example of poultry farm business plan

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The Big Book Project

Agribusiness Training & Startup Tools

Poultry Business Blueprint: How to Plan, Launch, and Grow a Profitable Poultry Farm

Last updated on November 15, 2021 by Temi Cole Leave a Comment

I’m about to share with you my 15-point blueprint for writing a winning poultry farming business plan.

(Step-by-step.)

The best part?

You’re going to get linked to LOTS of business planning resources including real-life case studies within these steps.

Let’s take a look together…

• Step #1: Get ‘The Most Complete’ Poultry Farming Business Plan Template
• Step #2: Download “The Poultry Farm Business Plan Analysis Playbook”

Step #3: Download Poultry Plan It (eBook)

Step #4: download poultry project reporter 2.0 – insider’s guide, step #5: download sample poultry plan data, step #6: use business management templates (keep sheet).

• Step #7: Download Business Records for Poultry Keepers eBook (USDA Bulletin 1614)

Step #8: Subscribe To Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 (Fill-In-The-Gap PDF Builder) Software

Step #9: download zero debt: poultry farming business plan (2021) pdf ebook, step #10: download grow agribusiness faster classes, step #11: download poultry project hub pdf ebook, step #12: take the poultry farmer’s business quiz, step #13: download poultry project planning toolkit ebook v.1, step #14: download poultry business start-up: recommended digital tools of the trade, step #15: get a 1-to-1 poultry farming business planning review, step #1: get the best poultry farming business plan template.

A poultry farming business plan template is usually the no.1 request I get asked for as the author of The Big Book Project.

Emails like this are a good example:

Up until now, it’s been an obvious MISS as part of The Big Book Project…

…ready-made business planning consultancy for the beginner.

I always had it in mind to plug in the gap.

It’s in me to do.

With the experience of 10+ years serving start-up entrepreneurs with strategic business planning consultancy…there are countless benefits to offer here.

However, I didn’t want to rush.

I wanted the solution I delivered to ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS. And be handed over in a way that is:

Write Your Poultry Business Plan - in Just 90 Mins!

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

• self-explanatory
• self-driven

…the more flexible, yet comprehensive the planning materials are – the easier they will be to use and act on.

( And business does come down to action at the last .)

The Ultimate Poultry Farming Business Planning Template

My first step was to construct what I consider to be the most complete poultry farming business plan template possible.

The kind of thing that covers both bases of:

• helping to provide clarity to your thoughts for rolling out a successful poultry business launch
• communicating an attractive proposal to potential stakeholders and investors

Pouring in over 50,000+ hours of strategic business consulting experience which spans:

• global best practice insights and technology
• corporate currency exchange
• project management
• financial advisor and stockbroker
• freelance business management advisor

…I decided upon the following outline template:

Executive Summary

What is the business?

Why is it needed?

How will it deliver?

What are the financial rewards of investment?

Industry Analysis

Industry snapshot

SWOT & PESTLE (situational) analysis

Competitive forces

Vision & Mission Statement

Key function

Aspect of life

Product type

Scope and audience

Principles & promise

Feel good and standards

Poultry farm slogan

Competitive Analysis

Products and services

Marketing and sales

Key strengths

Marketing Strategy

Physical evidence

Leadership team

Professional profile

Financial Plan

Profit and loss

Balance sheet

Labour budget

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

It’s 38-parts that together spell out every critical element of poultry business success.

You simply won’t find a more comprehensive effort to fully load a poultry farming business plan with ALL ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS.

Want a breakdown of what each part really contains?

That’s EXACTLY what’s up next…

Step #2: Download The Poultry Farm Business Plan Analysis Playbook

As shared above, I’ve taken the time to draft what I am absolutely certain is THE market leading poultry farming business plan template – FULL STOP.

It’s got it all.

But what about the detail? And how should it be used?

Business planning analysis: the KEY to using my business plan template – like a PRO

Like so many business planning template solutions out there like bPlans, for example, they do a good job of setting a solid format, BUT…

…where they FALL SHORT is in giving you some real-life examples of how to APPLY the template .

In other words,

Most business planning tools out there don’t give you examples of how real poultry businesses measure up with the tool.

And because of this, those other planning tools leave you GUESSING what to do with it.

So you end up using it as a first-time pupil uses an exercise book:

Unskillfully and regrettably (“…don’t want to go back there again if I can help it…”).

When actually, what you NEED is a dynamic, “can’t put it down”, interactive ACTION plan – with bite.

…this is the reason I wrote this series of poultry farming business planning analyses.

Here’s what my business plan analysis will do for you…

To take all the guesswork and wandering out of planning your poultry business.

And to show you EXACTLY HOW a real-life poultry start-up success story marries up with my winning business planning formula…

…giving expert insight into how BEST to use the template to plan your own success.

The result?

(Way much better than just templates or homework…)

Step-by-step,   proven insights of what REALLY works and why in every step of writing your own poultry business plan.

= 1st rate consultancy & on-the-shoulder advice – at your own pace ( & at only a fraction of the price ).

You can access The Poultry Farming Business Plan Analysis Playbook here (Downloadable PDF version is available to paid subscribers )

So, why is an eBook the IDEAL partner to helping your write your poultry farming business plan?

(I’m glad you asked!)

Poultry Plan It: the blueprint to winning investment for your poultry business

Rather than present you with empty template boxes to fill out (which – let’s face it – offers zero value, both to you and potential investors)…

…instead,

My eBook called, Poultry Plan It – shows you EXACTLY how to:

• skillfully deliver and
• expertly pitch

…your poultry business plan to achieve 1 thing:

To Win Investment .

(Simple. My eBook “Poultry Plan It” shows you how to get investors to take your poultry business seriously .)

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Does this eBook sound like what you need?

Try the first chapter called “ Poultry Plan It: Executive Summary ” right here .

Want to unlock the whole eBook as PDF download?

Become a paid subscriber and get “ Poultry Plan It ” by instant PDF download .

Have you ever wanted to see:

…how the financial PROs estimate future poultry investment returns?

…which poultry production models generate the most profit?

(I mean REALLY SEE?)

Then the Poultry Project Reporter 2.0: Insider’s Guide was written just for you.

Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 – Insider’s Guide: the ‘grain-by-grain’ financial analysis EVERY poultry business plan needs

I wrote the Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 – Insider’s Guide for two pressing reasons:

• …to plug in the gap of a general lack of ‘detailed, long hand’ financial poultry business calculations available online to help with planning profits.
• …a ‘case study based’ user guide for license holders of my proprietary software ‘Poultry Project Reporter’ – to find out ALL the inside hints and tips for producing rock solid financial projections.

Here’s a quick snippet of the level of breakdown I provide:

…literally, grain-by-grain, high precision detail.

BUT at the same time super simple to follow.

(With lots of visual content to really help you ‘get the picture’.)

Want to hear it from a reader?

This feedback email was sent by a start-up poultry farmer.

He emailed me within minutes of receiving a mailshot of a FREE chapter from the Insider’s Guide.

So what’s actually ‘ inside ‘ the Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 – Insider’s Guide?

A great question.

Here’s what you get:

Totally comprehensive and also a great handbook to accompany my proprietary software Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 .

Want to grab a copy of the PPR 2.0: Insider’s Guide?

Become a paid subscriber today and instantly get the inside track on financial planning for your poultry farm business.

Have a read of this:

…and there are many more requests like this in my inbox.

It seems when it comes to business planning help, poultry farmers and professionals alike are interested in scanning sample data too.

( Not just templates )

Sample papers: a GREAT way for self-assessing if your business plan is up to scratch

If you ask me, examples are without doubt the BEST way to learn.

Whenever I’m looking to work out a business model I always look for working models that already exist.

Never contrived or manufactured formulas.

As an adult, I don’t like to be spoon-fed. I learn best when I’m left a little room to figure things out myself.

Let’s take it back to class…

…why are past exam papers and examiner notes such a popular revision method?

SELF-ASSESSMENT.

(i.e. finding out for yourself how you measure up against standard.)

My preferred method of advanced learning.

And I don’t think I am alone in this.

This is exactly why I put together these sample poultry farming data plans – both layer and broiler models.

I left out any country bias, so these are a universal fit to any and every economy.

What do the samples contain?

There are 2 typical planning problems that these plans are designed to solve:

• Input and output VARIABLES,
• related to the SCALE and MODEL of your farm.

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In other words, these samples are shortcuts or crib notes for literally telling you if your planning progress is:

• en-route for success, or;
• taking a wrong turn .

I’ve arranged the samples according to the following attributes :

Broiler farming rearing models

• All-In-All-Out

Layer farming rearing models

Input/Output variable

• Feed consumption
• Production (meat or eggs)
• Broiler by product

These lists above are like ingredients to prescribed recipes.

Or, elements of an equation for solving a problem.

Mix them together in the right order and you answer critical questions within your poultry farm business plan.

Want an example?

The sample plans above will answer questions like,

“How much manure will a 2,000 bird broiler farm produce annually over 6 years, using the 4+1 rearing method?” Or, “How many eggs will a 5,000 layer farm produce annually over 6 years, using the 1+2 rearing method?”

Simply pull the relevant data set and immediately land your finger on the answer.

A convenient ‘plug-in’ to EVERY poultry farming business plan

Would you like a free sample?

Click on this link for a free egg production dataset for a 500-bird layer farm using 1+3 rearing system .

Now, are you ready for EVERYTHING?

Become a paid subscriber to gain instant access to ALL current sample plans PLUS future updates.

Another short falling of traditional business planning templates is that they are  start-up focused .

It makes the value gained from them short-lived.

Think of it this way…

When you’ve finally launched your business, that’s just the beginning and not the end.

At the very least, you should have another 6 years on top of actually running your business.

If your templates are ONLY valid for start-up,

Then what do you use to keep your ongoing plans in order ?

Crush investment risk with my business management templates

Arguably, running the business is a far more risky phase of investment – most of all because now you have made a material commitment.

Therefore, you carry the potential of loss.

And business management also just happens to be the most challenging discipline to hold.

Because you’ve got SO MUCH going on all at the same time.

And staying organised becomes more and more difficult with every day that goes by.

CHAOS costs …

• you lose foresight, you lose track of progress and ultimately you lose money.

ORGANISATION profits …

you gain vision, you gain awareness and ultimately make money.

Business Management Templates

These templates are designed to help you stay on top.

What’s included?

Advance Your Poultry Project - Into Maximum Profits!

Advanced Poultry Pickup - hands-on, 1-to-1 poultry business consultancy - anywhere.

Download the ‘Keep Sheet’ for future reference.

Want to start making business management plans?

Become a paid subscriber and access this suite of business management templates today.

Step #7: Download Business Records for Poultry Keepers eBook

This is a USDA eBook (United States Department of Agriculture – Farmers’ Bulletin 1614) from 1929.

(That’s right – it’s almost 100 years old!)

But testament to ‘things done well’…

…this evergreen piece of invaluable financial coaching for poultry farmers still holds true today, as when it was 1st published.

Business Records for Poultry Keepers: “Simply…DON’T attempt to write your poultry business plan without it.”

The motto of the eBook? “It literally pays for poultry farmers to keep records of current operations to guide their efforts in profitable directions.” In fact the book gives the following 6 great   reasons why you need this download : (1) “… reduce the guesswork in poultry farming by helping the farmer to determine the actual reasons for poultry profits and losses,” (2) “… show the relative efficiency of different methods of production and marketing,” (3) “…make it possible for a poultry keeper to compare his results with published information (benchmark) on many poultrymen’s problems,” (4) “… show the financial progress a poultry keeper has made in his business,” (5) “… furnish information for credit statements when funds are borrowed,” (6) “… help to prevent disputes by serving as a check on business dealings.”

What is included in this eBook?

Business Records for Poultry Keepers

• Usefulness of poultry records
• Receipts and expenses
• Egg-production record
• Labor record
• Sales records
• Records of eggs and poultry for household use
• Pen records
• Incubation and hatching records
• Diary or notes on management
• Making use of the records 

Want to pick up a copy?

Download the eBook here.

When I began writing The Big Book Project, I had one goal in mind:

To demystify investment proposal writing for start-up farmers.

By trawling the endless blog posts and comments in the small agribiz space online,

It became clear that MANY of us have the ambition to start up.

• see borrowing as the only root
• underestimate their business plan as just a means of getting a loan
• grossly misunderstand how to model production to make a profit

…and I desperately wanted to change turn this on its head.

Only, I made up my mind that I wasn’t going to go the traditional consulting route .

• Too expensive
• VERY limited
• Anti self-sufficiency ( clients grow dependant )

So, what were the alternatives to consulting?

• Perhaps, author a book
• Develop a proprietary software
• Run online courses

…these were just a few.

Then after extensive research and thinking things through…

…I settled for all 3 of the above alternatives, wrapped up into one package:

A book, plus bespoke software and an online course.

Enter: The Big Book Project

The Big Book Project ( https://thebigbookproject.org )

• An online eBook – pushed by a blog.
• A spin-off digital business planning tool called Poultry Project Reporter.
• And an online poultry farming course called Advanced Poultry Pick-Up.

In 2 years only,

the blog amassed 170,094 new search engine visitors  alone

PLUS , a little over 8,000 newsletter subscribers too.

Mission accomplished.

(Well, almost – “… but what about that software? “)

Actually, one of the most popular enquiries received through my blog is for help writing poultry business proposals .

With all the best intentions in the world, there’s just not enough of me to go around the entire subscriber base giving out 1-to-1 proposal writing help.

So, I did the next best thing.

I made my advice automated (with the help of some handy digital tools) and wrote it one time only.

The result was Poultry Project Reporter and now we have just launched version 2.

What is Poultry Project Reporter 2.0?

Poultry Project Reporter 2.0: the fastest way of writing a professional poultry farming proposal

If you are looking to write a watertight poultry business proposal,

Then this Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 is a solid investment for you.

Here’s why:

Essentially, all you have to do is type in your data into the input field and then leave the publishing (complete with PDF download) – even the calculations to PPR 2.0

Are you ready to take a closer look at Poultry Project Reporter? Take a look at the dedicated Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 website

Poultry farming as a topic is MASSIVE worldwide.

It seems, when it comes to the subject matter of poultry farming, every country is both ‘ stalking it ‘ and ‘ talking it ‘ online.

These stats from my blog above tell the tale of poultry farming and its popularity. It literally reaches every country in the world .

And despite all this talk about poultry farming business plans…

…I find a large percentage of the ‘audience’ has no capital funding availability (whether saved or borrowed) . Of course, this is totally natural and a reality for the majority, AND if you ask me a great ADVANTAGE.

Take this reader of my blog:

It seems many see a lack of capital as a barrier to entry when it comes to layer or broiler farming.

“But who said anything about needing significant capital to start up a profitable poultry business ?”

One of the BIGGEST attractions to poultry farming surely is the LOW BARRIER to entry , LOW SETUP costs and yet HIGH profitability and cash flow potential.

But as with many theories, I suppose it remains ‘up in the air (talked about)’ until someone makes it tangible…material…possible.

This is the principle that encouraged me to step up to the plate in an attempt to ‘bat out of the park’ all doubt surrounding it…

…and finally, answer the question:

Can you start up a poultry farm with zero capital?

Yes, you can start a poultry farm with no available capital.

Here’s how…

Zero Debt Poultry Farming: the MOST REWARDING way to start, scale and establish a leading egg or chicken business

In my line of work as a consultant (professional problem solver) – the one discipline that keeps my craft alive is RESEARCH.

And as such, I come across all kinds of neat fixes that may not be for the time I find them,

But are bound to come in handy some time.

So, much like a handyman or craftsman, not wanting to let anything go that could be of use,

I end up keeping a stash of these in a ‘kind of’ strategic toolbox.

When enough time passes by whilst researching related topics,

I get enough of a head of steam to begin compiling an eBook.

This is my process.

And using this I wrote ‘ Zero Debt Poultry: Business Startup Plan ‘.

It’s a strategic playbook and secret formula for how (with no borrowings or savings) you:

• turn your poultry startup idea into a market-leading farming enterprise
• BEFORE you yield your 1st egg or carcass .

Want the PDF download?

Become a paid subscriber today and download Zero Debt Poultry Business Startup Plan .

I had to refrain from using the phrase, “Masterclasses”…a bit presumptuous for my liking.

Aren’t we always needing to ‘add on’ – even after many years of experience? Are ever really the finished article?

Whatever your answer to those questions is,

I do think what is indisputable is the benefit of someone else’s EXPERIENCE when you don’t have any…

… experience saves loss …

…loss of:

…and in the case of business startup, the benefit of experience in some critical areas can be the difference between success and failure.

And where so much is riding on you making it work,

Getting the right experience is HIGHLY valued.

Equally, identifying the most advantageous area of learning carries importance.

So, what area of learning would you say has the most impact on farming success?

According to this study , ‘ Farm Business Management Skills a Missing Link For Smallholder Farmers: A Case Of Malingunde, Malawi ‘ (European Journal of Business and Innovation Research 2016): Just one of many studies which declare a link between business management discipline and better economic output . Other quotes from the study bear reference to previous works: “Generally, management is a human responsibility and skill that drives economic activities and development ( Oghojafor et al, 2012 ).” “Smallholder farmers need to be better equipped with business management skills if they are to play a central role in improving agricultural productivity ( Mohit, 2012 ).”

So, there you have it – business management is the most influential skill set you could acquire for succeeding with your poultry startup.

But is there really a shortage of business management material on the internet?

Not according to Google,

As you can see above, it took Google 0.6 seconds to return almost 6 BILLION results for the search term ‘business management’.

That’s a FLOOD of management content.

But…I ask:

• Is all of it good ? Or at least suitable for a startup poultry farmer?
• Also, where do you begin ?

To save you ENDLESS wandering from page to page online,

I have neatly packaged a power-packed portfolio of business management tutorials tailor-made for EVERY startup farmer…

…called “Grow AgriBusiness Faster Classes”

Grow AgriBusiness Faster Classes: instantly download 15 years of 1st class management expertise ( & speed up your poultry profits )

The purpose of these tutorials is to make common with you some of the most valuable business management lessons learned in my 15 years of management.

They span a corporate and independent consulting career, including:

• global best practice
• financial investments
• small business strategy

But the goal is simple…

…to make hard things simple for you to ‘master’ (…there, I’ve said it now…) to save you any potential material losses of getting it wrong.

These lessons should help you to get it right, 1st time.

The GREAT thing about these tutorials also is that they are all written from 1st hand experiences and lessons learned . Nothing academic – all true to life .

Here’s currently what is included :

Want to access the Grow AgriBusiness Faster Classes?

Become a paid subscriber today and fast forward your management abilities.

Are you currently working on a feasibility plan & business proposal for your future poultry farm?

Then this resource is the ideal pocketbook and project reference guide for equipping you with EVERYTHING you need to draft a winning plan.

It’s called the Poultry Project Hub…

Poultry Project Hub: a jampacked project resource library giving you 100’s of angles on planning optimal profits

This has to be the most plentiful online digital resource for assisting your poultry business proposal writing .

Here’s a quick round-up of its contents:

In short, the Poultry Farming Project Hub contains:

“…over 20,501 words, 200+ rows of data tables, as well as 30+ screenshots/images, sample calculations, case studies and more.”

If you are looking for:

• sample plans
• expert poultry business consultancy
• step-by-step calculations
• definitions and equations for investment metrics
• case studies
• detailed ‘explainer’ articles on hard to understand model concepts

…then this is an unmissable opportunity for you.

Visit the library and its FREE resources now.

Want to download the entire library in PDF instead?

Become a paid subscriber and get the PDFs.

This is very simply – a little bit of light relief if you are finding the whole exercise of business planning a little…frustrating.

There are 15 questions in this quiz.

Each covering a key poultry farming discipline.

It’s multiple choice and nothing too heavy.

Ideally, you might use them to sharpen up your general strategic business awareness.

Try the poultry business quiz.

I made this as a complementary guide to be read alongside sample poultry plans.

To help you better DIRECT the planning process.

To have you asking the right questions and taking the right approaches to assemble your poultry business plan successfully.

Plus, I provide insight into:

• production modelling options and,
• uncover flawed assumptions.

These points above are often sticking points and wrong turns for many when building a plan.

This eBook helps you avoid the loss of time and effort getting tied up in with grey spots.

And here’s how…

Poultry Planning Toolkit eBook: avoid common planning errors by having this on your desk as you work

I’d go as far as saying that you shouldn’t begin writing your poultry farm business plan UNTIL you’ve read this.

It does the job of ironing out all the usual sticking points that trouble and prolong planning.

Issues such as:

• modelling choices
• how best to plan your earnings
• how to measure profitability
• how to do capital planning

…are opened up with ease and made plain.

Here’s the chapter line-up :

• Broiler vs. Layer
• Reverse Engineer your Earnings
• Modelling for Cash Flow
• Frameworking
• Cost & Price Inputs
• Gross Profits
• Capital Planning
• Return on Investment
• Scenario Planning

I designed it to answer ALL the key strategic planning questions.

I’d say, the real value of this eBook is that it prevents false starts by filling in the common knowledge gaps .

A great time saver.

Take a few minutes to read a chapter for free .

Want to download the entire PDF eBook?

Become a paid subscriber today and get expert direction for writing a successful poultry business plan.

This one is quite simple.

If it’s ever cross your mind to ask,

“Hey Temi, what website software do you use?”

“What service do you use to send out those email messages?”

For example, I use WPMUDEV as my web hosting partner. They are just right for The Big Book Project currently. It’s true that there are many cheaper web hosting services out there, But the operative word here is * SERVICE* . When I fail, they pick up the pieces and always ensure The Big Book Project is constantly online. No downtime, no curveballs, no disasters…you see everything coming LONG before it hits, giving plenty of time to react successfully…PLUS, when trouble hits, they REALLY know how to rescue a WordPress website . Hands down. I have no complaints and many good things to say…if you are looking for an expert WordPress website support team – I couldn’t recommend them highly enough . Learn more about WPMUDEV here. (The link above goes to their website and of course costs you nothing. If you decide to hire them, I get a small payment back. The money side has no influence though. I personally use them and happily recommend their service.)

My other tools of the trade including:

• graphic design tool
• online payment gateway
• document management tools
• email marketing platform
• accounting program (inc. invoicing, quotations etc).

…are all neatly listed in the crib sheet.

It’s exhaustive. And comes with 10 years of self-employment and business ownership experience.

Lots of valuable, ‘hard-to-find’ gems to give you plenty of advantage.

(*Plus there are some GREAT time and budget savers in here to help you save the pennies, without compromising on  quality.)

Want to download my Digital Tools of The Trade crib sheet?

Become a paid subscriber today and get a headstart on digital business services.

Whilst I don’t write business plans, I do review them from time to time.

From your point of view, it might be a useful pointer in the right direction.

Just the thing you need to get you out of a rut and to finally complete your plan.

A bit like this:

…always good to see REAL LIFE RESULTS gained by readers of The Big Book Project who put the advice into action .

Want me to take a look at your poultry farm business plan?

Become a paid subscriber today and book your business plan review.

Now over to you…

Are you currently writing a business plan for your poultry farm?

Have you already drafted your plan?

Either way, I’d be interested to hear from you.

Leave a comment below.

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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

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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.

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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.

Creating a plan for your chicken farm is a wise step, especially when applying for funding. By utilizing a business plan format , you will gain valuable insights. As you learn about the chicken farming industry, your competitors, and your customers, you can develop an effective and strategic marketing plan . This process will help you understand what it takes to start and grow a successful chicken farming business.

In the US, more and more business owners are looking for business plan templates using phrases like sample poultry business plan pdf, poultry farming business plan pdf, poultry business plan pdf, and even poultry business plan pdf South Africa. This indicates that entrepreneurs recognize the significance of having a well-organized business plan outline , including an operational plan , for their chicken farms. These templates are valuable because they offer insights into the specifics of the chicken farming industry and help in developing a robust marketing strategy. As more individuals seek guidance in starting successful chicken farms, these templates become essential for making informed decisions and ensuring sustained growth in the industry.

If you’ve been exploring a chicken business plan, poultry farm business plan, or chicken poultry business plan and you’re still looking for an easy way to create your own, you are in the right place. BSBCON offers business plan writing services across different industries, and many businesses have achieved great success with our help.

Our expert business plan writers specialize in simplifying the process of how to start a poultry farm with winning business plans. Whether you are starting a chicken farm, a larger poultry project, or a combination of both, our expertise in creating effective plans can be a significant help.

Take your poultry farm dreams to new heights with a business plan that sets you up for success. Reach out to us today.

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How to write a business plan for a poultry farm?

Writing a business plan for a poultry farm can be an intimidating task, but with the right pointers it doesn't have to be.

This guide is designed to provide aspiring and existing poultry farmers with the information they need to create a comprehensive and effective business plan that covers all of their bases. 

Whether you are starting up or looking to grow your current operation, this guide will walk you through the steps necessary to write a successful business plan for your poultry farm. 

We'll cover why writing a business plan is necessary, what information is needed, what should be included in your business plan, and which tools can help make the process easier. 

With this guide as your roadmap, you'll have everything you need to create an effective and comprehensive business plan for your poultry farm!

In this guide:

Why write a business plan for a poultry farm?

• Information needed to create a business plan for a poultry farm
• What goes into your poultry farm's financial forecast?

The written part of a poultry farm business plan

• What tool should I use to write my poultry farm business plan?

Writing a business plan for your poultry farm is an essential exercise because of the following reasons:

• A business plan acts as a roadmap for your business
• A business plan is indispensable if you want to secure financing
• A business plan helps you keep track of the progress of your poultry business

A business plan as the roadmap for your poultry business

A good business plan will clarify how your business should move forward, what steps are necessary to ensure success, and how best to use the available resources. 

It also helps identify potential risks before they become problems that might detract you from meeting your business goals.

A business plan helps you to secure financing for your poultry company

Writing a poultry farm business plan is essential if you need to raise capital to start or expand, as investors and banks will use your business plan to determine if an investment in your poultry farm can generate a good return on their investment. They want to see healthy growth, profitability and cash generation outlined in your business plan.

Financiers look at your revenue projections, costs, assets, liabilities, and cashflows to make informed decisions about investing in your business. If the figures in your business plan are not persuasive, your hope of securing financing may become a distant memory. 

Therefore, your poultry business plan must be comprehensive and convincing enough to get the attention of investors and banks.

Tracking the progress of your poultry business

A well-thought-out poultry business plan allows you to evaluate your financial performance to your initial objectives: this enables you to identify any discrepancies between your expectations and reality so that corrective measures can be taken.

For example, if the operating expenses of your poultry business go up 5% more than what is in your business plan: you could make adjustments to correct the situation. 

You may also define goals and targets for the next 3 to 5 years and use your business plan to track your progress.

Now that we've covered why it's vital, let's look at the information you need to construct a business plan for a poultry farm. 

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What information is needed to create a business plan for a poultry farm?

Carrying out market research for a poultry farm.

Carrying out market research before writing a business plan for a poultry farm is crucial to forecasting revenues and devising an effective strategy. 

Market research offers insightful information on the state of the sector, including competitor analyses, consumer preferences, and trends that could influence upcoming sales. 

You should seek to answer critical questions like:

• How has the poultry sector fared in recent years?
• Who is the competition? What is my competitive edge?
• Which market segments - production, processing, and breeding - are the most lucrative?
• What are pricing and profit margins like?
• What have been the upcoming trends in consumer behaviour in the poultry sector?
• How long does it take from breeding to bird sales?
• Is the poultry sector highly seasonal? Putting into consideration festive periods.

Knowing these details will allow you to make informed decisions when creating your poultry business plan and ensure your goals are realistic and achievable.

Developing the marketing plan for a poultry farm

Before writing a poultry business plan, you must develop a comprehensive marketing plan. This will account for the budget allocated towards sales and marketing activities such as advertising, promotion, and pricing strategies.

Your marketing plan should also outline strategies you will use to sell your products/services to your target customers and any measures put in place to track progress.

The staffing and equipment needs of a poultry farm

It is critical to consider all necessary investments, such as staffing and equipment requirements, and any potential overhead costs.

For a startup entrepreneur in the poultry business sector, some of the initial costs required to bring the idea to life may include:

• Cost of renting land
• Construction costs
• Cost of buying the birds
• Vaccination
• Hiring a veterinary doctor
• Labour costs
• Equipment costs

Once you have gathered the information needed to create a business plan for a poultry farm, it is time to take the next step and make a financial forecast. This will help you determine how much money you need to invest in your farm and what kind of returns can be expected from your investments. 

What is the financial forecast for a poultry farm?

The financial forecast for a poultry farm includes the Profit and Loss (P&L) statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. 

The projected P&L statement

A projected P&L statement for a poultry business plan provides an estimate of how much money the farm may make in the near future (3-5 years). 

It tells investors and banks if your business is expected to be profitable and by how much it is anticipated to grow. This information helps your financiers decide if they want to finance your poultry farm.

The projected balance sheet of your poultry farm

The balance sheet for a poultry business plan is an essential financial statement that helps to examine a company's present financial situation. 

It provides a snapshot of all the assets a business owns, such as cash, inventory, equipment, buildings, and property; as well as all of its liabilities like loans and accounts payable (an account that tracks credit purchases). 

This information assists lenders and investors in understanding how the poultry farm is spending its finances and evaluating your company's ability to pay its long-term debt (solvency) and short-term debt (liquidity).

The projected cash flow statement

A cash flow statement for a poultry business plan shows how much money comes in and goes out of the farm during the period under observation. 

A projected cash flow statement helps you plan and ensure that you have enough cash to operate the farm. In addition, Investors are interested in seeing how their cash will be used to grow your business.

The initial financing plan

An initial financing plan helps you keep track of the money needed to start a poultry farm. It shows how much money you need and where it should come from. The initial financing plan is also called the sources and uses table. 

The table shows all the different sources of funds, like loans or investments, and how they will be used for expenses such as buying equipment. 

A trustworthy financial forecast is a necessary component of any business plan for a poultry farm, but it is not the only piece of information needed. 

To get a holistic view of your business, readers will also need to understand the context behind the numbers - and that comes from the written part of your poultry farm business plan, which we are going to be looking at next.

The written part of a poultry business plan is composed of seven main sections:

The executive summary

The presentation of the company, the products and services section, the market analysis, the strategy section, the operations section.

• The financial plan

The executive summary section of your poultry business plan should give an overview of the other six sections of the business plan (above) and should cover the following:

• A thorough overview of the poultry business
• Your goals and objectives
• Your business strategy
• The target market
• The organisational structure of your business
• Key financials and funding requirements

The executive summary section of your business plan should grab the attention of readers and encourage them to read the rest of the business plan

When writing this section of your business plan, you should cover the structure and ownership of the farm, its location, and its management team. 

The legal structure of the farm, such as whether it is a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc., as well as any ownership details, such as who owns what stake in the business and how that might influence decision-making, should be clearly described.

Next, information regarding the poultry farm's location must be presented to give readers a better understanding of its potential customer base. Providing location data, such as the street address and nearby cities and transport infrastructure will give potential investors an idea of how accessible the farm is for customers.

Lastly, a description of the management team and each individual's qualifications and experience in operating a poultry farm should be included. 

Through this information, potential investors will be able to assess the level of expertise and experience that exists within the team. 

For potential investors and lenders, the products and services component of your poultry farm's business plan is critical.

It should provide detailed information on what types of poultry (chicken, duck, turkey, etc.) your farm will be raising, how many birds it plans to produce, how much land and equipment is needed to run the operations and any other relevant details about production capacities.

This section should also include an analysis of the market for your products or services to demonstrate that there is enough demand for your business to be profitable. 

This includes researching competitors’ prices and marketing strategies, understanding customer needs, identifying areas where there may be untapped potential markets, and developing a strategy to differentiate yourself from the competition.

Additionally, this section should discuss any long-term goals or objectives related to product development or expansion into new markets that may help increase profitability over time.

When writing the market analysis section of your poultry business plan, it is vital to include information about demographics and segmentation, target markets, barriers to entry and competition. 

Demographics and segmentation should focus on the characteristics of the different customer segments in your target market. This information demonstrates to lenders and investors that there is demand for what you offer, that demand is sufficient, and that you have a reasonable grasp of the market.

Additionally, including information about your target market in your business plan ensures that the products and services your business offers are in line with market demands.

Finally, the competition analysis, when effectively presented, shows how viable your target market is and how well-positioned you are to compete.

When writing the strategy section of your poultry farm business plan, it is essential to include information on your competitive edge, pricing strategy, sales and marketing plan, milestones and risks and mitigants (how you will reduce risks). 

The competitive edge should explain why customers would choose your poultry farm over other businesses offering similar services, and discuss factors such as location, quality of product or customer service standards. 

Also, the pricing strategy should detail how you intend to price products for maximum profitability while remaining competitive within the market. 

It may also be useful to explain your sales and marketing strategy, which should describe how you intend to reach your potential customers and raise brand awareness through various channels, such as social media and print advertising. 

Furthermore, milestones that demonstrate to investors that you have defined growth and development objectives should also be mentioned. 

Lastly, describing potential risks with mitigations shows that you are aware of potential difficulties and have strategies in place to deal with them.

Presenting this information clearly in a business plan helps demonstrate that you have thoroughly considered all aspects of running your poultry farm successfully before launching operations.

The operations section of your poultry farm business plan should include detailed information about your staffing team, roles of staff members, and recruitment plan. It is also vital to list the specific positions that need to be filled, including those necessary for daily operations and those needed for administrative tasks. 

This section of the business plan should also include:

• The operating hours and any shifts or required rotations.
• The essential resources and intellectual property the company needs to run, such as permits and licenses.
• Information about which suppliers you plan to partner with, what kind of services they will provide and their commercial terms. 

When you provide investors with a comprehensive overview of the operations of your poultry farm, they will be better informed about how the business is expected to run and can make an educated decision about whether or not to invest in it. 

The presentation of the financial plan

In the financial plan section, you should talk about the financial forecast that we talked about earlier in this guide. 

This section is crucial because it contains all the facts necessary to demonstrate how much cash you will require and the costs associated with operating a poultry farm.

Now that you know what to include in a poultry farm business plan, it's time to discuss the tools and resources that can be used to create one. 

What tool should I use to write my poultry farm's business plan?

The three main options for drafting a business plan for a poultry farm are: using Word and Excel, paying a consultant to write the plan, or using online business plan software.

Create your poultry farm's business plan using Word or Excel

Creating a poultry farm business plan using Word or Excel might look like a cheap solution, but these programs have their challenges. 

• You start from a blank screen with no guided instructions
• It can’t be used to construct a financial forecast
• You have to be an expert in financial modelling to come up with an accurate forecast
• It takes a long time to create a complete forecast with Excel

Even if you successfully employ Word and Excel to create your company strategy, the problem of trust still exists. Will investors trust the outcome of your forecasts? That brings us to the next point.

Hire a consultant to write your poultry farm's business plan

Outsourcing a poultry farm business plan to a consultant or accountant is a viable option that can provide you with useful assistance while developing your business plan. 

Consultants are often experienced in writing business plans and accountants can create accurate financial forecasts. 

The only drawbacks to this solution are:

• Hiring a consultant or an accountant is expensive. The bare minimum for hiring a consultant is usually $2,000 (£1,500), excluding any additional changes required after the first version.
• An accountant will only help with the financial forecast section of your plan (you’d have to hire a consultant separately).
• There is the risk of them not understanding the poultry industry adequately to make recommendations or make a strong case to your financiers.

This leaves us with the third option.

Writing the business plan for a poultry farm yourself with an online business plan software

You might want to take matters into your own hands and write your poultry business plan using online business plan software. After all, nobody understands and is more passionate about your business than you do.

Some of the advantages of using an online business plan software are:

• It makes creating a financial forecast that will wow investors a breeze
• You don’t have to start from a blank screen (like in Word) and step-by-step instructions are provided for you for each section
• Helps you to confidently create your plan without worrying that you left out a crucial part
• Detail outline ensures that everything is covered
• Ensures that your plan follows the structure that investors and lenders expect
• You save time with the clear instructions provided
• Relevant examples are provided
• No knowledge of accounting required
• You don’t have to be a financial modelling expert
• No confusing Excel formulas
• A professional business plan template is provided, in which you could replace the texts and numbers with your business details to make it your own.

If you're interested in using this type of solution, you can try our software for free by signing up here .

We hope that this article has helped you to better understand how to write the business plan for a poultry farm. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

• Business plan steps
• How to write a five-year business plan?
• Mistakes to avoid in a business plan

Know someone in the poultry farm industry? 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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POULTRY FARM BUSINESS PLAN: Template and Guide

• by Folakemi Adegbaju
• August 14, 2023
• No comments
• 12 minute read

Table of Contents Hide

How to start a poultry farm business, #1. executive summary, #2. company analysis, #3. market analysis, #4. competitive analysis, #5. marketing strategy and implementation, #6. management and organization structure, #7. financial plan, #8. appendix, final thoughts, how profitable is poultry farming business, do farmers pay tax uk, how much do egg farmers make a year uk.

The poultry farming business is a dynamic, expanding industry with huge financial possibilities. If properly managed, the poultry farming industry could be regarded as one of the most profitable businesses in the world. It has developed into the best potential to make a substantial sum of money quickly. It’s challenging to start a poultry farm business in the UK, but having a solid business plan will help you succeed. Before starting a poultry farm in the UK, spend time and effort outlining the concept in a poultry farm business plan. Making the business plan prior to project initiation is the best approach. Using a sample of a poultry farm business plan might seem useful, but a professional touch is better.

Have a smooth ride!

What Is the Poultry Farm Business?

The majority of profitable business prospects are typically ignored by popular culture. Everyone wants to choose the more enticing positions, companies, or projects that will instantly evoke feelings of prestige in the minds of individuals who hear them. It would be excellent to pretend you are into oil and gas, transportation, or even entertainment when they ask what kind of industry you are in.

But suppose you work as a farmer and people stare at you oddly. This is one of the world’s most covert industries. Consider this: We regularly consume food without considering its origin or route to our table. Our food intake is supported by a huge number of individuals, groups, and organisations.

To enhance the output of eggs and meat, domesticated birds are raised for commercial purposes in poultry farming. Farms typically raise chicken, turkey, ducks, and geese as food. Although broilers are there for meat and layers for eggs, chicken has a global market.

There are some steps you must take when you want to start a poultry farm business so you can have a successful result. Getting a sample of a poultry farm business plan will be a great benefit too. The following are the steps you need to take:

#1. Learn Poultry Farming

Getting some fundamental training is the first step in starting a poultry farm business. Do not start a chicken farm right away after receiving the necessary instruction from a reputable farming institution. Be aware that dealing with real birds makes it a delicate process. If you need to learn about raising chicks, you can enrol in a training course, even if it’s brief.

#2. Decide What Niche To Concentrate On

The main thing that springs to mind when you think of the poultry industry is raising birds for meat. But there is more to breeding birds for commercial purposes; to start, you can also raise other species besides chickens in the poultry industry. In addition to choosing the species of birds you want to breed commercially, there are other areas of the market you may specialise in to make a difference and stand out.

The sector includes:

• Meat production (through broiler breeding)
• Production of eggs (through layer breeding)
• Production of poultry feed
• Equipment manufacturing is required on the poultry farm.
• Eggs and meat processing
• Chicken hatching
• Packaging and marketing of eggs and meat

An entrepreneur might choose more than one sector to launch their business, depending on their interests and viability.

#3. Choose a Suitable Location for Your Business

Choose a good location for your poultry farm business. Instead of creating a logistical nightmare and driving up transportation costs, it is best to position it close to where items are consumed. Also, due to regulations prohibiting this type of business from being established in a residence, your choice of location is very important.

However, a remote area of the city with few occupants would be the ideal location for you to establish such a business. The distance is specified because of the potential health effects such a place might have on individuals, as well as the noise, smell, and other factors. While it is great to locate a poultry farm business a little bit away from residential areas, it must not be so far away that clients cannot travel there to purchase the goods. Or so far away that vets find it challenging to travel to give the birds their vaccinations.

#4. Choose a Catchy Business Name

It’s also very crucial to give your poultry farm a name and register it in accordance with state regulations. Picking a name for your business requires creativity, so you might want to keep certain aspects in mind while you brainstorm ideas for a catchy name. Perhaps you want to emphasise how different you are from your rivals and use it to build your business name, or perhaps you want to pay close attention to the significant shift you want to bring about in your target audience. In any case, one of the important considerations is the name of your poultry farm business.

#5. Choose the Right Type of Bird

Poultry farm business owners rear different types of birds. It’s your choice to choose the breed of bird that you want to grow and breed on your farm. For the purpose of producing meat and eggs, it is first advised to choose from a small variety of broilers and layers. Depending on the demand and profitability, one can introduce new bird varieties as the business expands. There are some other types of birds that you can take into consideration. They are the duck, goose, turkey, etc.

#6. Have a Business Plan

To run your poultry farm business, make sure you have a poultry farm business plan in place in advance. The plan should depict the direction your poultry farm business will head in over the next four to ten years.

Write down your goals, target market, poultry products, and marketing techniques you want to use to make your business grow. Your poultry farm business plan comes with a lot of advantages. One of the advantages is that it attracts investors to your poultry business plan. Before investing in your poultry farm business, investors will like to carefully review your poultry farm business plan. Another advantage it has is that it helps you act in accordance with the poultry business plan, which aids in securely trending the path. You will be on track when executing your business. Getting a sample of a poultry farm business plan will help you carry out a proper business plan.

#7. Select the Cage Type of Your Poultry

Prior to creating your poultry farm’s ultimate plan, choosing the type and size of poultry cages is another crucial step. You may imagine that thinking about this before beginning a business is not all that necessary, but it really is. Your entire poultry business plan will be impacted by your estimation of the cost of the poultry cages, both favourably and unfavourably.

#8. Raise Startup Capital

You now know how much funding is needed to launch your poultry farming business plan after choosing your location. Document all of the funds you require along with their source and management. This type of business requires a large initial investment, and in the UK, the government does not provide any support at all. This implies that you would need to find alternative methods of raising capital to start this kind of business.

When looking for startup funding for your poultry farm business, some of the financing options you can consider are:

• Obtain funds from stock sales and personal savings.
• Personal property sales
• Sell shares to potential buyers.
• Obtain a soft loan from family and friends.
• submit a bank loan application.
• Obtaining the necessary funding from corporate partners and private investors
• Promote your business ideas to attract angel investors, venture capital, and financing from charitable groups.

#9. Get a Professional Certification

 There aren’t any significant certifications needed to start a poultry farm in the UK. To be able to do particular tasks on a poultry farm, such as vaccination, one may need to undergo training; this training may include a certificate. Any educational facility that offers the Diploma in Poultry course is open to enrollment if one so chooses. Here, they might get the crucial skills they need to manage a poultry business successfully. 

#10. Write a Marketing Strategy

It’s important to market your goods to the intended market. Because marketing is challenging, different communication channels can be used to generate publicity about your product. Nobody would come to do business with you if they were unaware of your business. And every company is created with the intention of producing money; otherwise, it would be known as a charitable organization. How do you spread the word so that the market is aware that your business even exists?

Typically, people concentrate on creating the farm itself and pay less attention to how to sell their specialities to customers who are looking for these services. This is why you should employ marketing and sales professionals to create creative ways to publicize your poultry farm business.

You can also market your poultry farm business through the following means:

• Utilise the internet to promote your business.
• Advertise your business in relevant financial magazines, on the radio, and on TV stations.
• Attend seminars and meetings in this industry and market your brand through networking.
• Get to meetings with government officials and people in the food service industry to let them know what you do.
• List your business in the local directories.

You can use a sample of a poultry farm business plan, but we advise you to go to a professional when starting your poultry farm business.

What Is a Poultry Farm Business Plan?

You will require a business plan for poultry farming that can explain how to start a poultry farm business in order to launch this business. The document serves as a comprehensive business plan that will guide you through all the steps involved in starting and running a profitable poultry farm. This business can pay you more money than a plan for a cattle feedlot or a dairy farm. For example, a business plan will help you in accomplishing this. Getting a sample of a poultry farm business plan will be an extra bonus when writing yours.

The following are steps you need to take when writing a poultry business plan;

An executive summary is a critical part of your business plan. It is where you briefly discuss your goals, your motivations, your core values, and even your intended means of achieving them. It might only ever be seen by you, but it’s a fantastic tool for reassurance as your company grows. Your executive summary should rapidly grab the reader’s attention. Tell them about the kind of poultry farm you run and its current state. For instance,

•  Do you run poultry farm enterprises in many areas?
• Are you a startup?
•  Do you have one that you’d like to expand?

In your company analysis, you will describe the kind of poultry farm you are managing, if it is a breeder farm, a broiler farm, or a pellet farm. The company analysis section of your business plan has to give information on the company and describe the type of poultry farming enterprise you will run. 

You can also include these:

• Explain your legal structure here.
• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date?

Those who are the final consumers of commercial poultry farm products and those who gain from the business value chain of the poultry farming and egg production industry are obviously a very large target market.

Whether it’s chicken or eggs, every household uses products from industrial poultry farms. Chicken and eggs are available in almost all lodgings and fast food outlets. A commercial chicken farmer should essentially be able to sell his or her chicken and eggs to as many consumers as feasible.

Regarding who your poultry farming business plans to serve, you must be quite clear. Your business plan needs to be clear about the clients you want to focus on, the population segment that will serve as your main market, and the population segment that your company will purposefully neglect.

To address the issue you want to solve, you need to determine how many people make up your target market and how much they typically spend annually. Conduct thorough market research and solely rely on reliable sources.

Your competitive analysis should list both your company’s direct and indirect rivals before concentrating on the latter. Other poultry farm companies are direct competitors .

Other retailers that clients can choose from but who are not direct competitors are known as indirect competitors. This includes those who manufacture alternatives to meat as well as producers of other meats like cattle, pork, or fish. Such competition must also be mentioned. You should outline the other poultry farms with which you compete in terms of direct competition. Most likely, poultry farms in the area around you will be your main competition. Give a brief description of each of these competitors’ firms and list their strengths and weaknesses.

You can also use the following questions in your competitive analysis:

• 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?
• Will you use superior production methods?

This is the section of many business plans that are lacking and might result in slow or poor sales. Most people enter a certain line of work because they are talented or passionate about it. However, the majority of these individuals are not natural marketers. You describe your plan for grabbing attention, creating interest in your services, and turning prospects into consumers in this area. Here, you should explain how you plan to reach your target market with your goods and services. Describe here the methods you’ll use to promote your products and the financial resources you’ll need to put your plans into action. Tell everyone you know about your chicken farming endeavours, including your friends, family, neighbours, and coworkers. Find as many meetings, seminars, and social gatherings as you can that are aimed toward small enterprises, agricultural companies, or other food service suppliers.

The following questions would also help in carrying out your marketing plan:

• What sort of online marketing do you do?
•  Do you advertise online, in print, or elsewhere? 
• Do you attend trade shows or sponsor events? 
• If your direct marketing is largely done by retailers, what kind of marketing will you do to attract and keep those key partners?

Here, your marketing strategies could include Twitter promos, product fliers and banners, radio ads, and Facebook marketing campaigns. Use social media in all its forms.

Describe the essential team members of your small business and why their participation is crucial to the success of your poultry farming operation in this area of your business plan. Make sure to include management team members and business owners in your plan. Will you run your company as a partnership, a sole proprietorship, or under a different form of ownership?

Here, introduce your company’s managers and give a brief description of their qualifications and main duties. Making a chart that shows your line of command could be a useful strategy. Additionally, you could wish to include important workers with connections or abilities that are strategic assets, people to fill important positions down the road, trustworthy advisers, or other useful contributors.

Your business plan must include a part devoted to fundraising if your objective is to raise money for your small business. You describe your financial goals in this part, along with how you plan to use the funds for your poultry business. If you require funding, this part focuses on the amount of money you require to launch your firm and the purpose for which you want to use the funds you are raising. Your 5-year financial statement should be broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually in your financial plan. Your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements are all financial statements.

Include all of your financial estimates in the appendix of your poultry farm business plan, along with any additional materials that can strengthen your point.

Keep in mind that while market and problem analysis are important, implementation is ultimately what counts. That’s why we wrote a poultry business plan just for you to stay true to yourself. Using a sample of a poultry farm business plan to write yours is cool, but you’ll need a professional touch on your poultry farm business plan.

One of the industries with tremendous growth potential is poultry farming. The poultry farm business must be chosen if you want quick profits. Starting a small-scale poultry farm doesn’t require a significant financial outlay or a lot of space, but having a poultry business plan is a great advantage to your poultry farm business. Getting a sample of a poultry farm business plan might make it seem easy to write , but you definitely need professional help while writing your poultry farm business plan.

The poultry business owners are primarily focused on maximising the production from their farm by selling eggs as well as related products like feathers, gunny sacks, and poultry litter. If properly managed using accepted practices, the poultry farming industry can be quite profitable.

When a farmer earns a £20,000 profit, the first £9,440 is tax-free and the remaining £10,560 is subject to a 20% tax rate, which equals £2,112 in tax obligations. Similar procedures are applied to farmers in Ireland, although at different times and with different fees.

Even while an egg costs only 7.5 cents on average, the sector as a whole is worth roughly a billion pounds annually. An average hen will bring approximately £2.35 per year for a farmer (or as little as £1.80 for eggs produced intensively).

Related Article

• PRODUCT ANALYSIS | The Product Anaysis Cycle
• LAYER POULTRY FARMING BUSINESS PLAN: What You Need!!!
• SMALL FARMING BUSINESS PLAN: Simple Steps to Write One!!!
• Farm Business Tenancy: Guide & Overview

Folakemi Adegbaju

She is a passionate copywriter and a good listener

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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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How to Start a Farm: Plan Your Operation

Think about your operation from the ground up and start planning for your business.  A good farm business plan is your roadmap to start-up, profitability, and growth, and provides the foundation for your conversation with USDA about how our programs can complement your operation. 

Keep reading about planning your business below, get an overview of the beginning farmer's journey , or jump to a different section of the farmer's journey.

On This Page

Why you need a farm business plan.

A comprehensive business plan is an important first step for any size business, no matter how simple or complex. You should create a strong business plan because it:

• Will help you get organized . It will help you to remember all of the details and make sure you are taking all of the necessary steps.
• Will act as your guide . It will help you to think carefully about why you want to farm or ranch and what you want to achieve in the future. Over time, you can look back at your business plan and determine whether you are achieving your goals.
• Is required to get a loan . In order to get an FSA loan, a guarantee on a loan made by a commercial lender, or a land contract, you need to create a detailed business plan . Lenders look closely at business plans to determine if you can afford to repay the loan.

How USDA Can Help

Whether you need a good get-started guide, have a plan that you would like to verify, or have a plan you’re looking to update for your next growth phase, USDA can help connect you to resources to help your decisions.

Your state's beginning farmer and rancher coordinator  can connect you to local resources in your community to help you establish a successful business plan. Reach out to your state's coordinator for one-on-one technical assistance and guidance. They can also connect you with organizations that specifically serve beginning farmers and ranchers.

It is important to know that no single solution fits everyone, and you should research, seek guidance, and make the best decision for your operation according to your own individual priorities.

Build a Farm Business Plan

There are many different styles of business plans. Some are written documents; others may be a set of worksheets that you complete. No matter what format you choose, several key aspects of your operation are important to consider.

Use the guidelines below to draft your business plan. Answering these kinds of questions in detail will help you create and develop your final business plan. Once you have a business plan for your operation, prepare for your visit to a USDA service center. During your visit, we can help you with the necessary steps to register your business and get access to key USDA programs.

Business History

Are you starting a new farm or ranch, or are you already in business? If you are already in business:

• What products do you produce?
• What is the size of your operation?
• What agricultural production and financial management training or experience do you, your family members, or your business partners have?
• How long have you been in business?

Mission, Vision, and Goals

This is your business. Defining your mission, vision and goals is crucial to the success of your business. These questions will help provide a basis for developing other aspects of your business plan.

• What values are important to you and the operation as a whole?
• What short- and long-term goals do you have for your operation?
• How do you plan to start, expand, or change your operation?
• What plans do you have to make your operation efficient or more profitable ?
• What type of farm or ranch model (conventional, sustainable, organic, or alternative agricultural practices) do you plan to use?

Organization and Management

Starting your own business is no small feat. You will need to determine how your business will be structured and organized, and who will manage (or help manage) your business. You will need to be able to convey this to others who are involved as well.

• What is the legal structure of your business? Will it be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, trust, limited liability company, or other type of entity?
• What help will you need in operating and managing your farm or ranch?
• What other resources, such as a mentor or community-based organization , do you plan to use?

Marketing is a valuable tool for businesses. It can help your businesses increase brand awareness, engagement and sales. It is important to narrow down your target audience and think about what you are providing that others cannot.

• What are you going to produce ?
• Who is your target consumer ?
• Is there demand for what you are planning to produce?
• What is the cost of production?
• How much will you sell it for and when do you expect to see profit ?
• How will you get your product to consumers ? What are the transportation costs and requirements?
• How will you market your products?
• Do you know the relevant federal, state, and local food safety regulations? What licensing do you need for your operation?

Today there are many types of land, tools, and resources to choose from. You will need to think about what you currently have and what you will need to obtain to achieve your goals.

• What resources do you have or will you need for your business?
• Do you already have access to farmland ? If not, do you plan to lease, rent, or purchase land?
• What equipment do you need?
• Is the equipment and real estate that you own or rent adequate to conduct your operation? If not, how do you plan to address those needs?
• Will you be implementing any conservation practices to sustain your operation?
• What types of workers will you need to operate the farm?
• What additional resources do you need?

Now that you have an idea of what you are going to provide and what you will need to run your operation you will need to consider the finances of your operation.

• How will you finance the business?
• What are your current assets (property or investments you own) and liabilities (debts, loans, or payments you owe)?
• Will the income you generate be sufficient to pay your operating expenses, living expenses, and loan payments?
• What other sources of income are available to supplement your business income?
• What business expenses will you incur?
• What family living expenses do you pay?
• What are some potential risks or challenges you foresee for your operation? How will you manage those risks?
• How will you measure the success of your business?

Farm Business Plan Worksheets

The Farm Business Plan Balance Sheet can help gather information for the financial and operational aspects of your plan.

Form FSA-2037 is a template that gathers information on your assets and liabilities like farm equipment, vehicles and existing loans.

• FSA-2037 - Farm Business Plan - Balance Sheet
• FSA-2037 Instructions

Planning for Conservation and Risk Management

Another key tool is a conservation plan, which determines how you want to improve the health of your land. A conservation plan can help you lay out your plan to address resource needs, costs and schedules.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff are available at your local USDA Service Center to help you develop a conservation plan for your land based on your goals. NRCS staff can also help you explore conservation programs and initiatives, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) .

Conservation in Agriculture

Crop insurance, whole farm revenue protection and other resources can help you prepare for unforeseen challenges like natural disasters.

Disaster Recovery

Special Considerations

Special considerations for businesses.

There are different types of farm businesses each with their own unique considerations. Determine what applies to your operation.

• Organic Farming  has unique considerations. Learn about organic agriculture , organic certification , and the  Organic Certification Cost Share Program  to see if an organic business is an option for you. NRCS also has resources for organic producers and offers assistance to develop a conservation plan.
• Urban Farming  has special opportunities and restrictions. Learn how USDA can help farmers in urban spaces .
• Value-Added Products . The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) is a national virtual resource center for value-added agricultural groups.
• Cooperative.  If you are interested in starting a cooperative, USDA’s Rural Development Agency (RD) has helpful resources to help you begin . State-based  Cooperative Development Centers , partially funded by RD, provide technical assistance and education on starting a cooperative.

Special Considerations for Individuals

Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers: We offer help for the unique concerns of producers who meet the USDA definition of "historically underserved,"  which includes farmers who are:

• socially disadvantaged
• limited resource
• military veterans

Women: Learn about specific incentives, priorities, and set asides for  women in agriculture within USDA programs.

Heirs' Property Landowners: If you inherited land without a clear title or documented legal ownership, learn how USDA can help Heirs’ Property Landowners gain access to a variety of programs and services

Business Planning

Creating a good business plan takes time and effort. The following are some key resources for planning your business.

• Farm Answers from the University of Minnesota features a library of how-to resources and guidance, a directory of beginning farmer training programs, and other sources of information in agriculture. The library includes business planning guides such as a Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses and an Example Business Plan .
• The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers information about starting, managing, and transitioning a business.

SCORE is a nonprofit organization with a network of volunteers who have experience in running and managing businesses. The Score Mentorship Program partners with USDA to provide:

• Free, local support and resources, including business planning help, financial guidance, growth strategies.
• Mentorship through one-on-one business coaching -- in-person, online, and by phone.
• Training from subject matter experts with agribusiness experience.
• Online resources and step-by-step outlines for business strategies.
• Learn more about the program through the Score FAQ .

Training Opportunities

Attend field days, workshops, courses, or formal education programs to build necessary skills to ensure you can successfully produce your selected farm products and/or services. Many local and regional agricultural organizations, including USDA and Cooperative Extension, offer training to beginning farmers.

• Cooperative Extension  offices address common issues faced by agricultural producers, and conduct workshops and educational events for the agricultural community.
• extension.org  is an online community for the Cooperative Extension program where you can find publications and ask experts for advice.

Now that you have a basic plan for your farm operation, prepare for your visit to a USDA service center.

2. Visit Your USDA Service Center

How to Start a Farm with USDA

Get an  overview of the beginning farmer's journey  or jump to a specific page below.

Find Your Local Service Center

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.

Learn more about our Urban Service Centers . Visit the Risk Management Agency website to find a regional or compliance office  or to find an insurance agent near you.