe.

c. Quality assurance and food safety measures

Quality assurance and food safety are paramount in poultry farming. Consumers demand products that meet stringent safety and quality standards. Describe the measures you will implement to ensure the safety and quality of your poultry products:

• Sanitary Practices: Outline the sanitation protocols for poultry housing, equipment, and handling to prevent disease outbreaks and food contamination.
• Feed Management: Describe how you will ensure the nutritional quality and safety of the feed provided to your poultry.
• Health Monitoring: Explain the regular health monitoring procedures you will undertake to identify and address any health issues promptly.
• Biosecurity Measures: Detail the biosecurity measures you will implement to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases on your farm.

A robust marketing and sales strategy will help you reach your target audience effectively. Include the following in your plan:

a. Branding and unique selling proposition (USP)

Establishing a strong brand identity and defining your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is crucial to stand out in a competitive market. Here’s what to consider:

• Brand Identity: Develop a compelling brand story, logo, and overall visual identity that resonates with your target audience.
• USP: Clearly define what sets your business apart from competitors and how your products or services address customers’ pain points uniquely.
• Value Proposition: Communicate the value customers will gain from choosing your brand, highlighting the benefits and advantages.

b. Promotional activities (online marketing, local advertising, etc.)

Promotional activities are key to creating awareness and generating interest in your offerings. Consider the following strategies:

• Online Marketing: Leverage digital platforms such as social media, content marketing, email campaigns, and search engine optimization (SEO) to reach a broader online audience.
• Local Advertising: Connect with your local community through targeted advertising, flyers, or participating in local events.
• Influencer Marketing: Collaborate with influencers or industry experts to promote your products or services to their followers.
• Offer Special Deals: Attract customers with limited-time offers, discounts, or exclusive promotions.

c. Sales channels (direct selling, partnerships with retailers, etc.)

Choosing the right sales channels is vital for reaching customers and converting leads into sales. Consider the following options:

• Direct Selling: Sell directly to customers through your website, physical store, or by phone.
• Retail Partnerships: Collaborate with retailers or distributors to reach a wider customer base.
• E-commerce Platforms: Utilize popular e-commerce platforms to showcase and sell your products online.

Detail the structure of your poultry farming business and introduce key team members and their roles. Discuss:

a. Your expertise and experience in poultry farming

Creating a well-defined business structure is vital for the smooth functioning of your poultry farming venture. Consider the following:

• Choose the Right Legal Entity: Select a suitable legal structure, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation, that aligns with your business goals.
• Ownership and Management: Clearly outline the ownership percentages and roles of each owner in the business’s management.
• Mission and Goals: Define your poultry farming business’s mission and long-term objectives, providing a guiding framework for your team.

b. Roles and responsibilities of each team member

Introduce the core team members who will play a significant role in your poultry farming business plan enterprise:

• Founder/Owner: Present yourself as the visionary leader with a passion for poultry farming, highlighting your expertise and experience in the industry.
• Farm Manager: Introduce the farm manager responsible for overseeing daily operations, flock management, and farm productivity.
• Veterinarian: Highlight the expertise of your veterinarian, who plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of your poultry.
• Sales and Marketing Specialist: Introduce the team member responsible for promoting your products and identifying new market opportunities.
• Accountant: Mention your accountant, who will handle financial matters, budgeting, and profitability monitoring.

c. Hiring plan for additional staff (if applicable)

If your poultry farm requires additional staff beyond the core team, here’s a guide to planning your hiring process:

Assessing Staff Needs : Determine the areas where additional staff is required, considering the growth projections of your poultry farming business.

Defining Roles : Clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of the new hires. Define the specific skills and qualifications needed for each position.

Recruitment Strategy : Devise a recruitment strategy to attract top talent. Utilize online job portals, social media, and industry networks to reach potential candidates.

Screening and Interviews : Conduct thorough screening and interviews to assess candidates’ suitability for the roles. Consider their experience, qualifications, and alignment with your business values.

Training and Onboarding : Once you’ve selected your new team members, provide comprehensive training and a smooth onboarding process to integrate them into your poultry farming operation seamlessly.

The financial projections section is crucial for demonstrating the viability and profitability of your poultry farming business. Provide the following financial data:

a. Start-up costs (land, infrastructure, equipment, etc.)

When starting your poultry farming business plan, you’ll need to invest in several key areas. Here’s a breakdown of the start-up costs:

• Land : The first significant investment is the acquisition of suitable land for your poultry farm.
• Infrastructure : Building necessary structures such as poultry houses, feed storage, and processing facilities.
• Equipment : Purchasing essential equipment like feeding systems, watering systems, and egg collection systems.
• Licensing and Permits : Costs associated with obtaining the required licenses and permits to operate your poultry farm legally.
• Initial Livestock : Acquiring your initial batch of chicks or hatching eggs.

b. Operational expenses (feed, labor, utilities, etc.)

As your poultry farm becomes operational, there will be ongoing expenses to sustain daily operations. Here are the main operational expenses:

• Feed : One of the most significant expenses in poultry farming is the cost of feed for your flock.
• Labor : Salaries and wages for farm managers, workers, and other staff members.
• Utilities : Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and cooling for your poultry houses.
• Veterinary Care : Budget for regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and treatments.
• Marketing : Costs associated with promoting and selling your poultry products.

c. Income projections based on sales forecasts

Forecasting your poultry farm’s income is crucial for understanding the revenue potential of your business. Consider the following aspects:

• Pricing Strategy : Determine the pricing of your poultry products based on market research and competitors’ pricing.
• Sales Volume : Estimate the quantity of eggs or poultry meat you expect to sell based on your production capacity and market demand.
• Market Analysis : Research market trends, consumer preferences, and potential buyers to make informed sales projections.

d. Breakeven analysis and return on investment (ROI)

Breakeven analysis and ROI are vital financial metrics that help you gauge the health of your poultry farming business:

• Breakeven Analysis : Calculate the point at which your total revenue matches total expenses. This will show how much you need to sell to cover costs.
• Return on Investment (ROI) : Measure the profitability of your poultry farming venture by comparing the net profit to the initial investment.

If you require external funding to start or expand your poultry farm, this section is essential. Outline your funding needs and potential sources of financing, such as:

a. Personal savings and contributions

One of the primary sources of funding for your poultry farm may come from your personal savings and contributions. This demonstrates your commitment to the business and shows potential investors or lenders that you have a personal stake in its success.

b. Bank loans and credit lines

Traditional financing options, such as bank loans and credit lines, are popular choices for funding poultry farming ventures. Here’s how they can be beneficial:

• Flexibility : Banks offer various loan options tailored to suit different business needs.
• Competitive Interest Rates : Depending on your creditworthiness and business plan, you may qualify for favorable interest rates.
• Established Relationships : If you have an existing relationship with a bank, it may work in your favor during the loan application process.

c. Investors or venture capital

Another avenue to explore is attracting investors or venture capital for your poultry farming business. These sources of financing can bring more than just funds:

• Expertise : Investors often have experience in the industry and can provide valuable insights and guidance.
• Networking Opportunities : Partnering with investors can open doors to valuable industry connections.
• Long-Term Partnerships : Investors may be interested in a long-term partnership, adding stability to your business.

d. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding has gained popularity as an alternative funding option for small businesses, including poultry farms. Key benefits include:

• Wide Reach : Crowdfunding platforms allow you to reach a broad audience of potential backers.
• Engagement : Crowdfunding campaigns offer a chance to engage with your target market and build a community around your brand.
• Pre-Selling Opportunity : You can pre-sell your poultry products, generating revenue before the farm is fully operational.

e. Government Grants and Subsidies

Depending on your location, there might be government grants or subsidies available to support agricultural businesses like poultry farms:

• Research : Research and identify relevant grants or subsidies that align with your poultry farming activities.
• Application Process : Understand the application requirements and deadlines to increase your chances of success.
• Compliance : Ensure your business plan meets the criteria set forth by the granting agency.

f. Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an innovative way to secure funding while building a loyal customer base:

• Community Engagement : CSA fosters a sense of community and support for your poultry farm.
• Pre-Selling : Customers pay upfront for a share of the farm’s produce, providing capital for operations.
• Relationship Building : CSA members feel connected to your farm and are more likely to become repeat customers.

Every business has its risks, and poultry farming is no exception. Identify potential risks and challenges and explain how you plan to mitigate them. Key areas to consider include:

a. Disease outbreaks and biosecurity measures

Poultry farms are susceptible to disease outbreaks that can quickly devastate the entire flock. Mitigate this risk with these proactive measures:

• Strict Biosecurity Protocols : Implement rigorous biosecurity measures to control the spread of diseases. Limit access to your farm, disinfect equipment, and have designated areas for visitors.
• Regular Health Monitoring : Conduct frequent health checks on your poultry to detect any signs of illness promptly.
• Vaccination Programs : Stay updated on vaccination protocols recommended by veterinarians to prevent common poultry diseases.

b. Market fluctuations and price volatility

The poultry industry is influenced by market fluctuations and price volatility . Protect your business from market uncertainties with these strategies:

• Diversification : Consider diversifying your poultry products to cater to various market segments. For instance, focus on both broilers and layers.
• Long-Term Contracts : Establish long-term contracts with buyers or suppliers to secure stable pricing.
• Market Analysis : Stay informed about market trends and demands to adjust your pricing and production accordingly.

c. Environmental and regulatory risks

Environmental factors and regulatory compliance can pose risks to your poultry farming business. Take these steps to manage them effectively:

• Environmental Impact Assessment : Conduct an environmental impact assessment to identify potential hazards and their impact on your farm.
• Compliance with Regulations : Stay updated on local, state, and federal regulations related to poultry farming and ensure full compliance.
• Sustainable Practices : Implement sustainable farming practices that promote resource conservation and minimize environmental impact.

d. Natural Disasters and Climate Change

Natural disasters and climate change can disrupt poultry farming operations. Here’s how to enhance resilience:

• Emergency Preparedness : Develop an emergency response plan to safeguard your flock during natural disasters.
• Insurance Coverage : Consider comprehensive insurance coverage to protect your farm from unforeseen damages.
• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure : Build climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Lay out the step-by-step implementation of your poultry farming business plan. Include:

a. Timeline for establishing an organic poultry farming and obtaining necessary permits

• Securing Permits and Licenses : Initiate the process of obtaining the necessary permits and licenses to operate a poultry farm in your location. Seek guidance from local authorities to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Land Acquisition and Infrastructure Development : Purchase or lease the appropriate land for your farm. Develop essential infrastructure, including poultry houses, feed storage, and waste management systems.
• Selection of Poultry Breeds : Research and choose suitable poultry breeds that align with your farm’s objectives, whether it’s egg production, broiler meat, or specialty products.
• Sourcing High-Quality Organic Feed : Establish relationships with reputable suppliers of organic feed and ensure a consistent supply for your flock.
• Building Biosecurity Protocols : Implement strict biosecurity measures to protect your birds from diseases and external threats.

b. Purchase and installation of equipment and infrastructure

• Poultry Equipment : Invest in high-quality equipment, including feeders, waterers, heating and ventilation systems, and egg collection facilities.
• Farm Vehicles : Purchase necessary vehicles for transporting feed, eggs, and other materials.
• Electricity and Water Supply : Ensure a reliable electricity and water supply for your farm’s operations.
• Waste Management System : Set up an efficient waste management system to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

c. Hiring and training of staff

• Recruitment : Hire skilled and dedicated staff to manage various aspects of your poultry farm, including farm managers, caretakers, and administrative personnel.
• Training : Provide comprehensive training to your team members on poultry farming best practices, biosecurity protocols, and animal welfare.
• Employee Benefits : Offer competitive employee benefits to attract and retain talented individuals.

d. Launch date and initial marketing activities

• Soft Launch : Before the full-scale launch, conduct a soft launch to test operations, assess customer feedback, and make necessary adjustments.
• Marketing Strategy : Develop a marketing strategy to promote your organic poultry farming products. Utilize online platforms, social media, and local advertising to reach your target audience.
• Branding and Packaging : Create a distinctive brand identity and attractive packaging for your poultry products.
• Partnerships and Collaborations : Explore partnerships with local retailers, restaurants, and markets to expand your distribution channels.

Summarize the key points of your poultry farming business plan , emphasizing your unique strengths and advantages. Reiterate your commitment to the success of the venture.

Starting a poultry farming business can be a fulfilling and profitable venture. By following this comprehensive guide to creating a well-structured business plan, you increase your chances of success in the competitive poultry industry. Remember, careful planning, diligent execution, and continuous adaptation are essential to achieving your poultry farming goals.

Remember to regularly review and update your business plan to accommodate changing market conditions and new opportunities. With dedication and hard work, your poultry farming business can thrive and become a significant player in the agricultural sector.

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Everything You Need to Know to Create a Profitable Poultry Farm

Last Updated: March 20, 2024 Fact Checked

• Choosing a Farm Type
• Establishing the Farm
• Caring for Chickens
• Growing Your Farm

Expert Interview

This article was co-authored by Alexandra Doss and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Alexandra Doss is a Poultry & Livestock Expert expert based in Ruskin, Florida. She owns and manages Stellar Game Birds, Poultry, Waterfowl LLC, a selective breeding operation with game birds, poultry, and waterfowl. With over 14 years of experience, she produces strong genetics and health in her hatching eggs, eating eggs, and live birds. The farm is FWC game farm licensed, FDAC licensed for quail, chicken, and duck eating eggs and meat, and NPIP certified. She is known as the Quail Lady and has published several books on raising Coturnix. Her work has been featured in Mother Earth News, Backyard Poultry, Grit, The Chicken Whisperer Magazine, and Community Chickens. She also has a career as a Workforce Management Supervisor and has a certificate in project ​​management. She received a BS from Oregon State in Animal Sciences. There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,746,732 times.

Running a chicken farm requires more than just agricultural know-how. If you want to be a chicken farmer, you must also think like a business person while growing your brand. Choosing a focus, establishing a brand, raising your chickens, and building your business are all part of chicken farming. Then, as your farm grows, you'll be able to market, finance, and network to grow your business. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to start a successful chicken farm business.

Quick Steps to Start a Chicken Farm

• Decide if you want an egg- or meat-production farm and choose the best chicken breeds for your focus.
• Buy the land for your farm and purchase supplies like coops, brooders, and feeders. Apply for a loan if necessary.
• Market your farm by creating a website, making ads, and attending agriculture conferences to network.

Choosing a Focus, Breed, and Location

• Although less common, some chicken farms handle both meat production and egg-laying. If you choose this option, it may require twice as much equipment and physical labor.
• Studies show that eggs from chickens raised in good environments have double or triple the omega-3 fatty acid content and a third of the cholesterol as other eggs. By creating an egg-laying farm, you can assure your customers that they weren’t fed or exposed to unhealthy chemicals. [2] X Research source

• Broiler farms typically grow between 4 and 8 flocks a year, depending on the size of the chickens.
• Large chickens are typically processed into value-added products like chicken patties and chicken fingers. Medium-sized chickens are often packaged as boneless breasts or whole rotisserie chickens. Small chickens are often sold as fast food products. [4] X Research source

• Egg or meat processing: Processing poultry products for taste, quality, and safety
• Marketing poultry products: Promoting poultry products through advertisements to increase revenue
• Chicken breeding: Raising, breeding , and selling chickens for pet owners or other farmers

• If you want to start an egg-laying farm, for example, you may want to choose a layer breed like Rhode Island Red, Hamburg, or Sussex chickens. [7] X Research source
• Some good broiler breeds include the Cornish Cross, Bréese, Buckeye, and Delaware chickens. [8] X Research source
• You can find a list of popular chicken breeds and their specialties at https://chickenbreedslist.com/ .

• The further you move from your city or town, the cheaper the land will be.
• If you can't find land near the city limits, look for land in the countryside where you'll have plenty of space to farm.
• Poultry expert Alexandra Doss recommends that you “have at least an acre or so” of land for a chicken farm, but “a quarter of an acre is fine for a few chickens, too.”

Establishing Your Chicken Farm

• If you choose agriculture or poultry science, add a business minor (or vice-versa) to take classes on marketing, leadership, and other relevant topics.
• Get your degree online if you don't have time for a traditional four-year degree.
• Other ways to learn about poultry farming include taking a training course or consulting an established farmer for advice and mentorship.

• If you’re starting a farm in the United States, consider applying for an LLC, which has many benefits for startups.

• If you're running a meat productions farm, for example, you could include your plans for raising and butchering chickens, revenue goals or the first year, and plans for marketing your poultry products in stores.
• Business plans are useful for attracting investors or business partners down the road.

• Bring a business outline, evidence of your credit history, pay stubs, and anything else requested by the bank to your meeting.
• Start with a loan for the minimum amount of equipment and chickens for your farm. You can always get a larger loan as your business grows.

• Lighting instruments
• Waterers or heaters
• Waste disposal system

• Start with a small farm so you don't have to pay workers until your chicken farm business is successful.
• If you need to hire more workers, try to hire those with years of experience in poultry farming for better stability. You’ll also likely need an administrative manager to keep an eye on daily business.

Raising and Caring for Chickens

• Extensive: A cost-effective system in which your chickens roam freely on the ground and just have a shelter.
• Semi-intensive: In this system, you’ll breed half your chickens in cages and the other half will roam freely on the ground. This system protects the chickens from predators and bad weather.
• Deep-litter: This system is best for broilers. The chickens can move freely on the ground made of straw, sawdust, and leaves. This system allows you to easily feed them and reach their eggs without unnecessary hurdles.
• Slatted or wired: This system includes creating small houses with wooden slats or wired mesh flooring. The slats are 4 feet above the ground and you can easily feed the chickens and collect eggs . This is ideal for adult birds as the houses have a low temperature.
• Battery-caged: In this system, you’ll place the birds in metal cages and separate them into groups. Each cage has its own food and water containers and provides nests for the chickens to lay eggs in. This is the most effective system for egg production, but it may be too expensive for a new business.
• Build the chicken coop or cage at about 4 sq ft (0.37 m 2 ) per chicken. [17] X Research source
• Clean the chicken coop or cage regularly to prevent the chickens from spreading diseases.

• When buying chicks, always do some research beforehand to make sure the breeder is dependable. You don’t want to invest a ton of money on chicks just to discover they’re sick or malnourished.
• Make sure you have the brooder ready before buying and stocking the chicks.

• You can also give chickens corn, halved grapes, or cabbage as a treat, but avoid feeding them these treats more than several times a week as it's less healthy than chicken feed. [19] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
• Nearly 70% of your production cost comes from supplying poultry feed.
• As you become more experienced, consider learning how to prepare your own feed . Until then, buying it from the market is fine.
• If your chickens aren’t fed properly, they’ll produce fewer eggs and become susceptible to various diseases.
• If you use ingredients like maize, ensure the moisture content is never above 10-11%, as this may lead to fungus. To prevent this, purchase your feed from a reliable company.

• As there is currently no effective treatment for poultry diseases, vaccinate your chickens to keep the diseases from spreading. Some common vaccines include RDV, Fowl Pox, Cholera, and Mycoplasma. Consult with your vet to get your chickens vaccinated.
• Not all vets have experience working with chickens, so locate a poultry vet ahead of time. [22] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

Growing Your Poultry Farm

• If you notice that you're spending too much on chicken feed, for example, shop around with different suppliers to find cheaper feed.
• You can also hire an accountant or financial advisor to keep your records organized for you.

• Creating a logo for your business can also provide visibility for your brand. Make sure it aligns with your business (for example, you could never go wrong with incorporating a chicken into your logo) and put it on your website and business cards.
• If you don’t have a large budget, however, don’t splurge on a logo when you can invest your money into your actual business.
• Make use of social media, as well. Consider making a Facebook, Instagram, and even a TikTok account to spread the word about your business. Be sure to post regularly!

• Connect with your friends and neighbors, too. Even if they’re not farmers themselves, they may know people who are interested in buying from you or investing in your business.

• If you're running a chicken breeding farm, for example, you may want a loan to buy better egg incubators.

Community Q&A

• If you're not up for starting a chicken farm from scratch, you can also invest in or buy an existing franchise instead. [26] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Research methods that successful chicken farms use as a guide for your business. Popular poultry farms include Cargill Meat Solutions, Hormel Foods Corp, Tyson Foods, JBS USA, and Smithfield Foods. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling chickens. Live poultry often carry salmonella. [27] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

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Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about poultry, check out our in-depth interview with Alexandra Doss .

• ↑ https://survivallife.com/what-advantages-chicken-farming/
• ↑ https://www.greenamerica.org/green-living/many-benefits-backyard-chickens
• ↑ https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/farming/new-farmers-guide-to-the-commercial-broiler-industry-poultry-husbandry-biosecurity-basics/
• ↑ https://www.poultry.care/blog/how-to-start-a-successful-poultry-care-farming-business
• ↑ https://www.fao.org/poultry-production-products/production/poultry-species/chickens/en/
• ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/234/69325/Chicken_Breed_Chart_to_Help_Choose_Your_Chicken.pdf
• ↑ https://animal-world.com/best-meat-chicken-breeds/
• ↑ https://withmydegree.org/can-degree-agriculture/
• ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan
• ↑ https://chickenscage.com/news/how-much-does-the-poultry-farm-equipment-cost.html
• ↑ https://www.fao.org/poultry-production-products/production/management-and-housing/en/
• ↑ https://grubblyfarms.com/blogs/the-flyer/how-big-of-a-coop-do-i-need
• ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/adopting-and-caring-backyard-chickens
• ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/decreasing-daylight-and-its-effect-on-laying-hens
• ↑ https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g8903
• ↑ https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/what-kind-of-records-should-i-keep
• ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/how-to-apply-small-business-loan
• ↑ https://www.fao.org/poultry-production-products/production/poultry-species/en/
• ↑ https://www.investors.com/promoted-content/franshares/how-to-generate-passive-income-through-franchise-investing/
• ↑ https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/animal/backyard.html

About This Article

To start a chicken farm business, decide if you want to focus on eggs, meat production, or another specialty niche, then obtain the necessary equipment. Next, choose a chicken breed that matches your farming goals and set up coops or cages to keep them in. Feed and care for your chickens daily and be sure to separate any chickens that seem ill from the rest of the population. Don't forget to market your business by creating a website and advertisements! For more tips on choosing the best breed for your goals, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• Georgie Smith
• Jul 28, 2021

How to Start a Successful Small Scale Poultry Farm Business

Updated: Nov 7, 2022

Turning a love for poultry into a viable small farm business takes strategic thinking and some realistic number crunching.

Large commercial chicken meat and eggs are produced almost entirely in the U.S. based on a contractual relationship with a big producer (like Tyson Foods). The contractor provides the chicks, pullets, feed and medication, and technical support while the farmer owns the debt of the infrastructure and equipment needed for the operation. These businesses are expensive to start (one chicken house typically costs $200,000 or more) plus are often placed strategically near other poultry operations.

Most small-scale farmers aren't positioned to enter the poultry market as a large-scale contractor, nor do they want to. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to start a profitable poultry operation that takes advantage of consumers growing interested in healthy, locally grown, pasture-raised poultry and eggs.

What steps should you take to get you started on a profitable, small-scale poultry business?

Check Your Local and State Regulations

Before you do anything else, check your local and state regulations regarding small-scale poultry farming.

Contact your state department of agriculture. Check limits on how many birds you can raise, required licenses and licensing costs. Keep in mind that there are stricter requirements if you plan to sell poultry meat, but there are very few USDA-approved slaughter facilities for poultry from small-scale farmers to take their birds to. Most states still allow direct marketing selling to consumers of limited amounts of processed poultry meat, still, you can't sell wholesale or to restaurants if your meat isn't processed in a USDA-approved facility.

There are some regional solutions for small-scale processing — like USDA-approved mobile slaughter facilities, funded by regional non-profits or farmer cooperatives. There are also grants and government programs that can help offset the costs of investing in small-scale processing facilities if you decide to build a facility. Check HERE for more information.

Producing eggs or even a business selling live chicks to other farmers or backyard poultry keepers is another option without the headache of slaughter and processing, but make sure to check on state and local rules for those operations as well.

Invest in Good Stock

Whether you plan to sell eggs, poultry meat or sell hatched birds to your community, choosing good stock to start your poultry farm can make or break the success of your business.

Select a breed (or breeds) well known to have the traits you plan to market. If you are planning to sell meat, you need a breed that quickly grows to a marketable weight. If you want to sell eggs, select a breed well known for high egg production. If you're hoping to sell chicks (or ducklings, goslings or poults) to local backyard poultry lovers, choose breeds known to be docile and beautiful.

Think about how you plan to manage your birds. Some breeds are better suited for pasture ranging while others perform best in confinement. Once you have settled on a breed, only purchase the highest quality starter stock from a reputable breeder. Those birds will be the foundation of your business, so better to pay more at the beginning for the highest quality, healthy birds than play catch-up with inferior, sickly birds that might have been cheaper to start with but won’t be in the long run.

Building the Right Infrastructure for Your Poultry Farm

Another critical component of any successful poultry farm is the proper infrastructure for your poultry business.

Poultry are highly vulnerable to predation, so if you plan to raise your birds on pasture, you will need to invest in poultry-proof fencing and even netting (for raptors). Adequate housing will include shelter from the weather and be manageable within your system. For instance, if you plan to sell eggs from pasture-raised hens, you will likely want to invest in a mobile chicken house with nesting boxes that the chickens can bed down in at night and lay their eggs, but you can still quickly move from one paddock to the next.

Don't forget to have areas for raising chicks (or ducklings, goslings or poults) as well!

Consider Your Feed Costs

Feed costs are the number one expense making poultry operations unprofitable for most small-scale poultry farmers.

Selecting good stock (which will more efficiently utilize the feed the take in) helps, but you will need to look at creative ways to keep feed costs manageable. If you are pasture-ranging your birds, that will offset costs. However, most pasture-ranged birds still need some supplemental feed. A few options for lowering feed costs include:

Buying in bulk. The more feed you can buy, the cheaper it is per pound. You may want to invest in a grain silo.

Buy (or grow) the ingredients and grind it yourself. You will need to research your birds' appropriate nutrient ratio and may need to add in supplements. For more details about making poultry feed, this LINK is a helpful resource.

Fodder feeding or fermenting (sprouting) grains are two other strategies poultry owners use to keep their feed costs under control, turning whole grains into more nutritious fodder and sprouted grains. However, both require extra steps and labor.

For much more detailed information on feeding strategies for poultry, check out this helpful resource .

Create a Market Base for Your Poultry Business

Finally, don't forget to think about who you will sell your poultry products to and how you will find your market.

Create a logo and social media presence for your farm business and start posting about what you are doing. Once you have product ready, think about where you will sell it. Farmers' markets are a great place for farmers just starting their businesses to capture market share. Or, you might want to set up an on-farm stand or approach local wholesale outlets, like restaurants, grocery stores or farm cooperatives that might be interested in your product.

A poultry CSA is a popular add-on with other more traditional CSA programs (like a vegetable and fruit CSA). You may be able to partner with another CSA farmer to offer your poultry products.

Good luck and we hope you have great success with your poultry business!

Georgie Smith, known in her community as “Farmer Georgie,” is a fourth-generation farmer and journalist living on her family’s historic farm on a Pacific Northwest island. She ran her own small farm for more than 20 years. These days, when she’s not herding chickens, fixing the antique tractor (again) or growing heirloom dry beans, Georgie writes about farming. Georgie is passionate about supporting healthy, equitable and sustainable food production and thriving family farms.

www.farmergeorgiewrites.com

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Starting a poultry farm business can be a lucrative endeavor for ambitious poultry farmers. A poultry company requires careful planning, research, and a solid understanding of the industry. With the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to success. Let’s begin!

Poultry Farming in The US

Poultry farming is a significant contributor to the US economy, with a poultry industry market size of $57.8 billion in 2023. The industry caters to different scales, from small-scale backyard chicken keepers to large commercial farms. Backyard chicken keeping is becoming increasingly popular as a hobby, while commercial farms operate on a larger scale, producing meat and eggs for local and international markets.

Types of Chicken Farms

Chicken farms can vary in type, with the three most common types being broiler farms, egg farms, and farms that raise chickens for both meat and egg production. Here are some details about each type:

Broiler Chickens

Broiler farms aim to raise chickens for meat, using specialized feed and lighting for optimal weight and meat quality. Proper ventilation, temperature, humidity, cleaning, and disinfecting are crucial for management.

Egg Production

Egg farms produce eggs for consumption and house chickens in barns or free-range settings. Proper nutrition, lighting, and nesting boxes are essential for egg-laying. Farmers must manage the flock year-round for consistent egg quality and quantity while following local regulations.

Raising Chickens for Both Meat Production and Egg Production

Begin by Planning the Chicken Farm Business

Proper planning is essential when starting any business, including poultry companies. This section outlines key considerations for planning a successful chicken farm business.

It is crucial to have a well-thought-out plan to navigate through the various stages of starting and running a poultry farm. Planning involves setting clear goals, developing strategies to achieve them, and creating a roadmap that includes financial projections, market research, and legal considerations. This section outlines key considerations for planning a successful chicken farm business.

Create a Poultry Farming Business Plan

Outline a clear roadmap of the chicken farm business, including the goals, strategies, and financial projections. A business plan is a crucial document that helps in organizing and directing the business.

It should include detailed information about the business, including the type of poultry farming, the target market, marketing and sales strategies, and financial projections.

The business plan will not only be a guide for the business operations but also a crucial document for seeking funding or loans.

Research the Market

Gather information about the local market demand, competition, and consumer behavior to make informed decisions. Market research is a vital component of planning as it helps in understanding the target audience, their preferences, and the existing competition.

It involves gathering data on the demand for poultry products, identifying potential competitors, and analyzing consumer behavior.

This information will help in making informed decisions about the type of poultry farming, pricing strategies, and marketing approaches.

Form a Legal Entity and Register Your Poultry Farming Business

Select an appropriate legal entity, register the business with the government, and obtain the necessary licenses and permits.

a legal entity is a crucial step in starting a poultry farming business as it helps in defining the structure of the business, the level of liability of the owners, and the way the business will be operated.

It involves choosing between different legal structures such as sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC). Once the legal entity is formed, the business needs to be registered with the government and obtain the necessary licenses and permits to operate legally.

Name and Brand Your Poultry Farming Business

Choose a memorable and unique name, and create a brand identity that represents the business values and mission. The name and brand of the poultry farm are essential for creating a lasting impression on customers and differentiating the business from competitors.

The name should be easy to remember, unique, and reflect the nature of the business.

The brand identity includes the logo, color scheme, and overall aesthetic that represents the business. It is important to create a strong brand identity that communicates the business values, mission, and quality of the products.

Open a Business Bank Account

Separate personal and business finances by opening a business bank account to manage transactions and monitor cash flow.

Decide on A Marketing Strategy

Develop a marketing plan to reach potential customers through advertising, promotions, and other strategies that fit the business goals and budget.

Here are some popular marketing strategies:

• Leverage Online Marketing : Utilize digital platforms like a business website, social media channels, and online marketplaces to reach a wider audience. Online marketing is cost-effective and allows you to engage directly with customers, receive feedback, and build a community around your brand.
• Participate in Local Farmers’ Markets and Fairs : Establish a presence in local farmers’ markets and agricultural fairs. These events are great opportunities to showcase your products, connect with customers, and build a loyal customer base in your community.
• Collaborate with Local Businesses : Partner with local businesses such as restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. Offering them a steady supply of fresh poultry products can open up new sales channels and increase your market reach.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Chicken Farming

Starting a chicken farming business can be a rewarding and profitable venture. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Decide on The Niche: Broiler Chickens or Egg Production

The poultry industry is vast, and deciding on a niche is crucial for the success of the poultry farming business. Determine whether you want to raise broiler chickens for meat production or hens to lay eggs.

Each niche has its own set of challenges, requirements, and market demand. Here are five reasons why it is important to decide on a niche:

• Market Demand: Understanding the market demand for broilers or eggs helps in planning the production accordingly. The demand for broilers and eggs may vary based on geographical location, cultural preferences, and economic conditions.
• Resource Requirements: Raising broiler chickens requires different resources compared to egg production. For example, broiler chickens require more space and feed, whereas laying hens require nesting boxes and a different nutritional diet.
• Profitability: The profitability of broiler chickens and egg production may vary based on several factors such as market prices, cost of feed, and labor costs. It is important to analyze the profitability of each niche before making a decision.
• Experience and Expertise: Having experience and expertise in a particular niche helps in managing the poultry farm more efficiently and effectively. It is important to consider your own experience and knowledge before deciding on a niche.
• Supply Chain: The supply chain for broiler chickens and eggs may differ. For example, broiler chickens may require processing before they can be sold, whereas eggs can be sold directly to consumers or retailers. It is important to consider the supply chain requirements of each niche.

Check What Permits May be Needed to Raise Chickens in Your Area

Contact your local government or agricultural agency to find out what permits and regulations are required to raise chickens in your area.

Join the National Chicken Council if Raising Chickens for Meat Production

If you plan to raise chickens for meat production, consider joining the National Chicken Council to stay up-to-date with industry standards and regulations.

Learn Everything you Can About The Poultry Farm Business

Research and educate yourself on the basics of poultry farming, including breeding, hatching, and caring for chickens.

Obtain or Build a Chicken Coop and Poultry Farming Equipment

Invest in or construct a sturdy chicken coop and necessary equipment such as feeders , waterers , and incubators.

Research Poultry Feed

Learn about different types of poultry feed and their nutritional values to ensure your chickens receive a balanced diet.

Determine Marketing and Sales Strategies

Develop a plan for marketing and selling your chicken products, including where and how you will sell them.

Establish a Biosecurity Plan

Protect your chickens from disease by creating and implementing a biosecurity plan that includes measures such as sanitizing equipment and limiting visitors.

Hire Experienced Staff or Learn Basic Animal Care

Hire experienced staff or learn the basics of animal care to ensure your chickens receive proper care and attention.

Manage Finances and Keep Detailed Records

Monitor your expenses, sales, and profits, and keep detailed records to help you make informed business decisions.

How Much Do Poultry Farmers Make?

Poultry farming is a lucrative business, with farmers making up to $100,000 annually depending on the size of the farm and type of poultry. Factors such as breed, feed costs, poultry housing  and marketing will affect profit margins directly.

Are There Any Downsides to Chicken farming?

While chicken farming can be a profitable and rewarding business, there are potential downsides to consider. Here are a few:

Labor-Intensive Work

Chicken farming can be physically demanding, with daily chores such as cleaning coops, feeding and watering chickens, and collecting eggs.

Health Risks and Biosecurity Concerns

Raising chickens can expose farmers to health risks such as avian influenza, and maintaining biosecurity to prevent disease spread can be challenging.

Market Volatility and Uncertainty

Chicken farming profits can be influenced by market conditions such as fluctuations in chicken feed prices and demand for chicken products, making it a volatile and unpredictable industry.

The Bottom Line

Starting a chicken farming business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can get started in the poultry farming industry. Consider using a farm app to manage your operations and look into deer farming as another potential opportunity for diversification.

How to Start Chicken Farming Summary

Chicken farm faqs, how many chickens are needed for a profitable poultry farm.

A minimum of 500-1000 chickens is typically required to generate a reasonable income with your own poultry business but ultimately it’s up to the individual farmer to decide how many chickens are necessary to start a poultry farm.

Is Chicken Farming Profitable?

Chicken farming can be a profitable business if managed well. Researching the steps on how to start a farm and learning how to make money farming can increase the chances of success.

How Many Chickens do you Need to Start a Farm?

Having the right number of birds is essential. The typical rule of thumb suggests 6-8 hens per person, depending on what you want to produce.

How Long Does it Take for Chickens to Grow?

Broiler chickens can reach market weight in 6-8 weeks while laying hens can start producing farm-fresh eggs around 5 months old. Knowing how to start an egg farm can help you manage your flock’s growth and production.

Is Chicken Farming Humane?

The chicken business can be humane when birds are given ample space in their chicken house, access to sunlight, and proper care to keep chickens healthy. However, in commercial settings, overcrowding and other practices can lead to poor welfare conditions.

What is The Best Type of Chicken Coop?

A suitable coop should protect chickens from predators, provide adequate ventilation and space, and be easy to clean and maintain.

Image: Envato Elements

I am planning to start chicken farming (hatchers/eggs). I have my own space, 5 hatchers open, farm fully paid with potential for borehole and sunlight to accommodate solar energy etc. I have been procrastinating, but need financial support to start the business. I want to start now before reaching my retirement age soon in less than a decade.

Mr Mahlangu

How far is the chicken business coming along? Did you ever start? I wish I had a piece of land where I also could start my own. I have all the research but no land start at.

I have been in to poultry farming for the past 13 years and is really a lucrative business. But the challenges I have with my own business is enough space because I do both the egg and Broilers farming.

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Poultry Farming Business Plan Sample

Oct.12, 2016

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Table of Content

Do you want to start a Poultry Farming business plan?

Starting a business in the food sector requires an ambitious plan. For a poultry farm business, a good business plan for poultry farming will be needed to make it successful. 

The primary step to starting this business is to learn how to write a business plan for poultry farming. You can go for food delivery service business plans if the major focus of your startup will be to deliver poultry products. 

However, if you are looking to open a farming business in the poultry sector, reading an organic farm business plan or reading this example is a great start. Just like any other business, you will need to develop a solid business plan for a poultry farm. It can help you get required permits as well as investors in situations of need. Here, we will be presenting the business plan for Chuck’s Produce Farm.

Executive Summary

2.1 about the farm.

Chuck’s Produce Farm will be a poultry farm started by Henry Chuck. The primary objective of the business will be to provide poultry products such as chicken meat and eggs to supermarkets as well as nearby restaurants. 

2.2 How will the Farm be Managed?

According to its Chicken Farming business plan , Chuck’s produce farm will be managed through a detailed plan. The business plan of the poultry farm will include management guides for all aspects of the business, from finances to operations. Henry read through many business plan poultry farming samples to ensure that his chicken poultry farm business plan address all the possible tricky aspects of the business. 

In this business plan online template, we will show you how to make a poultry farm business plan for your business. 

2.3 Customers of Poultry Farming Company

Our customers will primarily be other businesses to whom we will provide our products and services to be transferred to the general public. Thus, our main customer groups will include:

• Supermarket Chains
• Small Produce Businesses 
• Food Factories
• Restaurants 

2.4 Business Target

The target of Chuck’s Produce Farm will be to become the major supplier of poultry products to businesses in and around Dallas. The business will aim to gain at least a 60% share in the local market by the end of the second year. 

The financial targets that the business is aiming to achieve are demonstrated below:

Company Summary

3.1 farm ownership & management.

Henry Chuck will be the owner and primary manager of Chuck’s Produce Farm. He studied biology and biochemistry as a student and then worked with many organizations to manage product dissemination operations. His father had a farm, and it was always his dream to make use of the farm to create an organic business. 

3.2 Why is the Farm Being Started?

Henry noticed that with an increase in the consumption of food, especially poultry products, industries had started to resort to harmful chemicals just to meet demands. He wanted to change the narrative by providing organic and healthy poultry substitutes so that local people could consume poultry products without the added harm of chemicals. 

3.3 Basic Steps to Start Poultry Farm Business

Step1: Refine Your Idea

The first step to the start of anything new is an idea. So, before Henry even thought about how to set up a poultry farm , he needed a basic business idea. Refining the idea before he developed a business plan on poultry farming was a great advantage as it helped him limit the scope of his planning. 

Step2: Develop the Uniqueness 

The next step before writing a poultry farming business plan is to develop the unique areas of your business. Henry used this step as a build-up of the idea. He knew the importance of marketable businesses and products, so he created a brand around the unique propositions of his farm. 

Step3: Location Selection and Permits

Henry already had a location for starting Chuck’s Produce Farm. However, since one cannot start a commercial farm on a whim, he worked to get the required permissions from local authorities. This will allow him to run his business smoothly without any legal complications. 

Step4: Online Presence

Since Henry’s business idea is focused on commercial customers instead of the public, so most of the orders will be in bulk. In order to manage such orders and keep up to date with customers and their demands, Henry decided to invest in the development of an online portal with which his customers could put in orders. Henry also decided to develop social media profiles for his business for a greater audience reach about organic products. 

Step5: Follow the Plan

One cannot learn how to run a poultry business or any other business without dedicating research to a developed plan. After developing the business plan for poultry farm pdf, Henry will follow the guidelines to establish a sustainable farming business.

Services 

When thinking about how start a poultry farming business , Henry zoned in on the services he would be providing to his customers. This helped him filter out what operations needed planning and which ones didn’t. To start a poultry farm business or any other business for that matter, a refined list of marketable products and services is needed. In his small scale poultry farming business plan, Henry decided to add all the services that his produce farm aimed to provide. To learn how to open a poultry farm, you can look at the list of services we are providing in this poultry farm business plan. You can also refer to a cattle farming business plan to understand what scale of services is best to start a business. 

• Chicken and Turkey Products

The first set of products offered by Chuck’s Produce Farm will be chicken and turkey. We will offer clean meat that is processed in different ways. Our customers will be able to buy full chickens or turkeys ready for roast, boneless meat, and so on. 

Chuck’s Produce Farm will also rear chickens for laying eggs. This will be an added facet to Henry’s pdf on poultry farming business plan. The farm will provide these eggs to our customers regularly at a wholesale price. 

• Poultry Rearing Services

The farm will also aid other smaller poultry farms with proper rearing of poultry and chickens for both eggs and meat. In this regard, our farmers will give training sessions and tips to the locals.  

• Chick Shipments

Our last service will be to provide chicks to poultry farms in other parts of the country. This is to promote the development and rearing of own meat and poultry in all parts of the country. This service will help in the sustainable consumption and rearing of poultry in the industry.

Marketing Analysis of Poultry Farming Company

Excellent work.

excellent work, competent advice. Alex is very friendly, great communication. 100% I recommend CGS capital. Thank you so much for your hard work!

Starting a poultry farm business requires the collection and use of a lot of information. No business can be started without knowing about your target market. Whether you are developing a dairy farm business plan or a business plan for a poultry farm pdf, you need to learn about the target market. 

Therefore, Henry decided to do some research into the poultry farm industry when learning how to set up a poultry farm business. He learned that the business plan of poultry farming should include its products and services along with its unique propositions over the market. It should inquire into the previous trends and predicted future trends to invest in operations that are useful in figuring how to establish a poultry farm. 

After looking into the industry, Henry knew the major trends which he decided to utilize in developing his business plan for poultry farm . Through these trends, Henry identified the target customers for his business as presented in the poultry farming business plan template below.

5.1 Market Trends

According to IBISWorld, chicken and turkey meat production has a market share of around $30 Billion in the United States alone. And according to Reportlinker’s “Poultry Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery to 2030” report, the industry has a growth rate of 3.8%. This means there is significant room in the industry for another player like Chuck’s Produce Farms.   

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

The target customers of Chuck’s Produce Farm are as follows:

Business plan for investors

5.2.1 supermarket chains.

Our primary customers will be the supermarket chains in Dallas. We will provide the products for their meat and produce sections. We will also provide eggs and other meat options for these chains. Thus, they will be our indirect link to the public. 

5.2.2 Small Produce Businesses

The second set of customers we expect to serve will be small produce businesses. Smaller businesses have a harder time setting up their operations and properly rearing poultry. Thus, Chuck’s Produce Farm will offer training and shadowing services to these new businesses to promote the production of poultry on a local scale. 

5.2.3 Food Factories

Our third target group of customers will be food factories in the nearby areas that need poultry like chicken and turkey along with eggs to create their products. We expect to have contracts with quite a few of these factories. 

5.2.4 Restaurants

Our final target group will be restaurants in Dallas. Usually, restaurants look for the wholesale rate of poultry products to save expenses. Therefore, Chuck’s Produce Farm will reach out to many restaurants for an exclusive contract to supply organic poultry products.

5.3 Business Target

• To achieve the status as the best organic poultry farm in Dallas.
• Promote the production of clean poultry products across the country.
• To provide chemical-free meat and poultry products to our customers.
• To increase the preference for organic, chemical-free poultry over regular one.

5.4 Product Pricing

Since our products have to compete with industrial products at a commercial level, our prices will be similar to the market competitors. However, at the same price, we will be providing chemical-free products that can be checked for health benefits against competing products.

Marketing Strategy

To write a business plan on poultry farming, Henry ventured to search for his target market. This allowed him to develop a business plan sample for poultry farm that could focus on marketing for these particular customers.

A marketing plan is an essential element of a farming poultry business plan. In fact, it is a very important part of every business plan, whether it is a pig farm business plan or a broiler poultry farming business plan.

Therefore, in this business plan, we are presenting the marketing plan and strategies for Chuck’s Produce Farm.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• We will provide meat that is free of chemicals usually used to increase the growth rate or size.
• We will offer organic products that stem from proper poultry grooming.
• We will aid local poultry farms and focus on a helping business model.
• We will use organic and eco-friendly feed and products that harm neither the poultry nor its consumers.

6.2 Sales Strategy

• We will offer organic products as compared to the chemically treated ones in the market.
• We will reach contracts with local restaurants and businesses.
• We will advertise through word of mouth and local training and guide sessions held throughout Dallas.

[get_in_touch_small text=”Any questions?” bold=’Get in Touch’]

6.3 sales monthly, 6.4 sales yearly, 6.5 sales forecast, personnel plan.

If you have hen business ideas or something of the like, you may be trying to learn how to start a small poultry farm. Henry had the idea of an organic farm business plan which is how he developed the idea of Chuck’s Produce Farm. To ensure the success of his business, Henry added an employee section in his business plan for a poultry farm . The workforce needed to start Chuck’s Produce Farm can be found below for reference. 

7.1 Company Staff

• 1 Co-Manager to help in overall operations
• 10 Trained Poultry Farmers
• 2 Vets 
• 8 General Cleaners
• 1 Technician to maintain machines
• 3 Sales and Marketing Executives
• 1 Accountant

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

Starting a poultry farm requires much more than a food idea. It requires consistent effort and planning to maintain the business. In order to develop a successful business plan for poultry farming, Henry put in a significant amount of effort in the financial analysis section. 

To start and run a sustainable business, Henry planned out the costs for different operations of the farm along with expected sales and product prices. This kind of financial analysis is necessary for every business plan, may it be a goat farming business plan . For making a financial plan for your startup, you can follow the example below for guidance.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis, 8.3 projected profit and loss, 8.3.1 profit monthly, 8.3.2 profit yearly, 8.3.3 gross margin monthly, 8.3.4 gross margin yearly, 8.4 projected cash flow, 8.5 projected balance sheet, 8.6 business ratios.

• How do I start a poultry farm business plan?

You can start chicken farm by looking at poultry farming business ideas and developing a good business plan like the one above. 

• How much profit does a poultry farm make?

According to ChickenFeedMachinery, a poultry farmer can make up to $2000/month for 300 egg-laying chickens, but it varies from one type of business to the next. 

• Is poultry farming a profitable business?

A poultry farming business can be highly profitable if you have a commercial poultry farm business plan like the one shown above. 

• Which poultry is most profitable?

The success of a poultry business depends more on its management than its type. So, you can download a poultry farm business plan like the one above to sharpen those skills.

Download Poultry Farm Business Plan Sample in pdf

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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Poultry Farming Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Agriculture Industry » Livestock Farming » Poultry » Poultry Business Plan

Are you about starting a poultry farm ? If YES, here’s a complete sample poultry farming business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE to raise money .

There are quite a great number of things that are highly needed by man as a nutritious source of food that is gotten from the poultry. Chief amongst them is them the egg. Poultry farms all over the world has egg as one of its primary produce and that is why people will continue to look to poultry farms to churn this out.

To start a poultry related business, you will first need to learn the ropes. Undertaking a thorough and exhaustive research is also one of the tasks that you will be saddled with.  Thereafter you might be required to do some apprenticeship so as to have firsthand experience on how to run a poultry farm.

A Sample Poultry Farming Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The agricultural industry of which poultry farming and egg production is a subset of is no doubt among the leading industry in most countries of the world; it is the industry that produces chicken and eggs for the populace.

Because of the significant role the agriculture sector plays, the government of most countries ensures that they go all the way to subsidize seedlings, fertilizers, and farming implements and machinery for farmers and also encourage entrepreneurs to go into commercial farming (poultry farming inclusive).

Hens, various birds, quails, guinea fowls, ducks et al are all birds that can be comfortably reared in a poultry farm. Chicken and birds are widely consumed in all parts of the world hence there is a large market for poultry farmers. If you are looking towards starting a livestock breeding business, then one of your options is to settle for poultry farming.

Poultry farming is a highly thriving and profitable business venture. Aside from the fact that people consume birds and chickens et al, supply of eggs is also a major source of revenue generation for poultry farmer. Players in the poultry farming and egg production industry basically raise chickens for meat, and egg production. The eggs produced may be sold for use as table eggs or hatching eggs.

The Poultry Farm and Egg Production Company Industry is indeed a very large industry and pretty much thriving in all parts of the world especially in developed countries such as United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and Italy et al.

Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 30,000 licensed and registered poultry farm and egg production company directly responsible for employing about 280,800 employees and indirectly responsible for employing roughly 1,339,900.

The industry rakes in a whooping sum of $10 billion annually with an annual growth rate projected at 6.1 percent. It is important to state that the establishments with a lion share of the available market in this industry are Cal – Maine, Land O’Lake, Inc., Michael Foods and Rose Acres Farms.

Statistics also has it that an estimate of about 35 companies are involved in the business of raising, processing and marketing chickens on a  commercial level; they export chickens, processed chickens and eggs to other countries of the world.

It is on record that Americans consume more chicken than anyone else in the world – more than 90 pounds per capita in 2015 – the number one protein consumed in the United States. So also, in 2015, almost 9 billion broiler chickens, weighing 53 billion pounds, live – weight, were produced. More than 40 billion pounds of chicken product was marketed, measured on a ready-to-cook basis.

The United States has the largest broiler chicken industry in the world, and about 19 percent of egg and chicken production was exported to other countries in 2015.Research conducted shows that the top 5 broiler producing states in the US are Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina and Mississippi.

If you are looking towards leveraging on the agriculture industry to generate huge income, then one of your best bet is to start a poultry farm and egg production business.

One thing is certain about starting poultry farming and egg production business, if you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies , you are more likely not going to struggle to sell your eggs and chickens because there are always food processing companies and consumers out there who are ready to buy from you.

2. Executive Summary

Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC is a world – class and licensed poultry farm and egg Production Company that will be based in the outskirt of Santa Fe, New Mexico – United States. We have done our detailed market research and feasibility studies and we were able to secure a hundred hectares of land to start our poultry farm and egg production business.

Our poultry farm is going to be standard commercial poultry farm hence will be involved in raising, processing and marketing chickens and eggs ( Table eggs produced by battery chickens (white ), Table eggs produced by battery chickens (brown), Hatching eggs, Specialty eggs, and Table eggs produced by free-range chickens ) on a commercial level; we export chickens, processed chickens and eggs to other countries of the world.

We are in the commercial poultry farm and egg production line of business because we want to leverage on the vast opportunities available in the agriculture industry, to contribute our quota in growing the U.S. economy, in national food production, and also to export chicken and eggs from the United States to other countries and over and above to make profit.

Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC is well positioned to become one of the leading commercial poultry farms and egg production business in the United States of America, which is why we have been able to source for the best hands and machines to run the company with.

We have put process and strategies in place that will help us employ best practices when it comes to commercial poultry farms and egg production processes as required by the regulating bodies in the United States of America. At Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC, our customer’s best interest will always come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.

Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC is a private registered commercial poultry farm and egg production company that is owned by Mr. Noble Ernest and his immediate family members. The poultry farm will be fully and single handedly financed by the owner – Mr. Noble Ernest and his immediate family members at least for a period of time.

Before starting Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC, and Mr. Noble Ernest was the Head of a renowned Agriculture Research Institute in The U.S. he worked in the industry for well over 10 years before resigning to start his own commercial poultry farm and egg production business. He is of course well experienced and highly qualified to run this type of business.

3. Our Products and Services

Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC is a standard commercial poultry farms and egg production company that is committed to raising chickens and producing eggs for both the United States’ market and the global market. We are in the commercial poultry farms and production line of business to make profits and we are going to do all we can to achieve our business goals, aim and objectives.

These are the areas we will concentrate on in our commercial poultry farms. If need arises we will definitely add more poultry produce to our list;

• Raising, processing and marketing chickens on a commercial level; we export chickens, processed chickens and eggs to other countries of the world.
• Table eggs produced by battery chickens (white)
• Table eggs produced by battery chickens (brown)
• Hatching eggs
• Specialty eggs
• Table eggs produced by free-range chickens

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our Vision is to become one of the leading commercial poultry farm and egg production brands not just in the United States of America but also on the global stage.
• Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC is a world class and registered commercial poultry farms and egg production company that is committed to raising chickens and producing eggs for both the United States’ market and the global market.
• We want our chickens and eggs to flood the nooks and crannies of the United States and other countries of the world.

Our Business Structure

Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC is a privately owned and managed commercial poultry farms and egg production business that intend starting small in Santa Fe – New Mexico, but hope to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading commercial poultry farms and egg production companies in the industry both in the United States and on a global stage.

We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the picture of the kind of world class business we want to own. This is why we are committed to only hire the best hands within our area of operations.

At Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC, we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, and creative, result driven, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stakeholders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Operating Officer

General Farm Manager

Human Resources and Admin Manager

• Accountant / Cashier
• Sales and Marketing Executive
• Field Employees
• Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for the planning, management and coordinating all farm activities across the various sections on behalf of the organization
• Supervises other section manager
• Ensures compliance during project executions
• Provides advice on the management of farming activities across all section
• Responsible for carrying out risk assessment
• Uses IT systems and software to keep track of people and progress of the growth of chickens and other birds
• Responsible for overseeing the accounting, costing and sale of poultry farm produce
• Represent the organization’s interest at various stakeholders meetings
• Ensures that farming goals desired result are achieved, the most efficient resources (manpower, equipment, tools and chemicals et al) are utilized and different interests involved are satisfied. Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office.

Accountant / Cashier:

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC
• Serves as internal auditor for Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC.

Sales and Marketing Manager

• Manages external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Models demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Creates new markets cum businesses for the organization
• Empowers and motivates the sales team to meet and surpass agreed targets

Field Workers / Contract Staff

• Responsible for daily collection of eggs
• Responsible for feeding chickens and other birds as instructed by the supervisor
• Responsible for cleaning poultry and the entire environment
• Changes the water for the birds as instructed by the supervisor on a regular basis
• Handles poultry farm implements and machines (hatchery) as instructed by the section manager / supervisor
• Assists in handling the chicken and other birds et al
• Carries out task in line with the stated job description
• Assists in transport working tools and equipment from the poultry farm and back to the designated store room
• Handles any other duties as assigned my the line manager

Front Desk / Customer’s Service Officer

• Welcomes clients and potential clients by greeting them in person, online or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the creative director in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

6. SWOT Analysis

Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC do not intend to launch out with trial and error hence the need to conduct a proper SWOT analysis.

We know that if we get it right from the onset, we would have succeeded in creating the foundation that will help us build a standard commercial poultry farm and egg production company that will favorably compete with leading commercial poultry farms and egg production companies like Cal – Maine, Land O’Lake, Inc., Michael Foods and Rose Acres Farms in the United States of America and in the rest part of the world.

We engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured commercial poultry farm and egg Production Company that can favorably compete in the highly competitive commercial poultry farms and egg production industry in the United States and the world at large.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC;

Our strength as a commercial poultry farm and egg production company is the fact that we have healthy relationships with loads of major players ( agriculture merchants ) in the industry; both suppliers of poultry feeds and medications and buyers of chickens and eggs within and outside of the United States of America.

We have some of the latest commercial poultry farming hatchery, tools and equipment that will help us raise and produce eggs in commercial quantities with less stress. Aside from our relationship ( network ) and equipment, we can confidently boast that we have some the most experienced hands in Santa Fe – New Mexico in our payroll.

Our weakness could be that we are a new commercial poultry farms and egg production company in the United States, and perhaps it might take us sometime to attract big time customers in the industry. We are aware of this and from our projection will overcome this weakness with time and turn it to a major advantage for the business.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities that are available to us as a standard commercial poultry farm and egg Production Company cannot be quantified, we know that there are loads of households, and businesses such as hotels and fast food restaurants that can’t do without daily supply of chicken and eggs. We are well positioned to take advantage of this opportunity

Some of the threats and challenges that we are likely going to face when we start our own commercial poultry farm and egg production company are global economic downturn that can impact negatively on household spending, bad weather cum natural disasters (draughts, epidemics), unfavorable government policies and the arrival of a competitor ( a commercial farm that engage in the rearing of chickens and other birds ) within same location.

There is hardly anything you can do as regards this threats and challenges other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for your good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The Poultry and Chicken Egg Production industry has greatly benefited from campaigns advertising the health benefits of chickens and eggs as a good source of protein.

No doubt, the increased demand of chicken and eggs from households and food related businesses and of course the growing popularity of specialty and processed eggs have rapidly improved revenue growth for the industry. In the face of this growth, profit margin has suffered from rising feed costs and also regulations regarding animal welfare.

As a matter of fact, one of the new trends is that with the recent advancement in technology, poultry farmers can now comfortably predict and produce the quantities of chickens / birds and eggs per time.

8. Our Target Market

Naturally, the target market of those who are the end consumer of commercial poultry farm produce and also those who benefits from the business value chain of the poultry farming and egg production industry is all encompassing; it is far – reaching.

Every household consumes produce from commercial poultry farms be it chicken or egg. So also almost all hotels and fast restaurants sell chicken and eggs. In essence a commercial poultry farmer should be able to sell his or her chicken and eggs to as many people as possible.

In view of that, we have positioned our business to attract consumers of chickens and eggs not just in the United States of America alone but also other parts of the world. We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that we meet and surpass the expectations we set for the business. Below is a list of the people and business that we will market our chickens and eggs to;

• Individuals
• Restaurants
• Fast food eateries
• Agriculture merchants

Our Competitive Advantage

It is easier to find entrepreneur flocking towards an industry that is known to generate consistent income which is why there are more commercial poultry farmers in the United States of America and of course in most parts of the world.

For example, Statistics has it that there are 2.2 million farms in the United States of America, covering an area of 922 million acres. These goes to show that there are appreciable numbers of farmers in the United States of America but that does not mean that there is stiffer competition in the industry.

As a matter of fact, entrepreneurs are encouraged by the government to embrace commercial farming cum poultry farming and egg production business. This is so because part of the success of any nation is her ability to cultivate her own food and also export food to other nations of the world.

Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC is fully aware that there are competitions when it comes to selling commercial farm produce all over the globe, which is why we decided to carry out thorough market research so as to know how to take advantage of the available market in the United States and in other parts of the world.

We have done our homework and we have been able to highlight some factors that will give us competitive advantage in the marketplace; some of the factors are effective and reliable poultry farming and egg production processes that can help us sell our produce at competitive prices, good network and excellent relationship management.

Another competitive advantage that we are bringing to the industry is the fact that we have healthy relationships with loads of major players (agriculture merchants) in the industry; both suppliers of poultry feeds and medications and buyers of chickens and eggs within and outside of the United States of America.

We have some of the latest commercial poultry farming hatchery, tools and equipment that will help us raise and produce eggs in commercial quantities with less stress. Aside from our relationship (network) and equipment, we can confidently boast that we have some the most experienced hands in Santa Fe – New Mexico in our payroll.

Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups commercial poultry farms and egg production companies in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC is in the poultry farms and egg production line of business for the purpose of maximizing profits hence we have decided to explore all the available opportunities within the industry to achieve our corporate goals and objectives. Below are the sources we intend exploring to generate income for Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC;

10. Sales Forecast

From the survey conducted, we were are able to discover that the sales generated by a commercial poultry farm and egg production business depends on the size of the poultry farm, the types of birds available in the poultry and of course the size of their marketing network.

We have been able to critically examine the poultry farms and egg production business and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast.

The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some workable assumptions as well with respect to the nature of commercial poultry farm and egg production business that we run. Below are the projections that we were able to come up with for the first three years of running Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC;

• First Fiscal Year-: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $600,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $ 900,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown that can impact negatively on household spending, bad weather cum natural disasters (draughts, epidemics), and unfavorable government policies.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are quite aware that the reason why some commercial poultry farms and egg production companies hardly make good profits is their inability to sell off their chickens and eggs as at when due.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the poultry farming and egg production industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall business goal of Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC.

Over and above, we have perfected our sale and marketing strategies first by networking with agriculture merchants and businesses that rely on daily supply of chicken and eggs from the poultry farms and egg production industry that are likely to become our customers.

In summary, Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC will adopt the following strategies in marketing our commercial farm produce;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to stake holders in the agriculture industry, households, hotels and restaurants and agriculture produce merchants et al.
• Advertise our business in agriculture and food related magazines and websites
• List our commercial poultry farms and egg production business on yellow pages ads
• Attend related agriculture and food expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage in direct marketing
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals)

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Any business that wants to grow beyond the corner of the street or the city they are operating from must be ready and willing to utilize every available means (both conventional and non – conventional means) to advertise and promote the business.

We intend growing our business which is why we have perfected plans to build our brand via every available means. We know that it is important to create strategies that will help us boost our brand awareness and to create a corporate identity for our commercial poultry farm and egg production business.

Below are the platforms we will leverage on to boost our commercial poultry farm and production brand and to promote and advertise our business;

• Place adverts on community based newspapers, radio stations and TV stations.
• Encourage the use of word of mouth publicity from our loyal customers
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; YouTube, Instagram, Facebook ,Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Badoo, Google+  and other platforms to promote our business.
• Ensure that our we position our banners and billboards in strategic positions all around Santa Fe – New Mexico
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around our neighborhood
• Contact corporate organizations, households, landlord associations and schools by calling them up and informing them of Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC and the poultry produce we sell
• Advertise our business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site
• Brand all our official cars and trucks and ensure that all our staff members and management staff wears our branded shirt or cap at regular intervals.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Some of the factors that will help you sell your farm produce at the right price that will guarantee that you make profits is dependent on your strategy while some of the factors are beyond your control. For example, if the climatic condition is unfavorable and if there is natural disaster in the location where you have your commercial poultry farm, then it will directly affect the prices of your chicken and eggs.

Over and above, if you want to get the right pricing for your chicken and eggs, then you should ensure that you choose a good location for commercial poultry farm, choose a good breed that will guarantee bountiful harvest, cut the cost of running your poultry farm to the barest minimum.

Of course you should try as much as possible to attract buyers to your poultry farm as against taking your eggs and chickens to the market to source for buyers; with this, you would have successfully eliminate the cost of transporting the goods to the market and other logistics.

We are quite aware that one of the easiest means of penetrating the market and acquiring loads of customers for all our eggs and chickens is to sell them at competitive prices hence we will do all we can to ensure that the prices of our poultry farm produces are going to be what other commercial poultry farmers would look towards beating.

One thing is certain; the nature of commercial poultry farming makes it possible for poultry farmers to place prices for their eggs and chicken based on their discretion without following the benchmark in the industry. The truth is that it is one of the means of avoiding running into loss.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for farm produces purchase without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for chickens and eggs.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

When it comes to calculating the cost of starting a commercial poultry farm, there are some key factors that should serve as a guide. The different type of birds to be raised in a commercial poultry farm determines the total cost of setting up the business.

Besides, in setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting / leasing a big facility, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a commercial poultry farm and egg production business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. Below are some of the basic areas we will spend our start – up capital in setting up our commercial poultry farm;

• The Total Fee for incorporating the Business (commercial farm) in United States of America – $750.
• The amount needed to acquire / lease a farm land  – $50,000
• The amount required for preparing the farm land (poultry fencing et al) – $30,000
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $3,300.
• Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Bill The Carpenter™ Furniture, Inc. in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
• The total cost for hiring Business Consultant – $2,500.
• The total cost for payment of insurance policy covers (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $9,400
• The amount required for the purchase of the first set of chickens – $10,000
• The cost for acquiring the required working tools and equipment / machines / hatchery et al– $50,000
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $60,000
• The Cost of Launching an official Website – $600
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $2,000

Going by the report from detailed research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need an average of $500,000 to start a standard commercial poultry farm and egg production business in the United States of America.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC

No matter how fantastic your business idea might be, if you don’t have the required money to finance the business, the business might not become a reality. Finance is a very important factor when it comes to starting a business such as commercial poultry farming.

No doubt raising start – up capital for a business might not come cheap, but it is a task that an entrepreneur must go through.

Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC is a family business that is solely owned and financed by Noble Ernest and his immediate family members. We do not intend to welcome any external business partner, which is why he has decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital to 3 major sources. These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from my Bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $150,000 (Personal savings $100,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $350,000 from our bank. All the papers and document have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to retail our chickens and eggs a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Noble Ernest Poultry Farms, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of six years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check : Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing of farm land and building of standard poultry (cages): In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In Progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Compilation of our list of products that will be available in our store: Completed
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – key players in the industry: In Progress

Related Posts:

• Free Range Chicken Farm Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Broiler Farming Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Layer Farming Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Goat Farming Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Snail Farming Business Plan [Sample Template]

How to write a business plan for a chicken farm?

Writing a business plan for a chicken farm can be an intimidating task, especially for those just starting.

This in-depth guide is designed to help entrepreneurs like you understand how to create a comprehensive business plan so that you can approach the exercise with method and confidence.

We'll cover: why writing a chicken farm business plan is so important - both when starting up, and when running and growing the business - what information you need to include in your plan, how it should be structured, and what tools you can use to get the job done efficiently.

Let's get started!

In this guide:

Why write a business plan for a chicken farm?

• What information is needed to create a business plan for a chicken farm?
• What goes in the financial forecast for a chicken farm?
• What goes in the written part of a chicken farm business plan?
• What tool can I use to write my chicken farm business plan?

Having a clear understanding of why you want to write a business plan for your chicken farm will make it simpler for you to grasp the rationale behind its structure and content. So before delving into the plan's actual details, let's take a moment to remind ourselves of the primary reasons why you'd want to create a chicken farm business plan.

To have a clear roadmap to grow the business

Small businesses rarely experience a constant and predictable environment. Economic cycles go up and down, while the business landscape is mutating constantly with new regulations, technologies, competitors, and consumer behaviours emerging when we least expect it.

In this dynamic context, it's essential to have a clear roadmap for your chicken farm. Otherwise, you are navigating in the dark which is dangerous given that - as a business owner - your capital is at risk.

That's why crafting a well-thought-out business plan is crucial to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of your venture.

To create an effective business plan, you'll need to take a step-by-step approach. First, you'll have to assess your current position (if you're already in business), and then identify where you'd like your chicken farm to be in the next three to five years.

Once you have a clear destination for your chicken farm, you'll focus on three key areas:

• Resources: you'll determine the human, equipment, and capital resources needed to reach your goals successfully.
• Speed: you'll establish the optimal pace at which your business needs to grow if it is to meet its objectives within the desired timeframe.
• Risks: you'll identify and address potential risks you might encounter along the way.

By going through this process regularly, you'll be able to make informed decisions about resource allocation, paving the way for the long-term success of your business.

To maintain visibility on future cash flows

Businesses can go for years without making a profit, but they go bust as soon as they run out of cash. That's why "cash is king", and maintaining visibility on your chicken farm's future cash flows is critical.

How do I do that? That's simple: you need an up-to-date financial forecast.

The good news is that your chicken farm business plan already contains a financial forecast (more on that later in this guide), so all you have to do is to keep it up-to-date.

To do this, you need to regularly compare the actual financial performance of your business to what was planned in your financial forecast, and adjust the forecast based on the current trajectory of your business.

Monitoring your chicken farm's financial health will enable you to identify potential financial problems (such as an unexpected cash shortfall) early and to put in place corrective measures. It will also allow you to detect and capitalize on potential growth opportunities (higher demand from a given segment of customers for example).

To secure financing

Crafting a comprehensive business plan for your chicken farm, whether you're starting up or already established, is paramount when you're seeking financing from banks or investors.

Given how fragile small businesses are, financiers will want to ensure that you have a clear roadmap in place as well as command and control of your future cash flows before entertaining the idea of funding you.

For banks, the information in your business plan will be used to assess your borrowing capacity - which is defined as the maximum amount of debt your business can afford alongside your ability to repay the loan. This evaluation helps them decide whether to extend credit to your business and under what terms (interest rate, duration, repayment options, collateral, etc.).

Similarly, investors will thoroughly review your plan to determine if their investment can yield an attractive return. They'll be looking for evidence that your chicken farm has the potential for healthy growth, profitability, and consistent cash flow generation over time.

Now that you understand the importance of creating a business plan for your chicken farm, let's delve into the necessary information needed to craft an effective plan.

Information needed to create a business plan for a chicken farm

Drafting a chicken farm business plan requires research so that you can project sales, investments and cost accurately in your financial forecast, and convince the reader that there is a viable commercial opportunity to be seized.

Below, we'll focus on three critical pieces of information you should gather before starting to write your plan.

Carrying out market research for a chicken farm

Before you begin writing your business plan for a chicken farm, conducting market research is a critical step in ensuring precise and realistic financial projections.

Market research grants you valuable insights into your target customer base, competitors, pricing strategies, and other crucial factors that can impact the success of your business.

In the course of this research, you may stumble upon trends that could impact your chicken farm.

You could discover that there may be increasing demand for organic, free-range chicken. Additionally, market research might reveal that there might be a growing interest in alternative cuts of chicken, such as boneless thighs or wings.

Such market trends play a pivotal role in revenue forecasting, as they provide essential data regarding potential customers' spending habits and preferences.

By integrating these findings into your financial projections, you can provide investors with more accurate information, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about investing in your chicken farm.

Developing the sales and marketing plan for a chicken farm

Budgeting sales and marketing expenses is essential before creating a chicken farm business plan.

A comprehensive sales and marketing plan should provide an accurate projection of what actions need to be implemented to acquire and retain customers, how many people are needed to carry out these initiatives, and how much needs to be spent on promotions, advertising, and other aspects.

This helps ensure that the right amount of resources is allocated to these activities in order to hit the sales and growth objectives forecasted in your business plan.

The staffing and capital expenditure requirements of a chicken farm

Whether you are starting or expanding a chicken farm, it is important to have a clear plan for recruitment and capital expenditures (investment in equipment and real estate) in order to ensure the success of the business.

Both the recruitment and investment plans need to be coherent with the timing and level of growth planned in your forecast, and require appropriate funding.

Your chicken farm might incur staffing costs such as paying salaries for farm workers, purchasing protective clothing and safety equipment, as well as purchasing feed and supplies for the chickens.

You might also need to purchase the necessary equipment such as chicken coops, cages, feeders, incubators, and brooders. Additionally, you might need to invest in other equipment such as tractors, plows, and other farming equipment.

In order to create a realistic financial forecast, you will also need to consider the other operating expenses associated with running the business on a day-to-day basis (insurance, bookkeeping, etc.). 

Once you have all the necessary information to create a business plan for your chicken farm, it is time to start creating your financial forecast.

What goes into your chicken farm's financial forecast?

The objective of the financial forecast of your chicken farm's business plan is to show the growth, profitability, funding requirements, and cash generation potential of your business over the next 3 to 5 years.

The four key outputs of a financial forecast for a chicken farm are:

• The profit and loss (P&L) statement ,
• The projected balance sheet ,
• The cash flow forecast ,
• And the sources and uses table .

Let's look at each of these in a bit more detail.

The projected P&L statement

The projected P&L statement for a chicken farm shows how much revenue and profit your business is expected to make in the future.

A healthy chicken farm's P&L statement should show:

• Sales growing at (minimum) or above (better) inflation
• Stable (minimum) or expanding (better) profit margins
• A healthy level of net profitability

This will of course depend on the stage of your business: numbers for a startup will look different than for an established chicken farm.

The forecasted balance sheet of your chicken farm

The projected balance sheet of your chicken farm will enable the reader of your business plan to assess the overall financial health of your business.

It shows three elements: assets, liabilities and equity:

• Assets: are productive resources owned by the business, such as equipment, cash, and accounts receivable (money owed by clients).
• Liabilities: are debts owed to creditors, lenders, and other entities, such as accounts payable (money owed to suppliers).
• Equity: includes the sums invested by the shareholders or business owners and the profits and losses accumulated by the business to date (which are called retained earnings). It is a proxy for the value of the owner's stake in the business.

Analysing your chicken farm projected balance sheet provides an understanding of your chicken farm's working capital structure, investment and financing policies.

In particular, the readers of your plan can compare the level of financial debt on the balance sheet to the equity value to measure the level of financial risk (equity doesn't need to be reimbursed, while financial debt must be repaid, making it riskier).

They can also use your balance sheet to assess your chicken farm's liquidity and solvency:

• A liquidity analysis: focuses on whether or not your business has sufficient cash and short-term assets to cover its liabilities due in the next 12 months.
• A solvency analysis: takes and longer view to assess whether or not your business has the capacity to repay its debts over the medium-term.

The cash flow forecast

A projected cash flow statement for a chicken farm is used to show how much cash the business is generating or consuming.

The cash flow forecast is usually organized by nature to show three key metrics:

• The operating cash flow: do the core business activities generate or consume cash?
• The investing cash flow: how much is the business investing in long-term assets (this is usually compared to the level of fixed assets on the balance sheet to assess whether the business is regularly maintaining and renewing its equipment)?
• The financing cash flow: is the business raising new financing or repaying financiers (debt repayment, dividends)?

As we discussed earlier, cash is king and keeping an eye on future cash flows an imperative for running a successful business. Therefore, you can expect the reader of your chicken farm business plan to pay close attention to your cash flow forecast.

Also, note that it is customary to provide both yearly and monthly cash flow forecasts in a business plan - so that the reader can analyze seasonal variation and ensure the chicken farm is appropriately funded.

The initial financing plan

The sources and uses table or initial financing plan is a key component of your business plan when starting a chicken farm.

It shows where the capital needed to set up the business will come from (sources) and how it will be spent (uses).

This table helps size the investment required to set up the chicken farm, and understand how risks will be distributed between the business owners, and the financiers.

The sources and uses table also highlights what the starting cash position will be. This is key for startups as the business needs to have sufficient funding to sustain operations until the break-even point is reached.

Now that you have a clear understanding of what will go into the financial forecast of your chicken farm business plan, let's have a look at the written part of the plan.

The written part of a chicken farm business plan

The written part of a chicken farm business plan is composed of 7 main sections:

• The executive summary
• The presentation of the company
• The products and services
• The market analysis
• The strategy
• The operations
• The financial plan

Throughout these sections, you will seek to provide the reader with the details and context needed for them to form a view on whether or not your business plan is achievable and your forecast a realistic possibility.

Let's go through the content of each section in more detail!

1. The executive summary

The executive summary, the first section of your chicken farm's business plan, serves as an inviting snapshot of your entire plan, leaving readers eager to know more about your business.

To compose an effective executive summary, start with a concise introduction of your business, covering its name, concept, location, history, and unique aspects. Share insights about the services or products you intend to offer and your target customer base.

Subsequently, provide an overview of your chicken farm's addressable market, highlighting current trends and potential growth opportunities.

Then, present a summary of critical financial figures, such as projected revenues, profits, and cash flows.

You should then include a summary of your key financial figures such as projected revenues, profits, and cash flows.

Lastly, address any funding needs in the "ask" section of your executive summary.

2. The presentation of the company

The second section in your chicken farm's business plan should focus on the structure and ownership, location, and management team of the company.

The structure and ownership part provides an overview of the legal structure of the business, who the owners are and how much each has invested and owns. If you are seeking financing it is important that the reader gets a clear picture of which legal entity is receiving the funds, and who controls the business.

The location part should give an overview of the premises from which the company is operating, and why that location is of particular interest (catchment area, accessibility, amenities nearby, etc.).

When describing the location of your chicken farm, you may want to emphasize the potential market for your product. You could point out the nearby access to transportation networks and the potential for increased sales due to the local population's demand for fresh poultry.

Additionally, you might highlight the potential for success due to the climate of the area: the warm temperatures and ample sunshine could provide ideal growing conditions for your chickens. Ultimately, you could note the potential for growth, both in terms of the market and the farm itself.

Finally, you should introduce the management team. Explain each member's role, background, and experience.

It is also important to emphasize any past successes that the members of the management team have achieved, and how long they've been working together, as this will help potential lenders or investors understand why they should trust in their leadership.

3. The products and services section

The products and services section of your business plan should include a detailed description of the offerings that your company provides to its customers. 

For example, your chicken farm might offer fresh eggs, processed chicken meat, and chicken feed products to its customers.

• Fresh eggs are a nutritious and versatile food product, and they can be used in a variety of recipes.
• Processed chicken meat can provide customers with a convenient and tasty meal with minimal preparation.
• Chicken feed products can help customers keep their chickens healthy and produce the highest quality eggs.

When drafting this section, you should be precise about the categories of products or services you sell, the types of customers you are targeting and how customers can buy them.

4. The market analysis

When presenting your market analysis in your chicken farm business plan, you should detail the customers' demographics and segmentation, target market, competition, barriers to entry, and any regulations that may apply.

The goal of this section is to help the reader understand how big and attractive your market is, and demonstrate that you have a solid understanding of the industry.

You should start with the demographics and segmentation subsection, which gives an overview of the addressable market for your chicken farm, the main trends in the marketplace, and introduces the different customer segments and their preferences in terms of purchasing habits and budgets.

The target market section should follow and zoom on the customer segments your chicken farm is targeting, and explain how your products and services meet the specific needs of these customers.

For example, your target market might include health-conscious individuals. People in this segment are looking for high-quality proteins and want to know the ingredients that are going into their food. They are willing to pay higher prices for organic and ethically-sourced products.

Then comes the competition subsection, where you should introduce your main competitors and explain what differentiates you from them.

Finally, you should finish your market analysis by giving an overview of the main regulations applicable to your chicken farm.

5. The strategy section

When you write the strategy section of your chicken farm business plan, remember to cover key elements such as your competitive edge, pricing strategy, sales & marketing plan, milestones, and risks and mitigants.

In the competitive edge subsection, elaborate on what makes your company stand out from competitors. This becomes especially important if you're a startup, aiming to carve a place for yourself amidst established players in the marketplace.

The pricing strategy subsection should demonstrate how you plan to maintain profitability while offering competitive prices to attract customers.

Outline your sales & marketing plan, detailing how you'll reach out to new customers and retain existing ones through loyalty programs or special offers.

For the milestones subsection, outline your company's achievements to date and your main objectives for the future, complete with specific dates to set clear expectations for progress.

Lastly, the risks and mitigants subsection should address the main risks that could affect your plan's execution. Explain the measures you've put in place to minimize these risks, assuring potential investors or lenders.

Your chicken farm faces a variety of risks. For example, your chickens could be impacted by diseases, such as avian flu. It is possible that an outbreak of avian flu could spread quickly among your chickens, leading to significant losses.

Additionally, your chickens may be vulnerable to predators, such as foxes or coyotes, who could sneak into the farm and harm or kill your chickens. It is possible that if you do not take adequate measures to protect your chickens, you could experience significant losses due to predators.

6. The operations section

The operations of your chicken farm must be presented in detail in your business plan.

The first thing you should cover in this section is your staffing team, the main roles, and the overall recruitment plan to support the growth expected in your business plan. You should also outline the qualifications and experience necessary to fulfil each role, and how you intend to recruit (using job boards, referrals, or headhunters).

You should then state the operating hours of your chicken farm - so that the reader can check the adequacy of your staffing levels - and any plans for varying opening times during peak season. Additionally, the plan should include details on how you will handle customer queries outside of normal operating hours.

The next part of this section should focus on the key assets and IP required to operate your business. If you depend on any licenses or trademarks, physical structures (equipment or property) or lease agreements, these should all go in there.

You may have key assets such as the land and the buildings, chicken coops and other infrastructure, necessary for running the farm. You could also have intellectual property such as proprietary feed formulas, or a unique egg-grading system. These may be the key assets and IP that the chicken farm needs to be a successful business.

Finally, you should include a list of suppliers that you plan to work with and a breakdown of their services and main commercial terms (price, payment terms, contract duration, etc.). Investors are always keen to know if there is a particular reason why you have chosen to work with a specific supplier (higher-quality products or past relationships for example).

7. The presentation of the financial plan

The financial plan section is where we will present the financial forecast we talked about earlier in this guide.

Now that you have a clear idea of what goes in your chicken farm business plan, let's look at the solutions you can use to draft yours.

What tool should I use to write my chicken farm's business plan?

There are two main ways of creating your chicken farm business plan:

• Using specialized business planning software,
• Hiring a business plan writer.

Using an online business plan software for your chicken farm's business plan

The modern and most efficient way to write a chicken farm business plan is to use business plan software .

There are several advantages to using specialized software:

• You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
• You are guided through the writing process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan
• You can access a library of dozens of complete business plan samples and templates for inspiration
• You get a professional business plan, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank or investors
• You can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast
• You can create scenarios to stress test your forecast's main assumptions
• You can easily update your forecast as time goes by to maintain visibility on future cash flows
• You have a friendly support team on standby to assist you when you are stuck

If you're interested in using this type of solution, you can try The Business Plan Shop for free by signing up here .

Hiring a business plan writer to write your chicken farm's business plan

Outsourcing your chicken farm business plan to a business plan writer can also be a viable option.

Business plan writers are experienced in writing business plans and adept at creating financial forecasts without errors. Furthermore, hiring a consultant can save you time and allow you to focus on the day-to-day operations of your business.

However, hiring business plan writers is expensive as you are paying for the software used by the consultant, plus their time, and their profit margin of course.

From experience, you need to budget at least £1.5k ($2.0k) excluding tax for a complete business plan, more if you need to make changes after the initial version (which happens frequently after the initial meetings with lenders or investors).

You also need to be careful when seeking investment. Investors want their money to be used to grow the business, not spent on consulting fees. Therefore, the amount you spend on business plan writing services (and other consulting services such as legal services) needs to be negligible relative to the amount raised.

The other drawback is that you usually don't own the business plan itself: you just get the output, while the actual document is saved in the consultant's business plan software - which makes it difficult to maintain the document up to date without hiring the consultant on a retainer.

For these reasons, outsourcing the chicken farm business plan to a business plan writer should be considered carefully, weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of hiring outside help.

Ultimately, it may be the right decision for some businesses, while others may find it beneficial to write their business plan using online software.

Why not create your chicken farm's business plan using Word or Excel?

I must advise against using Microsoft Excel and Word (or their Google, Apple, or open-source equivalents) to write your chicken farm business plan. Let me explain why.

Firstly, creating an accurate and error-free financial forecast on Excel (or any spreadsheet) is highly technical and requires a strong grasp of accounting principles and financial modelling skills. It is, therefore, unlikely that anyone will fully trust your numbers unless you have both a degree in finance and accounting and significant financial modelling experience, like us at The Business Plan Shop.

Secondly, relying on spreadsheets is inefficient. While it may have been the only option in the past, technology has advanced significantly, and software can now perform these tasks much faster and with greater accuracy. With the rise of AI, software can even help us detect mistakes in forecasts and analyze the numbers for better decision-making.

And with the rise of AI, software is also becoming smarter at helping us detect mistakes in our forecasts and helping us analyse the numbers to make better decisions.

Moreover, software makes it easier to compare actuals versus forecasts and maintain up-to-date forecasts to keep visibility on future cash flows, as we discussed earlier in this guide. This task is cumbersome when using spreadsheets.

Now, let's talk about the written part of your chicken farm business plan. While it may be less error-prone, using software can bring tremendous gains in productivity. Word processors, for example, lack instructions and examples for each part of your business plan. They also won't automatically update your numbers when changes occur in your forecast, and they don't handle formatting for you.

Overall, while Word or Excel may seem viable for some entrepreneurs to create a business plan, it's by far becoming an antiquated way of doing things.

• A business plan has 2 complementary parts: a financial forecast showcasing the expected growth, profits and cash flows of the business; and a written part which provides the context needed to judge if the forecast is realistic and relevant.
• Having an up-to-date business plan is the only way to keep visibility on your chicken farm's future cash flows.
• Using business plan software is the modern way of writing and maintaining business plans.

We hope that this practical guide gave you insights on how to write the business plan for your chicken farm. Do not hesitate to get in touch with our team if you still have questions.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

• In-depth business plan structure
• How to format a business plan
• Is business model canvas a business plan?
• Difference between business plan vs internal plan
• Key steps to write a business plan?
• Free business plan template

Know someone who owns or wants to start a chicken farm? Share this article with them!

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

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Sample Poultry Farming Business Plan

This article provides a sample poultry farming business plan for entrepreneurs with limited knowledge of what a detailed plan should look like.

Do you need to develop a business plan for starting a poultry venture? Here are some areas we’ll be looking into.

• Common Poultry Terminologies
• Poultry Farm’s Equipment

Cost Analyses

• Broiler & Layer’ Feeds & Their Feeding Methods
• Egg Production & Birds’ Mortality Rate
• Your Poultry Farm’s Location
• How to Construct Your Poultry Pen
• How to Brood Your Chicks
• Chickens’ Vaccines
• Poultry Diseases, Causes, and Treatment
• Common Mistakes to Avoid Like Snake
• Poultry Business & Accountability

Poultry Farming BUSINESS PLAN SAMPLE

Most people who are into poultry out there are poultry farmers. You will not be that. You will be a poultry entrepreneur after reading this course.

Let me quickly remind you that this article is solely about chicken, especially layers and broilers.

Though we have so many other poultry birds like turkey, goose, duck, and others, chicken has a huge market demand in your country, and since your goal as a farmer is to make a profit, it’s brilliant that we concentrate our effort on what the market wants.

That’s why we’ll “talk” mainly about chicken in this course.

Not even all chicken, but layers and broilers. We won’t talk about cockerel because it’s not as profitable as broilers could be.

Poultry Commonly Used Terminologies

The following are the basic poultry terminologies you should familiarize yourself with;

• Chicks . This is the term we use for baby
• Layers . These are the chickens that can lay
• Broilers . These are the chickens we grow for meat.
• The pen is the name we call the house we construct for our chicks and chickens.
• Brooding  is used for the first early period of the chick’s life. Usually, between the weeks, there are 14 days for broilers and 5-8 weeks for layers. (More on this later)
• A brooder  is an equipment used to provide supplementary warmth during the early stages of the chicken.
• Feed is a name we use for the food we feed our chicks and chickens
• A breed  is a group of birds that reproduce their likeness in their offspring
• A cage is a housing system where the birds are confined to a wire-netted box.
• Clear eggs  are infertile and cannot be incubated or turned into chicks.
• Deep litter  is the System of housing wherSystemitable material called litter is provided on the poultry house floor for the birds to live on
• Free-Range System  is a system of housing where the birds have a shelter house and access to an outside area during daylight hours.
• A flock  is many birds of the exact origin (genotype) and age and managed in the same.
• Incubation  is the process by which fertile eggs are turned into chicks
• An intensive System is any system of housing poultry where the birds are outdoors all of the time and do not have access to the
• Semi-intensive is a system in which birds have access to a shelter house and the outdoors at the same time
• Layer Cycle  is the period from the onset of laying until the cessation of production of
• Point of laying  is the period a female chicken is about to start laying eggs
• A pullet  is a female chicken in her first laying season
• A spent hen  is a layer that has reached the end of her economic egg-laying
• A thermostat  is a device sensitive to temperature and is usually used to control the operation of temperature-modifying equipment

Do you care about chickens or eggs? If at all I do, it is to eat them.

Rearing, nursing, and having sleepless nights because of birds? Not me, and I am sure you don’t like the idea of coping with the odor and other messes of the poultry farm.

So why are you reading this guide?

Business. Business. Business alone is the reason.

If you and I understand this simple logic, we’ll first consider the business aspect of poultry farming.

Poultry Farming Equipment

Below is some equipment you’ll need as a poultry businessman/woman on your farm.

1.  Feeders

A farmer drops the bird’s food for the chickens in the feeder. It is of different designs.

It is what you see as red in the above picture.

2.  Heater or Brooder

This is the instrument farmers use to regulate the temperature of the poultry farm, especially during brooding (when chickens are tiny) and the rainy season or cold period.

Many farmers use locally versioned heaters (coal or stove) as the brooder could be beyond your budget.

4.  Incubator

An incubator is an electronic machine the hatchers use to hatch fertile eggs.

You don’t need this equipment except you want to go into the hatchery part of the poultry business.

5.  Egg Tray

This equipment is used to set eggs and transport them to the customers.

6.  Water pots or Drinker

This is where the chickens drink from.

7.  Poultry Cages

Cages are used to keep poultry birds.

8.  Protective Clothing

Hair caps, disposable sleeves, boots, and overalls for humans so has to prevent contamination from humans to the birds or from birds to humans

9.  Electricity

Electricity is also essential; either you’ll use government-supplied power, a generator, or locally-made lamps (more on this later)

10.  Good Source of Water

A good water source is needed for your birds as dirty water could lead to sickness and the death of the poultry birds.

Here is it.

You want to know how much you’ll need to raise your birds before they start bringing in returns.

It isn’t meant to start with 1000 birds if all your resources can handle is 500 birds.

It would be best to have an estimate, so you’ll take your pen and paper.

• Do you intend to start your poultry farm in your backyard or on a plot/acre?
• When you went out to ask about the poultry equipment as listed earlier, how much can you get them in your city or vicinity?
• Is there steady electricity, or you may need locally devised lamps for your broilers, who may need light all night (to be discussed later), and for your layers, who need light for just a few hours?
• Is there a good water source near you, or you’ll need a well?
• Do you need labor, and how many of them (Actually, one or two people should be able to care for 1000 birds)? What is the labor cost like in your locality?

After analyzing all these, you’ll move to the main expense: poultry feeds.

Poultry feeds are where the actual expenses lie, so let’s take some time to talk about feeding your chickens, the kinds of feeds you need at a given time, and then the estimated quantity in the section below.

Broilers and Layers Feeds & Their Feeding Methods

Broiler eats far more than layers. They should be eating virtually all around the clock. It’s not really that they will be busy eating every minute, but they should have food around them (always) so they can pick it up at a convenience.

Their heavy eating is because they are expected to grow so fast and be sold (7 or 8 weeks).

Serious farmers light up their pens all night because chickens (either broiler or layers) don’t eat in the dark.

The good news is that these birds can convert almost half of their feeds to meat. For instance, if we feed our broiler 4kg, it could weigh 1.8 kg.

Our broilers need two kinds of feeds at different stages of their lives.

The first is known as the Broiler Starter .

This is the first type of food (feed) they should be given as it’s very rich in protein and other necessary vitamins.

Broiler Starter should be given for the first three weeks of your broilers.

The second type of feed for broilers is called Broiler Finisher. This should be given from week four till your chickens are sold (hopefully at week seven or week 8)

The first feed to be given to your layer is called  Layer Starter or Chicks Smash. Chicks will be given your layers from day 1 to the 8th week.

This feed contains a very high percentage of protein to help them growiquickly rower smash  is to be given from week 8-18

Layer Feed  is the feed that prepares and enables your layers to lay eggs properly. This is to be given starting from week 18th till your layers are spent (tired) and sold.

Layer smash should not be given until your bird reaches week 18. This feed contains calcium that can permanently damage the kidneys, cause kidney stones, reduce lifetime egg production, and shorten the bird’s life span.

The only reason to give Layer feed to your layer is if they have started laying before week 18.

Supplemental Calcium

Ordinarily, your layer feed contains a good quantity of calcium. However, they may need to supply them with additional calcium once in a while as they start laying. This decision could be reached if you’re advised by your veterinary doctor or a nearby expert who thinks the egg production is not as expected.

How to Change Chickens’ Feeds

When it’s time for you to shift from one feed to another, you mustn’t suddenly change your birds’ feeds.

For example, suppose you want to change from Broiler Starter to Grower today. In that case, the best thing to do is to start by mixing the starter and grower in the same quantity, then gradually increasing the starter quantity while reducing the amount of grower.

This is necessary because your chickens will not like a sudden change in their taste in feeds.

How Often Should You Feed Your Birds?

When we talk about broilers, they must have feed in front of them at least 22 hours a day. That means all around the clock.

For the layers, you can feed them three times a day. 6:30 am, 12 pm, and 4 pm should be all right.

Just note that you may have to lighten up the layers’ pen from around 7-9 because they will still be eating till the evening, and as I might have told you before, chickens don’t eat in the dark.

Some people try to avoid lighting the layers’ pen by giving them food at 3 pm. There is no hard rule here, but you should never prevent providing light to the broilers because they must eat so much.

Don’t forget that we were discussing cost analyses.

But I needed to show you how and what you have to feed your chickens, so I will show you how to get the estimate for their feeds.

Now to the rough estimate for the feeds;

If you have seen any poultry feed packs or bags before, you might have noticed that they are in Kilograms (kg).

As I have shared with you earlier, broilers eat much more than layers. To help your estimate,

Layer chicks could be estimated to eat (plus or minus) 4kg of feed in its first ten weeks. By this, I mean a layer bird could eat about 4kg in its first 70 days on your farm.

It could be a little more or less as the quantities of feed chickens eat depend on the weather and whether you’re using a battery cage or a deep litter system.

Your chickens will ordinarily eat more in the cold than in the hot season, and they are likely to eat more in a deep litter system than in the battery cage system as they walk much more around.

Your broilers could be expected to eat about 4kg or more of feeds in their first six weeks.

As your birds grow, their feed consumption grows, too.

From the 6th week, for broilers, they should have been near the time for you to sell them off (just one or two weeks more).

But for the layers, you’re just getting started.

You’ll still have to feed them for about 12 more weeks. As they grow, their feed consumption grows.

By the time they reach the laying stage, each layer could be estimated to be eating 1.5 pounds of feed each week.

That’s about 2kg in three weeks.

I am telling you all these so that you’ll be able to know how to make your estimate.

Should I tell you the price of the feeds?

Thank you for asking.

One day I was reading something on the internet, and I saw the writer writing the price of W= #XXX and the price of K=$YYY.

At a time, I was forced to go and check the date of that post, and behold, he wrote the post, I think, in 2011.

He’s not intelligent.

I cannot tell you the price of feeds and vaccines here because the amount you bought is not what they are selling now in the same city).

The second reason is that the location differs. Some people will read this course from Lagos, while others may read it from Ghana, South Africa, or China.

How do you expect the feed price in Texas to be the same as that of California?

That’s why you must move out and ask questions from the feed and poultry equipment sellers in your town or area.

You have the idea of the above quantity estimate and go out, ask where they are selling poultry feeds in your locality, ask for different feeds I have mentioned earlier, and their prices.

Check the feeds’ bag to see the quantity (in kilograms), and then come back home to do your math and the estimate.

After your cost estimate, plus the revenue (as analyzed earlier), you should be able to come up with good answers to these questions;

• With your present capital or resources, how many layer or broiler birds can you conveniently raise?
• In the long run, how much could your profit be?

These facts and figures are what will give you confidence.

After discussing the importance of cost analyses and the different kinds of feeds you need for your chickens, let’s go into two other essential things you must understand about poultry farming, which will help your cost estimate and general knowledge about the excellent poultry business…

Egg Production & Birds’  Mortality Rate

Here, let’s talk about the nature of chickens’ egg-laying and the death rate, otherwise called the mortality rate.

Some people ignorantly assume that layers’ of birds lay an egg every day, so whenever these people want to start a poultry business, they estimate within themselves and say, “If I can raise 1,000 layer birds, after 18 or 20 weeks, I will be getting 1,000 eggs every day from my poultry farm.”

They have committed two blunders here.

One is the assumption that all the birds will remain alive until the point of laying. The second blunder is the assumption that every laying bird lays an egg daily.

Here is the truth.

Some of your birds will die, and the remaining ones will not give you 900 eggs daily (if they are 900 birds).

The mortality rate is in humans, so it’s ordinary in animals, including included. If people die (even young), should we hope that chickens will not die?

Our concern is that we have to reduce the mortality rate of your birds to the barest minimum.

The best mortality rate is between 5-10% per annum.

If you start with 1000 chicks on your farm, losing 50-80 in a year does not mean you’re doing something wrong. It’s normal.

Another thing to note is that the mortality rate is higher in broilers breed than in layers. The reason is that layer birds are more robust.

In all, the mortality rate is not something to be afraid of. It’s something to prepare for and work hard to reduce (by doing things taught in this course)

Egg Production

As said earlier, 100-layer birds cannot produce 100 eggs daily. As analyzed by some experts, this is that chickens don’t lay an egg every 24 hours. Instead, they lay every 26 hours.

Some people believe that some chickens lie every day while others lie every two days.

We may not be able to tell which theory is correct, but we know that you cannot get the exact number of eggs from the number of chickens you have.

The best estimate is between 80-85% daily egg productivity. That means if you have 1000 laying birds on your farm, you could pick between 800-850 eggs daily.

That’s around 28 crates of eggs. Multiply 28 by the amount they are selling. Create an egg in your locality, and you’ll see something. Deducting that from the cost of layers’ feed and labor, you can see where the profit lies.

After discussing the egg production and the mortality rate, let’s take a moment to talk about it.

Your Farm’s Location

Just as humans need where to live and lay their heads, birds need a place to call their home.

First, you might have noticed that most poultry farms you know are not near residential apartments.

The reasons are simple: odor, noise, and water pollution.

The primary reason poultry farms are usually not allowed by the government to be near residential apartments is the poultry odor resulting from the chicken droppings (feces).

The other reason is because of the noise. Chickens make a lot of noise, and the third reason you can’t site your (primary) poultry farm near a residential apartment is possible water pollution.

Note that I mentioned the “major” poultry farm above. You could, of course, have your poultry’s pen (house) in your backyard, especially if you have a large backyard and you’re starting with just a few birds.

However, that can only work with a few tens of birds.

You’ll have to construct your poultry pen on the city’s outskirts or town for a medium to large-scale poultry farm.

One of the silly mistakes you must avoid is having your central poultry farm in your backyard and then having your brooding pen (where little chicken is kept) just by the side of your layers’ pen while you manage the two together.

This could affect the day-old chickens and lead to a significant loss. (We’ll discuss more on this later)

If you plan to start in your backyard, consider how poultry pens should be constructed and other precautions we’ll discuss in the next chapter.

A few things to consider while choosing where to locate your central poultry farm are;

The Cost of Land

Especially when you’re just starting, you may not be able to afford an acre of land in some locations near Lagos or a major city in your country, so you’ll have to consider the cost of land in your intended location vs. your budget.

Second,  Nearness to Your Intending Market

You don’t want to locate your farm where it will take a vehicle to travel 10 hours before they deliver your ready-for-market broilers to the buyers or before the wholesale egg buyers will get to your farm.

Chickens’ predators

Predators are those other animals or insects that feed on or find pleasure in hurting or killing chickens—E.g., hawks, raccoons, foxes, snakes, soldier ants, dogs, etc.

While chicken predators are everywhere, certain places are more violent and brutal to control predators, so you may not locate your farm in such areas.

After discussing the appropriate location for your farm, let’s discuss how your bird’s pens (houses) should be constructed.

How to Construct Your Poultry’s Pens (Chickens’ House)

To start with, there are three standard poultry housing systems. The first and the oldest is the Free Range System .

Chickens can access an ample, non-confined open space in this housing system.

They walk freely around and (in addition to the feed they’re given) pick up insects and other things they could eat on the floor.

A hindrance to this housing system is that it requires ample land space, and the chickens are exposed to predators like Brother Hawk and others.

A system similar to the one mentioned above is a semi-intensive system. Here, the birds have a confined pen and an open space to live.

The third type of housing system is probably the most common for commercial poultry farmers.

It’s called Intensive System.

In this System, our poultSystemds are confined into a specially built pen. They cannot go beyond the pen.

However, even using this pen, we still have two options.

First, we can use a battery system inside our pen. In this case, our birds are to live inside a specially built cage.

The cages you’re seeing above have been designed so that where the birds feed, where they’re dropping, and where eggs will go have all been designed with it. Automatic drinkers could also be easily fixed.

The battery cage system has been proven to be the best for egg production. Because the birds don’t have much space to roam about, they convert more feeds to eggs.

That’s not to say that the second option is terrible. We can also use the deep litter System.

You can system chickens on the floor of your pen. Here, your birds are not confined in cages, so they can quickly move around. The floor is covered with sawdust or straw.

A strong net is built around each of the pens. Tarps can be hung around the net fence. Depending on the design, that could easily be rolled up (or from up to down) when there is cold or rain. It’s needed, especially when your chickens are still small (at the brooding stage).

However, when they grow to pass the brooding stage, they become more robust and have big feathers, so cold should not be their problem anymore (except when it is extreme).

The roofing sheets should not be metal sheets.

The reason is that metal sheets cause heat, and excessive heat could kill your birds or reduce their egg’s productivity.

The best roofing sheet to use for poultry farms is Asbestos or Thatch-roof. They both can hold heat instead of releasing it like a metal sheet.

The brooding pen and layers (or grown-up broilers’) pens are slightly different in that while constructing your brooding pen (where your day-old, young chickens will live), you have to consider cold.

Before I show you how you must build your pens, let me clarify that, though a standard poultry farm must have two or more pens, there is no crime in starting small.

You could construct a simple brooding pen (the house for your chicks and day-old chickens) and convert it to a layers’ pen when they become “adults.”

Having understood this, let me explain how you must build those pens to get the best for your chickens and maximize your profit.

Brooding Pen

This is where you will house your chicks from the first day you get them to your farm until they become “adults.”

The ideal way to build this pen is to construct two simple blocks around your intended brooding location, then use Tarpaulin (and wood) to cover the remaining space.

The brooding stage of your broiler chicken is about two to three weeks, while it may take 6 to 7 weeks for layers to be brooded.

Now, about layers or “adult” broilers’ pens.

This could be a little simpler. You could build two blocks (as of broodings pen). You could then cover up the remaining space with a net (strong net, not mosquito’s net. Lol) or wood.

As mentioned earlier, the roofing sheet must not be constructed with light iron or metal roofing sheets. Instead, with Asbestos or Thatch-roof

Please Note:

Your broodings’ pen must not be built near the broilers’ or layers’ pen.

The first reason is that your chicks cannot withstand the odor from the layers or broilers’ pens.

The other reason is that layers or broilers could be carriers of certain germs that, though they could do them no harm, can quickly kill the chicks.

After some time, when your farm has grown and you have chicks and layers, you must have SEPARATE staff to deal with them.

Your workers working with the layers’ pen must not be entering your broodings’ pen, and those in broodings’ pen too must not be entering the layers’ pen, so they won’t carry germs from the layers’ pen and infect your chicks.

Brooding Your Chickens

When you order for the chicks you want to raise, either layers or broilers, to be delivered to your farm, the very first days or weeks of the birds on your farm are called the brooding stage.

The brooding period for broilers could be plus or minus 14 days, while the brooding period for layers could be between 5-7 weeks (depending on the weather situation in your locality)

The reason why the brooding period for the broilers is lower is that those birds called broilers grow very fast.

The brooding period of your chickens is the most important and delicate, for the apparent reason.

The most difficult and most crucial time in your poultry business is at the brooding stage. The mortality rate (death rate) is higher for the chicks than the grown-up chickens.

That’s common sense. As humans, babies are much more likely to die of fewer diseases or infections than adults.

That’s why some farmers prefer to go for grown-up chickens already at the point of laying (chickens already about to lay eggs).

This may seem wise because you’ll avoid so many headaches of “nursing” day-olds, but it could be risky because you never can tell how those chickens were brought up.

Just as it’s in humans, the early stage of your chicken’s life is critical. Anything wrong (maybe inappropriate feeding or care) will affect their growth and productivity as “adults.”

Now you can see what I am saying.

If you go ahead and buy chicken at the point of laying, you won’t know its foundation, and if its foundation has been faulty, what can the righteous (you) do?

Have I told you before that your chicks have to be taken care of just like your newborn baby?

Ok. Just reminding you

Just like your newborn baby, they need food, water, vaccines, and drugs whenever they are sick (detail later)

Another essential thing they need is protection from cold and excessive heat.

Protecting them from cold temperatures would be best because they are still young, fragile, and without big feathers.

At the brooding stage, day and night, you have to warm your pen with a charcoal pot, stove, or other electrical poultry brooders (if you can afford them).

Warming their pen day and night will continue until they are grown up (broilers 14 days and layers 5-7 weeks).

If you’re using artificial means to generate heat in your brooding pen, you must make sure your charcoal or stove is “fenced” with something like a wire that will prevent your chicks from being burnt.

The number of charcoal or stoves to be used depends on how many your chicks are (common sense).

If God blesses your area with constant electricity, you must light up your brooding pen all night. Congrats! If not, you may have some bright rechargeable or big local lamps.

One of the reasons why you should light up your chicks’ pen at the brooding stage is to prevent them from a stampede.

Stampede is when birds step on each other and get wounded or die.

This is more likely when they are still young, and they see anything (like a lizard) in the dark, with fear they may run and step on each other, get wounded, and die.

While cold temperature is the biggest enemy of your chicks, there are some other big “enemies” you must pay good attention to.

Quality of the Air

Your young birds need heat, but that doesn’t mean your brooding pen must be closed. Fresh air should have its way, and there should be cross ventilation.

Good feed and clean water

As it is for other chickens of other ages, your little chickens must be given good water and feed.

Prevent Stampede!

As said earlier, a stampede is when chickens run over and step on each other. This could lead to injury and death of your birds.

To prevent this from happening, first, always enter your pens gently. When you or any of your workers rush into your pens, the chickens may run away (usually to the building’s edges) and step or lie on each other. The result may be injury or death.

Second, you may put some sacks together at each pen’s edge. This way, when your birds run to the edge of your pen, they won’t be wounded because the sacks will “bounce” them back.

Poultry Vaccines

Chicken’s Vaccine is the substance given to stimulate chickens’ body’s production of antibodies and provide immunity against diseases.

As humans, we have various kinds of immunization programs where different vaccines are administered to our children at different ages to prevent their health from certain diseases (polio, etc.)

The same applies to the chickens. From the very first day, certain vaccines must be administered to the chicken.

Vaccine for day 1 of the chicken’s life: Marek’s  Disease Vaccine .

This Vaccine must be given to the chicks the day they are hatched. This Vaccine should have been administered by the hatchery where you got your chicks, even before buying them.

Once the chicks leave the incubator, this Vaccine is no longer as effective as it should be, so it has to be administered in the incubator.

The Vaccine is to prevent Marek’s disease tumors and paralysis Newcastle Disease Vaccine.

This Vaccine should be given within 10 and 35 days of the chicken and repeated every three months to maintain a sufficient level of immunity for your birds against Newcastle Disease.

This Vaccine could be given through your birds’ drinking water or as an eye/nose drop.

Infectious Bronchitis Vaccine

This Vaccine could be given within days 10-35 of your birds. It’s often combined with the above Vaccine (Newcastle).

Fowl Cholera Vaccine is another vaccine that should be administered only when you have or suspect cholera on your farm or a nearby farm.

Infectious Bursal Disease Vaccine ;

This is usually for layers’ birds. To be administered on the 14th day of your birds (or as advised by your vet doctor). This is also to be repeated on the 28th day. It could be administered through drinking water.

Other poultry vaccines can be administered whenever a disease is suspected or heard in the neighboring farm or town.

Your vet doctor or consultant will be of great help in guiding you about when to administer some of these vaccines and how to go about them, even the emergency ones (if need be).

Infectious Laryngotracheitis Vaccine, Inactivated Newcastle-Bronchitis, Laryngotracheitis Fowlpox AE, etc., are the vaccines chickens may need as the need arises for them.

How can you get these vaccines?

This is very easy.

This is one of your primary tasks (as explained in the earlier chapter). Just move out and ask any poultry-related materials or feed sellers in your area about where you can find these vaccines in your locality.

They are not scarce. Just ask people, and you’ll be directed.

Don’t just buy vaccines! Make friends. Talk with people. Ask them questions about your locality’s poultry business, feeds, and vaccines.

How and in what quantity will you administer poultry vaccines?

On each Vaccine, there are prescriptions and precautions (just as when you buy the drug in a chemist’s shop). Read those instructions to know how to use them and in what quantity.

Also, note the expiring dates on the vaccines. Just like our drugs, poultry vaccines have expiring dates.

Don’t kill your chickens with expiring vaccines. Other things to take note of about vaccines are;

• Don’t vaccinate sick birds (except in the case of outbreaks of laryngotracheitis or fowlpox). Vaccination is not to heal sickness; it’s to prevent it, so when a bird is sick, a vet doctor needs to prescribe the drug to
• Just like other sensitive drugs, prevent the vaccines from heat or sun
• Use only as recommended because misapplication of vaccines can lead to disease outbreaks or the death of birds.
• When vaccinating your birds, it’s advisable to vaccinate all of them at a time, as few chickens left unvaccinated could spread whatever disease is hidden in them to the already vaccinated birds.
• After vaccination, burn or disinfect all opened containers to prevent accidental spread to other poultry. This is because…
• Most vaccines are living, disease-producing agents themselves. Handle them with care.

Poultry Diseases, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

A disease is an investment for any poultry farmer, so you must understand fundamental things about poultry diseases and their prevention.

I said “some” because trying to mention ALL the poultry diseases may be an impossible adventure.

There are so many bird diseases because there are too many human diseases.

The following are the four significant types of poultry diseases;

• Metabolic and Nutritional Diseases . These are the diseases caused by a disturbance of normal metabolic functions either through a genetic defect, inadequate or inappropriate
• Infectious Diseases are usually contagious diseases caused by an invasion of a host by a pathogen, which subsequently grows and multiplies in the
• Parasitic Diseases  are infections with a parasitic organism
• Behavioral Diseases  are the abnormal behavioral patterns that can lead to injury or ill health of abnormally behaving birds or their companions

All of the poultry diseases could be categorized into the above four categories.

So, let’s see one or two common poultry diseases.

Common Poultry Diseases

As said earlier, there are as many diseases for birds and animals as for humans.

However, humans can list some common illnesses (e.g., malaria, headache, stomachache, cancer, etc.), so are there some common poultry diseases?

Below are some of them;

• Diarrhea . Diarrhea is a common poultry disease that shows symptoms through white or greenish, loose droppings (feces). It can be caused by cold, dampness, dirty surroundings, and unclean food. When you notice any of your birds sick with Diarrhea, quickly separate them into a dry, warm pen. If you have a veterinary doctor nearby, promptly give him a call. If not, contact any experienced farmer or consultant and explain the symptoms. They can come to your farm to see things and know what is wrong. It may be Diarrhea or something different, so we cannot tell.
• Roup (Coryza) . Roup is caused by cold, overcrowding, etc, and could spread through drinking water or feed. The symptoms could be sneezing and watery discharge, which can later turn to white and yellowish foam from the eyes or nostrils. It can also lead to Diarrhea.
• Liver trouble . Liver trouble is not. It’s an ailment that affects mainly older birds. This disease is caused by too little mobility (exercise) by the birds.

We can go on and on to mention numerous poultry diseases like Ambloidosis, Ascites, Avian Rhinotracheitis, Biting Lice, Breast Blister, Caecal Worm, Cellulitis, Chicken Anaemia, Cropworms, Favus, Fowl Cholera, Gizzard worms, etc., those big grammars will not do you any good.

Instead, you can be better if I give you two deep secrets.

First, work hard on prevention. Prevention is not just better than cure; it’s cheaper and more manageable.

Second, since you might want to employ someone or two with your poultry farm, why can’t you work hard to employ someone with at least three years of experience in a poultry farm?

This will help you in a lot of ways. This person you bring in will come with knowledge and experience (including the knowledge to detect the sick bird and understand various symptoms), and nothing can help you like that.

How to Prevent Poultry Diseases

• Pay attention to proper sanitation practices. Daily wash the feeders and drinkers. Always clean all your equipment with appropriate disinfectants (Dettol, etc.)
• Minimize or eliminate the introduction of new chickens to your flock because they could be carriers of some germs or
• Limit visitors’ entrance to your farm, and if they must enter, let there be disinfectants at the entrance of your farm where everyone going into your pen (including you) will wash their hands and fits. (For example, disinfectant is a bowl of water in which you’ll put anti-germ chemicals like Dettol and Izal)
• Quarantine unhealthy chicken as quickly as possible. By this, I mean that you should separate any chicken suspected to be sick into an isolated

This should be done to prevent the spreading of the diseases among the flock.

• Vaccinate Chicken at the appropriate time. When a new set of chickens just came into your farm, when they are transported out and back in, there is a need to vaccinate the flock. To vaccinate is to give your chicken the required Vaccine.
• Watch out for unhealthy chicken. You must inspect your farm daily and see how your chickens are doing. When one or two of them are not

healthy, it’s better you know on time. Since you understand how your birds live and behave on good days, it’s not too difficult to tell if one of them is sick.

If you can master all we have explained so far, you shouldn’t have much to worry about.

Now let’s see common mistakes you have to avoid in the poultry farming business;

Common Poultry Farmers’ Mistakes

• Locating brood too close to rearers housing house for an older pen

I have said this before. Your brooding house (where your day-old chicks live) must not be too close to the rearing or layers pen.

Some people with ample land space give a space of three electric poles, while others locate the brooding pen in an entirely different location.

• Housing chickens of different ages together

This sounds foolish when you look at the nature of chickens. How can a younger chicken cope when the time comes for it to struggle with the older ones to eat?

Don’t you know that chickens (like humans) do fight? How can younger chickens cope when the older and stronger ones step on them (stampede)?

This is one of the reasons why some ignorant farmers lose their investments.

• Housing layers and broilers together.
• You are mixing chickens from different hatcheries together in the same pen.

Even if they are similar (i.e., layers), they shouldn’t be in the same pen together if they are from different hatcheries.

Because their foundation is different, and they may not grow or be fruitful alike.

• They are buying chickens from “quack” hatcheries.

Some people hawk chicks all around the town. Some are hatchers by mere name. You must not buy your chickens just anywhere because there are meticulous processes the professional hatchers have to go through to hatch eggs.

If these processes are left out or omitted because of ignorance, they will tell for the rest of the chickens’ lives. How do you know a good incubator?

Ask the farmers in your vicinity. If they prove problematic to approach, ask the poultry feed sellers. They will be friendlier with you (because they want to sell you feeds)

• Overcrowding.

I met with a man a few days ago, and he was sharing his experience in some places in Lagos, where 7 to 12 people could be sleeping in a single room.

That’s called overcrowding.

It’s affecting their health, but because there is no alternative, “man must live.”

However, in the case of birds, “birds can die”.

When they are still day old, chickens could be hundreds in a pen, but as they grow up, you’ll have to be spacing them because that pen may not be conducive for them any longer.

Your pens can never be too big, but they can be too small.

• Bad litter management

It would be best if you had a place on your farm where you pack the birds’ feces. This could be a hole at a distance or something similar.

• Assuming that all will be well all the time or estimating that all layers will lay an egg every day

This may sound not very optimistic, but you see, nobody smiles all the time. No known method will keep all your chickens alive. Some will die. If you have 500 layers, you cannot get 500 eggs every day.

I have explained this earlier.

Some layers may not lay eggs, while some lay every 26 hours. If you think about that, you’ll know why you cannot pick 500 eggs from 500 layers.

• Underestimating Predators.

Predators, as explained earlier, are the enemies of your chicken. Some want to eat them, while others love to hurt them for fun—hawks, Raccoons, Foxes, snakes, soldier ants, and others. If you don’t keep the environment of your farm very clean and well-guided, any of these predators can come at the time you least expect them.

For instance, soldier ants will not notify you of their plan to visit your farm, nor will snakes. Even your Bingo dog could “joyfully” hurt your chickens when you’re not around if your farm is so loose.

Don’t underestimate predators. Prevent them from coming nearby, making your farm’s surroundings clean and protected.

• They do not know when the chickens are uncomfortable and how to attend to them .
• I am using Metal Roofing for poultry pens. As mentioned earlier, this causes heat, affecting egg productivity and the birds’ health.
• We are not preventing stampede.

I have explained this earlier. Take note. Stampede kills human beings (as strong as we are). Imagine how much effect that could have on the fragile chickens.

• I am going all alone.

Don’t go all alone. Make friends and relate with poultry farmers in your locality. Have some experienced people (one or two) who you can call anytime and ask questions.

If possible (a must for an authentic farm), have a veterinarian. Anything can happen at any time. He might have to diagnose to see what is wrong with some unwell birds.

Let me warn you: DON’T GO ALL ALONE.

If some of these professionals and consultants require a certain fee, instead of negotiating the cost, they go alone without it.

You may want to save 100 dollars and lose 1,000 dollars.

Introduction to Poultry Farming Business Proposal

Because of the importance of this document to the success of your poultry farm, you need to put in your very best effort to produce a good plan, as it can determine the success of your venture.

Sample Poultry Farm Project Proposal Plan

This free poultry farming BUSINESS PLAN SAMPLE provides the necessary support, and developing one is essential to success in the poultry business.

Writing a business plan for your new or existing poultry business can never be underestimated. It provides more assessment of your venture and is a core requirement for obtaining loans and grants from investors.

Unless you have your intentions for your poultry farming business written down, you might miss an opportunity to communicate them to someone else or clarify things for yourself.

Whether starting or expanding a poultry business, writing a business plan will help you understand what you want to do and how you will do it.

Most emerging poultry farmers must use loans or grants when starting their businesses.

To access these, you must write a business plan and submit it to your prospective financier or grant officer.

SAMPLE PRODUCTION POULTRY BUSINESS PLAN EXAMPLE

It is essential for a business that wants to make an impact and be successful to have a business plan. This planning guide is an internal document accessible to only a few organization members.

Any venture that plans to succeed should invest efforts at developing a comprehensive business plan that captures every aspect of the business.

A business plan provides the necessary support for the company to succeed in its industry.

In writing a business plan, it is paramount that you know the format to follow and, better still, follow a sample in writing yours to avoid wasting time, effort, money, and resources.

Therefore, I will use this post to give a business plan for a poultry farming business, which can be used as a guide or sample in writing.

I will go directly to the business plan since you should already know the details of the business, that is, how to start and manage it well.

EXAMPLE OF A POULTRY BUSINESS PLAN

• Executive Summary
• Business Overview
• Vision Statement
• Mission Statement
• Marketing Strategy
• Business Requirements
• Cash Flow Analysis

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Raising poultry birds involves the production of broiler meat and chicken eggs. It’s one lucrative and broad industry that has attracted millions of investors. Niches-related poultry farming include

• setting up an incubator
• raising broilers
• egg production through layer birds
• marketing and distribution of table eggs
• the output of poultry farm equipment like drinkers, feeders, debeakers, etc.
• sales of poultry vaccines, drugs, feeds, and supplements
• feed mill operation
• the construction of poultry pen and battery cage installation

This facility will only produce layer birds to prevent an overlap of ideas due to the limited resources available. This means that Goody Poultry Farm might decide to bring in more ideas in the future.

In the first year of production, the farm is expected to produce about 60 crates of eggs daily and generate more than 1 million in revenue. Spent layers should be sold at the end of a year of laying, and the money should be used to get replacement birds.

The business has decided to collaborate with experts and investors because the business involves bringing together all available industrial facilities that a single company might be unable to provide.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW The most popular form of poultry farming is layer production because egg consumption cuts across all nations. There are different niches in the poultry business. These include broiler, layer, quail ,  turkey , ostrich, geese, and duck production.

Because of these various forms, focusing on one aspect and then adding other elements with time is advisable. This is one industry with great potential.

The main things that serve as hindrances in this industry are high-interest rates, lack of electricity, absence of credit, high product costs, and so on. The demand for day-old chicks , eggs, and broiler meat remains very high.

VISION STATEMENT Goody Poultry Farm’s vision is to facilitate the production of safe and hygienic chicken eggs, provide jobs for the unemployed, and generate wealth for those who invest in our projects.

MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to develop a mechanized poultry business that is efficient and profitable in the long run. We hope to grow the venture into a standard project that is professionally managed.

MARKETING STRATEGY Goody Poultry Farm will as a marketing strategy employ a marketer at total capacity, the marketer will be employed to sell the eggs produced on the farm from one egg depot to another. Through this marketing activity, many clientele bases will be created.

To make the marketing more manageable and efficient, we will allocate a date for all our customers so each customer will have a day when they will be supplied eggs, either by picking them up or having them delivered at a price.

Also, adverts will be placed on several online media sites, which will serve as a marketing form.

BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS The poultry business will need several pieces of equipment and tools for the smooth management of the business, and they include:

• A shop in town will be needed to serve as the warehouse and egg depot, this helps in reducing the number of people who go to the farm which in turn reduces the risk of a break of security and bio-security.
• Semi-automatic  battery cages of good quality  will be purchased and installed for the birds.
• Other equipment needed for the business are feed (grower mash and layer mash) , point of lay, different medications, and vaccinations.

CASH FLOW ANALYSIS The market has been surveyed to determine the cash flow level of the industry. This helps in knowing if the poultry business is worthwhile or not.

Analysis has shown that positive net cash balances are realized at the end of the second year the chicken farm started, indicating profitability in the industry .

Also, generating a net return in the first year of production may not be possible due to the large capital requirements. Still, subsequently, the farm would break even, generating significant profit.

CONCLUSION You have been equipped with all it takes to write a solid business plan for your poultry farm.

Here is the link to  download our practical poultry production manual.

So start by creating a counter-strategy to tackle these challenges, and success will be yours. This is one of the best articles that can be converted into a  planning guide on poultry farming.

Do you need a  poultry farming business plan with a 3-year financial plan to apply for funding?

Contact us .

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Chicken Farming Business Plan For Beginners

How to start poultry farming business – chicken farming business plan for beginners.

If you are interested in being a poultry farmer, you must want to know how to start a poultry farming business for beginners, this article tell you the chicken farming business plan which could be helpful for you.

Why to Start Poultry Farming Business Plan

A Poultry farming business can be called one of the most lucrative in the world if it is managed properly. The poultry farmers now we have are not enough that’s why chicken farming business has become so much profitable. It has become the finest opportunity of making a good amount of money in a short period of time. This article will focus on the process of poultry farming, the process of poultry from small farm and how to make it a big one.

1. Fast Reproduction and Large in Numbers

A healthy layer chicken almost lays an egg every day or 4 eggs in a week sometimes it lays 7 eggs in a week too, these all depends on the quality of your birds. Some birds can lay 325 eggs in a year. And it takes 21 days to hatch. Technically this means that a layer chicken is able to produce another layer twice in three days. So, if you have 500 healthy California white birds they are capable of giving you 12,000 chicks within 40 days.

2. A Fast Growth Rate

The most interesting thing about the poultry is its high growth rate. It takes about 21 days when the eggs are hatched. After their birth it takes about 27 to 28 weeks when they are fully ready for the market. That means a poultry farmer starts earning his income in just 31 weeks after he has successfully started his poultry farming business. According to the calculation he will be able to double his income in a year. However there are some uncertainties in this business, mortality and diseases are some of them but it can be reduced by taking proper managements and vaccination.

3. Sales at a Very Profitable Price

The market price of a bird is not so low you can a good profit from it. The price of a fully grown healthy chicken is about 10 to 11 dollar in the market. So if you are the one who produce 12,000 chickens in 40 days in his farm, you obviously are making 120,000 dollar when they are sold completely.

4. The Egg Market is Also Large

The poultry egg market is also good and very profitable. With the meat business, the poultry eggs are another source of good profit. You can earn about 2 to 3 dollar for each crate of smaller eggs and 3-4 for bigger one. Every crate has 30 eggs. So if you have 500 layers in your farm and they lays 12,000 eggs in a month and if you want to sell all of them then you are making 1,500 dollar per month.

Before Starting Your Poultry Farming Business Plan

Before you start your chicken farm business, you have to make a poultry farming business plan, it is very important for all types of business. A business plan is like a road map which tells you where you are going with your business. A business plan will tell you at which point you are now in your business. Your poultry farming business plan should include the following points.

1. Select The Type of Poultry Bird

The first step of starting a poultry business is the selection of bird type. Here you will choose the type of birds is that layer chicken or broiler. You can choose any of them it totally up to you. There are some other types of birds that you can bring in your consideration. They are the duck, goose, turkey etc.

2. Select The Cage Type of Your Poultry

Another important factor consider before baking the final plan of your chicken farm is to select the chicken cage type and size. Maybe you are thinking that, this is not that much necessary to think before starting the business, but believe it actually is. Estimating over your cost over the chicken cages will affect both positively and negatively on your entire poultry business plan. So go through the cage type on our website and choose the best type of cages you need.

3. Sort out The Area of Interest

You can’t start poultry business without a goal. You have to choose a path where you want to flow your business. This will concentrate your focus in one point and will ensure higher level of professionalism but if you want to work with two areas then no problem. Here are some niches of poultry farming.

• Layer Chicken Breeding : These are mainly used for egg production.
• Broiler Breeding : It is used for chicken meat production.
• Hatchery : Is for hatching new chicks.
• Poultry feed : It produce feeds for other poultry farms.

You can choose any of them. You can choose breed layer and broiler together if you want to.

4. Specify Poultry Location

Another important sector of poultry farming is choosing the location where you will set up for your business. It has a direct impact with the start up cost. My preferable place for a poultry farm is a rural area with a road nearby. This will reduce your cost of land and labor. When you start your poultry farming business you may not want to spend all of your money for a land in urban area. There are some other difficulties in urban area with poultry farming. Govt. will not allow you to make a farm in a residential area for health issue. So it is better to select a perfect land for your business in a rural area.

5. Investment Capital

After you have specified your location now you know how much capital you are required to start your chicken farming business plan. Write down all of your capital you need and manage the source where to get manage it.

Like every business the bigger your business plan the bigger you have to invest. You have to decide how much capital you can afford for this business.

Poultry Farming Business Plan – How to Get Going?

You have all of your business plans ready but if you don’t apply it then all are useless. We consider you have your capital ready if you have that then start for the next steps.

Step 1: Buy The Land

Like we suggested you earlier you have to choose a land which is a remote place from city. But remember don’t choose any place which is too far from the city and which don’t have any well transportation system.

Step 2: Build The Required Structure

A good housing system is very important for your poultry farming business. A good housing system not only save your chickens from danger but also increase your profit in poultry business. Every poultry housing systems are classified according to the management system, scale and the use. The common types of poultry housing systems used are

• Half litter
• Deep litter

Step 3: Buy Cages

Purchasing chicken cages is a very important part of the business as many of the affecting factors directly depends on the size, orientation, strength and layout of the chicken cage. Make proper measurements and analyze your poultry size and budget before buying the chicken cage. Here are the available chicken cages we offer – layer chicken cage (battery cage) , baby chick cage , broiler cage , commercial quail cages and commercial rabbit cages , etc.Hightop Poultry Equipmentis one of the leading chicken cage and poultry farm equipment manufacturer in China,contact usnow to get the free layout design according to your chicken house and birds quantity.

We have got another article in this blog describing the usage and utility of each of the cage types and surely that will help you to choose the best fit of your poultry.

Step 4: Buy Birds/Chicks

It is perfect decision to choose day old chick to start your poultry business. Before you buy these chicks find a reliable Hatchery where you can get healthy chicks. It will not cost you too much.

Step 5: Other Items and Accessories You Need

There are some otherpoultry cage accessorieslikedrinkers,feeders, Parches, crates, nests,lighting system,egg incubator,waste disposal system, etc.

You have to consider these costs too. And as an eventual part of plan, we also provide you the best poultry farm equipment like –Automatic egg collector,automatic feeding system,automatic manure removal machine,disinfectant fogging machineand cooling system, etc. in a very affordable price and top quality.

Challenges in Poultry Business Startup

Poultry farming is one of the most profitable business in these days. But you have to know the risk of this business. Though there are no businesses which are beyond risk and challenges.

1. Lack of Government Support

From our previous experiences we all may think that govt. will help us at our critical time in this business. But don’t be sure about it. Prepare yourself that govt. will not help when you need them. Think that you have to run your business alone without the help of any one. Take a backup for sudden loss. It may help you to run your business properly and if you get help from the govt. think that it is a bonus.

2. A Very High Starting Capital

It is said money is everything. So without a proper funding you will not be able to run your business. Like other business, poultry farming business also needs proper funding. Without it you may not be able to add extra facilities which will increase your production rate.

You need proper funding to purchase land, poultry farm equipment, food for your chick and you need to pay your labor. In all sector you need a good capital. So you should do a research on your cost and capital you have then you should start your poultry farm business. We can provide you the poultry cage and chicken farm equipment with good price, help you to save money.

3. Disease Out Breaking

A dirty environment in your firm will invite many diseases and infections. Poultry are very sensitive to the environmental changes. If the poultry farm is not taken care of properly the birds will easily be exposed to different kinds of bacteria. You have to keep your poultry farm clean as much as possible. Automatic manure cleaning system,disinfectant fogging machineandventilating systemcan help you.

You must not bring any contaminated equipment, footwear or even vehicles. Also do not allow any visitors in your poultry farm environment.

4. Other Influencing Factors

There are some other factors that can affect your poultry farming business like proper vaccination. You have to be able to afford it may become difficult for you if you are a small scale poultry farmer. So the thing you have to do is gather some other farmers like you and buy the vaccine.

Another challenge in poultry farming is the high cost of poultry food. So it is seen that most of the farmers who have a little capital, economize or ration the food. It affects the profit in a large scale.

Want to buy chicken cage and poultry farm equipment to start your own poultry farming business? Please feel free to contact us.

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Poultry Farming Business Plan

Starting a poultry business in Louisville, Kentucky , presents a lucrative opportunity for those looking to venture into the world of chicken farming business. With the right management, a poultry farming business can be highly profitable, making it one of the most rewarding endeavors in the agricultural industry.

In today’s scenario, the demand for poultry products is consistently growing, indicating the vast potential for success in the chicken farming business. This article aims to guide beginners on how to start chicken farming, from its initial stages as a small farm to the strategies involved in scaling it into a thriving and profitable enterprise.

Whether you’re considering a poultry business plan , interested in the nuances of poultry farming, or seeking guidance for a beginner poultry farming business plan, this article will provide valuable insights into the processes, challenges, and opportunities associated with poultry farming in Kentucky. Discover how to transform a small poultry farm into a successful venture, capitalizing on the thriving market for poultry products.

What is Poultry Farming

Poultry farming is about raising birds like chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys for their meat and eggs. It can be small or big – there’s a lot you can do.

Starting a chicken farm, whether it’s a small one or a larger operation, is what we call poultry farming. It’s all about growing birds for their meat, eggs, and sometimes feathers. Chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks are the main focus in this kind of farming. People also sometimes raise other birds like guinea fowl and squabs, but not as often.

So, if you have chicken business ideas and want to start a chicken farm, there are many possibilities. You can go for a small poultry farm design or think big – it’s up to you. Poultry farming offers different options for people who dream of having their own chicken farm business, no matter the size.

How to Start a Poultry Farming Business

If you are interested in being a poultry farm owner, our team of business plan writers in Louisville has crafted a sample business plan for poultry farming below to serve as your guide on how to start poultry farming. It is designed to assist you in making informed decisions and gaining insights into the details of poultry production, a crucial aspect of the animal industry in agriculture. This chicken farming business plan provides a starting point for your journey in planning and navigating the complexities of poultry farming.

Executive Summary

“Feather Grove Farm” (herein also referred to as “Feather Grove” or “the company”) was established on May 1, 2019 by Co-Founders, Mr. John Farmer and Ms. Emily Young. The company is strategically located to initiate a dynamic poultry farming venture in Louisville, KY.

In 2018, the United States imported and exported substantial amounts of poultry products, creating a notable gap in the market for locally produced, sustainable poultry. Feather Grove Farm aims to address this gap by establishing itself as a leading supplier of high-quality poultry products, reducing the reliance on foreign imports, and contributing to the growth of the domestic poultry industry.

Both Co-Founders bring unique skills to the venture. Mr. John Farmer, with a background in agricultural management, has successfully overseen various farming projects. On the other hand, Ms. Emily Young, with a wealth of experience in marketing and sales, will assume the role of Sales and Marketing Manager.

Feather Grove Farm is actively exploring opportunities in Kentucky for acquiring suitable agricultural land. The company is open to collaborations with local communities, government bodies, and fellow agriculture enterprises. This business plan outlines the strategic vision for Feather Grove over the first 5 years of operation, emphasizing positive contributions to the local community and economy.

Operationally, the business will encompass two core activities: (1) the breeding and sale of various poultry breeds and (2) the establishment of an educational farm experience, projected to launch in year 5. The breeding strategy involves constructing three state-of-the-art poultry houses, maximizing production capabilities and ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality poultry throughout the year. The educational farm experience, while contributing to community engagement and awareness, is seen as an integral part of Feather Grove’s broader impact strategy.

Currently, Feather Grove Farm is seeking a $1,340,000 loan to support the first year’s startup costs. The company projects breaking even within the first 18 months of operation and anticipates significant profits from the second year onwards. With support from stakeholders, Feather Grove aims to address the gap in locally produced poultry, create jobs, and establish a sustainable and profitable farming business that brings various benefits to the local community and the broader poultry industry.

Company Overview

Feather Grove Farm is not your typical farm – we’re all about poultry. We’re on a mission to set up a big poultry farm that will be a go-to place for chicken lovers. Our founders, Mr. John Farmer and Ms. Emily Young, each bring their own special skills to the table. John knows his way around farms, and Emily is a pro at selling and marketing.

Our mission is clear – we want to provide leading, locally raised poultry to our community and create a space where everyone can appreciate and enjoy chickens.

We dream of becoming the number one spot in town for amazing, high-quality poultry. And we want our farm to be a place that everyone talks about and can’t wait to visit.

Core Values

Here’s what we’re all about:

• Always Innovate: We love new ideas that make our farm better.
• Provide Unique Experiences: Your experience with our chickens matters the most.
• Build a Diverse Team: Teamwork makes everything run smoothly.
• Attention for Detail: Planning and paying attention to details are the keys to our success.
• Build a Better Community: We want to do good things. That means creating jobs, educating folks, and sharing lots of delicious poultry.

Goals and Objectives

Short-term Goals (Next 6-12 months)

• Get $1.5M USD to start everything up.
• Find the perfect piece of land for our farm.
• Build our first chicken coop and get our first batch of chicks.
• Hire a team to help us kick things off.

Medium-term Goals (Next 1-2 years)

• Start selling our poultry and break even by the 16th month.
• Make friends with local grocery stores, markets, and restaurants.
• Get our second chicken coop going and raise more chickens.

Long-term Goals (Next 2-5 years)

• Have three big chicken coops running smoothly.
• Open our farm to the public for everyone to enjoy.
• Welcome more than 47 awesome staff members to the Feather Grove family.

With everyone’s support, we believe we can turn this dream into a reality, bringing amazing poultry to the people and making our farm a special place for everyone.

Market Analysis

Feather Grove aims to navigate the challenges faced by the poultry industry, drawing inspiration from lessons learned in poultry farming.

Market Trends and Adaptations

• Local and Sustainable: Following the trend in poultry farming, there’s a rising demand for locally produced poultry. At Feather Grove, we prioritize sustainable and ethical farming practices, ensuring our community has access to fresh, locally sourced eggs.
• Digital Presence: Like the poultry farming sector’s shift to online platforms, Feather Grove embraces technology. We offer online ordering, home delivery, and even curbside pick-up to make it convenient for our customers.
• Technological Integration: Modern poultry farming involves smart monitoring systems. At Feather Grove, we leverage technology to monitor the well-being of our flock, ensuring they are healthy and happy.

Sales and Production

• Broiler Chicken Production: We specialize in the production of broiler chickens, ensuring they are raised in comfortable and well-maintained poultry houses. Our investment in optimal conditions reflects in the quality of our poultry.
• Egg Production: At Feather Grove, we concentrate on egg production. Our laying houses provide a conducive environment for hens, resulting in best-quality eggs.

Market Distribution

• Local Markets and Partnerships: Similar to the poultry farming sector, Feather Grove targets local and regional markets. We establish partnerships with local grocery stores, participate in farmers’ markets, and collaborate with restaurants to bring our products directly to consumers.
• Community-Centric Approach: Much like the emphasis on community impact in poultry farming, Feather Grove actively engages with the local community. We offer farm tours, educational programs, and explore opportunities to collaborate with local businesses.

Integration and Services

• Diversification of Income Streams: Taking a cue from the integrated approach in poultry farming, Feather Grove aims to diversify income streams. In addition to selling poultry products, we explore value-added services like processed chicken products, poultry manure for fertilizing, and educational programs.
• Holistic Farming Experience: Feather Grove aims to offer a holistic farming experience. Our farm is not just a place to buy eggs; it is  a community hub where people can learn about sustainable farming practices, participate in events, and connect with the journey of their food.

Products and Services

Our farm produces organic and free-range eggs. We prioritize the health and natural behavior of our laying hens, resulting in superior-quality eggs with rich flavors and nutritional benefits.

Broiler Chickens

Our broiler chickens are raised in spacious, well-ventilated environments. We provide them with a balanced diet, ensuring the production of tender and flavorful meat. Our commitment to ethical farming practices extends to the entire lifecycle of our chickens.

Additional Services

In addition to our poultry products, we offer services such as poultry farming consultation and educational programs. These services aim to share our expertise with aspiring farmers and raise awareness about ethical farming practices.

Marketing Plan

Feather Grove Poultry Farm takes pride in being the exclusive representative of the Kentucky Poultry Club (KPC), an esteemed company in the poultry industry. This strategic partnership positions us to source unique, patent-protected chicken breeds, providing FGPF with a distinct advantage over competitors in the market. Our primary revenue streams will be generated through the sale of these exclusive poultry breeds and visitor admissions to our innovative poultry farm.

Pricing Model

Feather Grove is committed to offering good-quality and exclusive poultry breeds to our customers. The pricing model for our products and services will be designed to reflect the uniqueness and value of these breeds. As we set out, our focus will be on providing transparency and fair pricing to our customers, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the exclusivity of our offerings.

Competitive Advantage

Our competitive edge lies in the exclusive partnership with the Kentucky Poultry Club (KPC), offering us access to unique and patent-protected chicken breeds that set Feather Grove apart in the market.

Unique and Proprietary Chicken Breeds

Through our collaboration with KPC, we gain access to chicken breeds that are not only unique but also protected by patents. This exclusive access allows FGPF to introduce a variety of chicken breeds to our customers that they won’t find elsewhere. The distinctiveness of our poultry breeds enhances our brand reputation and market positioning.

Poultry Farm Experience Center

Feather Grove will leverage the exclusive chicken breeds to create a unique and innovative poultry farm experience center. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness and interact with these special breeds, making their visit to Feather Grove memorable and educational. Revenue from visitor admissions will complement our sales of exclusive poultry breeds, creating a diversified income stream.

Key Success Factors

The success of Feather Grove is underpinned by various factors critical to our performance, profitability, and our ability to make the most of the exclusive offerings from the Kentucky Poultry Club.

• Effective Marketing and Branding: Communicating the exclusivity of our poultry breeds and the unique experience at our farm.
• Visitor Engagement and Experience: Providing a memorable and educational experience for visitors to the poultry farm.
• Efficient Operations: Ensuring efficient farm operations for the breeding and care of exclusive chicken breeds.
• Strategic Pricing: Implementing a pricing strategy that reflects the value of our exclusive offerings while remaining accessible to customers.
• Collaboration with Kentucky Poultry Club: Maintaining a strong and collaborative relationship with KPC for a continuous supply of unique poultry breeds.
• Customer Satisfaction: Prioritizing customer satisfaction through transparent practices and excellent service.
• Community Engagement: Actively engaging with the local community to foster support and awareness of our exclusive poultry farm.
• Feather Grove Poultry Farm is poised to redefine the poultry farming experience, offering customers and visitors something truly special through our exclusive partnership with the Kentucky Poultry Club.

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Sales and Marketing Plan

At Feather Grove Poultry Farm, our sales approach centers around a “direct to source” strategy. Establishing robust relationships with key customers is our priority, complemented by our commitment to delivering top-notch poultry products and impeccable execution.

Target Customers

Our target customers are strategically categorized based on revenue potential, with a focus on establishing strong connections and delivering quality products.

United Poultry Association (UPA): We aim to secure substantial revenue through strategic collaboration with UPA, leveraging their network to sell our premium poultry breeds to various stakeholders, with a primary focus on exporters.

Local Grocers:

Louisville Grocers: To build partnerships with local grocers to feature our exclusive poultry products.

Educational and Social Events: Targeting local event planners involved in educational and social events provides an opportunity to showcase our poultry farm as a unique and engaging venue. By forming partnerships with event planners, we aim to cater to their specific poultry-related needs.

Sales Strategies

Direct Relationship Building: To forge direct relationships with key customers, understanding their unique needs and preferences.

Product Showcase Events: To host events showcasing our poultry breeds, inviting potential customers like exporters, grocers, florists, and event planners to experience the quality firsthand.

Educational Workshops: To conduct workshops for local grocers and educate them on the distinct features and benefits of our poultry breeds.

Customized Offerings: To tailor our offerings to meet the specific requirements of each customer segment, ensuring a personalized and impactful approach.

Marketing Strategies

Online Presence: To establish a professional and user-friendly website to showcase our poultry breeds, pricing, and farm-related activities.

Social Media Campaigns: To leverage social media platforms to create awareness and engage with potential customers. Regular updates, promotions, and customer testimonials will be shared.

Local Collaborations: To collaborate with local associations, such as the Kentucky Poultry Club, to enhance our visibility in the community.

Participation in Local Events: To actively participate in local fairs, farmers’ markets, and community events to interact directly with potential customers.

Have Questions? Looking To Get Started?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

SWOT Analysis

Operational Plan

Feather Grove Poultry Farm aims to create a seamless operational process, offering both products and services to cater to retailers, wholesalers, and direct consumers. The combination of the farming area and the innovative visitor center is designed to attract a diverse range of customers, making it a popular destination for those seeking quality chicken products.

Operational Process

Farming Area 

Service Offering: Growing a variety of chickens for sale.

Products Sold: Eggs and chicken products.

Feed Source: Direct sourcing of chicken feeds from Kentucky Poultry Club (KPC).

Payment Method: 100% upfront payment in cash.

Visitor Center 

Service Offering: Visitor center with unique landscape and design.

Features: Walking paths

Target Audience: Tourists, potential chicken and egg buyers, and the general public.

Payment Methods: 100% upfront payment accepted in cash.

Equipment & Inventory

Farming Area: Chicken coops, feeding equipment, farming tools.

Visitor Center: Seating arrangements and visitor amenities.

Inventory: Chicken feeds, eggs, poultry-related merchandise.

Business Operation: 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday).

Hours: 8 am to 5 pm

Management Team

John Farmer 

Co-Founder & Farm Manager

John Farmer is an accomplished and results-driven agricultural professional with over 15 years of experience in managing and optimizing farm operations. Mr. Farmer’s expertise lies in crop cultivation, precision farming, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices. John has a proven track record of increasing yields and profitability through strategic planning and innovative technologies. As a hands-on leader, Mr. Farmer has successfully overseen large-scale farming operations, ensuring efficiency and adherence to quality standards. John is passionate about harnessing technology for agricultural advancements and is committed to contributing to the growth and sustainability of the farming industry.

Emily Young

Co-Founder & Marketing & Sales Officer 

Emily Young is a dedicated agricultural scientist specializing in farming and poultry. With a Master’s degree in Agricultural Science, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge in crop genetics, soil health, and sustainable farming practices. Ms. Young’s research contributions have been published in leading agricultural journals, showcasing strong dedication to advancing the field. Emily excels in designing and conducting experiments to enhance crop resilience and productivity. Emily’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement aligns with the vision of creating more sustainable and resilient agricultural landscapes, especially in the poultry farming sector.  Ms. Young is poised to make lasting contributions to the farming and poultry sectors working towards a more sustainable and promising future for agriculture.

Key Personnel 

The following section outlines each individual role, and their respective responsibilities:

Farm Manager

Oversees the day-to-day operations of the poultry farm. This includes managing the care and health of the poultry, overseeing feeding programs, and monitoring environmental conditions are in place. The farm manager is also responsible for coordinating staff, maintaining equipment, and implementing health and safety protocols on the farm.

Marketing & Sales Officer 

This role involves developing marketing strategies, establishing relationships with retailers, wholesalers, and distributors, and ensuring that the poultry products reach the intended customers. The coordinator may also be involved in market analysis, pricing strategies, and promotional activities to boost sales.

Quality Assurance Specialist

Responsible for maintaining and improving the quality standards of poultry products. The specialist may also be involved in implementing quality control measures throughout the production process, from breeding and raising poultry to processing and packaging.

Poultry Care Specialist

Responsible for the direct care and health of the poultry.

Equipment Maintenance

Manages the maintenance and upkeep of farm equipment.

Organization Structure

Financial Plan

The financial projections presented here is a result of careful planning by the management team at Feather Grove Poultry Farm. These projections look ahead and are subject to securing the required funding. It is the responsibility of the audience to conduct their own thorough investigation.

Considering the current state of the market and the specifics of our business, we outline the expected funding needs for the initial year of operations in the following financial plan. This plan serves as a transparent guide, showcasing our commitment to sound financial practices and strategic management.

INCOME STATEMENT

The Pro Forma Income Statement outlines the company’s anticipated financial performance for the next three years, with gross revenue projections of $456,795 in Year 1, $629,776 in Year 2, and $813,124 in Year 3. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) show positive growth, reaching $111,548 in Year 1, $180,456 in Year 2, and $248,423 in Year 3. The Pro Forma Income Statement provides key insights into the company’s profitability and financial trajectory.

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

The Pro Forma Cash Flow Statement is a vital component of the business plan, projecting cash inflows and outflows over the next three years. It anticipates a strong start in Year 1 with an opening cash balance of $10,000, followed by significant growth in Year 2 with an opening balance of $33,388. By Year 3, the business is poised for continued success, starting with an opening cash balance of $69,756. The statement serves as a critical tool for financial planning, providing insights for strategic decision-making and ensuring effective management of cash resources .

BALANCE SHEET

The Pro Forma Balance Sheet provides a snapshot of the company’s financial standing over the next three years, showcasing a progressive increase in total assets from $80,100 in the opening year to $760,612 in Year 3. Shareholders’ equity, a combination of invested equity, cumulative retained earnings, and dividends paid, is anticipated to grow from $70,100 in the opening year to $271,492 in Year 3, indicating a positive trajectory for the company’s financial health.

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