business plan for poultry farming in south africa pdf

Farming South Africa

Chicken Farming South Africa – Free Business Plan

Chicken Farming Business Plan South Africa – In this article we have put together two simple chicken business plans for both small scale farmers and intensive or larger scale poultry farming. A small scale business plan will guide you how to farm with chickens and a more advanced plan feature points that you can present to the Bank for a loan or Government Funding

• Backyard or Small Scale Chicken Farming Business Plan
• Intensive or larger Chicken Farming Business Plan

Table of Contents

Breakdown of a Backyard or Small Scale Chicken Farming Business Plan

• Housing Cost
• Bedding Cost
• Feed and Water Cost

Health and Treatment Cost

Marketing and marketing cost.

We will look at the basics and profitability of small scale farming.

But let me explain why you need a business plan. A business plan is a written tool about your business that projects 3-5 years ahead and outlines the path your business intends to take to make money and grow revenue. Think of it as a living project for your business, and not as a one-time document. Break it down into mini-plans – one for sales and marketing, one for pricing, one for operations, and so on.

A good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business. You’ll use your business plan for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. It’s a way to think through and detail all the key elements of how your business will run.

Setup and Cost

You need to determine how many chickens you can operate with. When building your coop you need to construct the building to easy extent it if needed as your business grow. Housing should be protected from strong winds and must be waterproofed.

Day old chicks are not cold tolerant and you can lose your stock if they are not protected against bad weather. Make sure that your coops are also protected against rodents and do not store feed in your coops.

Planning the cost of your housing carefully will save you money as you will not buy unnecessary material and pay extra wages to redesign your housing if errors were made.

Plan your bedding well before the chicks arrive. You can get bedding at your closest sawmill or at pet stores or even make wood shavings yourself. Bedding is a nominal cost and you will need to maintain it as long as you have chickens.

Bedding is not expensive and can be resold as manure after your farming cycle. Bedding can be bought in bulk and stored in a dry place which are rodent free.

Feed and Water

Watering Systems are expensive and need to be planned carefully. You need to get the right amount of bell drinkers or water holders and raise them as the chickens grow.

You will need 3 types of feeds for broilers in the form of starter feed, grower and finisher. You will find a breakdown of feeding methods on our website.

Planing your feed is crucial and having too many chicks at the startup of your business you don’t want to run out of cash to buy feed for the chickens.

Work out how much starter, grower and finisher you are going to need. You can use this Feeding Calculator for Layer and Broiler Chickens

You need to plan for chickens getting sick. Talk to your state vet before starting your business. Virukill is a must for any chicken farmer to disinfect their coops floors and walls. You can also use it to wash their drinkers and feeders.

Marketing is an essential part of your business. Plan ahead on how to market your business. Advertising in news papers or on social media is a good way to create public awareness and almost guaranteed to bring clients to you. There are many free methods of marketing but it is time consuming and not always an effective strategy to market your business.

You have to decide how much help you are going to need and budget for wages. Chickens take time to return your investment and running out of cash means that you are going to run out of workers.

Selling your products are not always easy. We have put together a paragraph on how to sell your chickens and eggs.

4 Best Ways to Sell Chickens in South Africa

Poultry Farming Business Plan Outline – For Bank Loans or Government Funding

You need to follow these points to create a full and complete business plan to present to your Bank for a loan or to apply for Government Funding.

• Mission Statement
• Keys to success
• Location and facilities
• Industry Analysis
• Challenges facing the poultry industry
• Market segmentation
• Target market segment strategy
• Market trends
• Startup costs
• Product description
• Future products
• Service Description
• Future services
• Competition
• Competitive edge
• Marketing strategy
• Pricing and promotion strategy
• Web strategy
• Sales strategy
• SWOT analysis
• Socio-cultural
• Technological
• Management team
• Organizational structure
• Hiring Plan
• Projected Profit and Loss
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Financial risks
• Health risks
• Technological risks

YouTube Channel:  Farming South Africa Facebook Page:  Farming Life Back To Home Page:  Farming South Africa

Keywords for this post: Farming South Africa Farming Magazine South Africa Online Farming Magazine South Africa Agriculture South Africa Farming News South Africa South Africa Farming

33 Replies to “Chicken Farming South Africa – Free Business Plan”

I would like to be connected to the suppliers of poultry equipments. Batery cages, incubators, etc. I am planning a start up for egg, meat and chick production.

Please advise in what province country you stay, that way, suppliers can get hold of you.

Thank you very much for the good information about chicken farming. I have learnt a lot and I am looking forward to starting poultry farming soon.

Hi i would like to be connected to the suppliers of chicken poultry equipments which includes the housing. as i am in the pipeline of starting my own broiler production in south africa. i am currently staying in gauteng and would start the business in limpopo. (south africa).

I wanna start with a small scale so l can be good at managing it say about 500 broilers. I need to be assisted in draftibg a bplan to obtain funds to start my buildings and move it up and l will expand from my earnings

Hi good evening I am interested in chicken farming want start my business with 2000 chickens for egg production but need help and assistance to abtain land

Hello, please advise if you have been assisted as i also require some assistance in drafting a business plan,

i would like to start my own poultry farming business. i want to start by broilers then layer. i am struggling to draft a solid business plan. can you help me with a business plan. i want start by farming and raising 500 birds.

HI , I NEED HELP ABOUT BUSINESS PLAN .

I WOULD LIKE TO START A POULTRY FARMING . AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE CONECTED TO CHICHEN POULTRY EQUIPMENT,WICH INCUDES THE HOUSING ,INCUBACTOR ,ND BATERY LAYER CAGES. I WANT TO START MY OWN BROILER ,LEYER CHICKEN ,EGGS,MEAT ND CHICK PRODUCTION.

I need all the information I can open get before I begin. Please help me by sending me information on how to raise broilers to maturity. You can help me with off of broilers or begginera books

Good day I would really like to start my own poultry farming can you please assist with a solid business plan.

hy i would like to start a chicken layer farm, can you help with bussinees plan.

I really need help how to draft a proper business plan for layers and broilers. Please help with business plan for 750 layers and 700 broilers

Need all the finances and any form of assistance with our Layer farming Biz.

Assisting in designing and building Poultry Farm in Protes Gle, Soweto, Johannesburg. Looking for suppliers of related products

I need help with business proposal cos I’ve started with selling chickens to the market

May you please assist me with Broiler/ Layers fertilized eggs and chicks suppliers for small scale farming based in Witbank Mpumalanga province or Bronkospruit Rural.

Hi I need your assistance with a business plan for a chicken farm as well as financial forecast , I’m based in Brits.

Hi I’m starting a broiler chicken farm. Starting with 150 000 chicks. Incubators for 50 000 eggs. I need a business plan Quotes for my infrastructures as well as automatic feeding system.

Kind regards Austin 0671583665

Hi. My name is Muzi Mndawe I need to start a chicken farm business. Starting with 500 chick and egg layers. So I need help I stay in mpumalaga around Mbomnela

Hi I’m Ntombi in Khayelitsha CT, I would like to find out how do I go about farming chickens, selling and also assistance in making a business plan and acquiring funding.

Good day I need to start poultry project

I need help in starting an egg production company

Please could you assist me with a poultry farming project for layers and broilers. Thank you kindly.

I want to start a small scale poultry project ( egg production) . can you help me to develop a business plan and solicit start-up funding . Thank You

Hi I am located in Protea Glen, Soweto and looking to start chicken farming business , please advise how and where do i start, even interested in learning more about chickens as well. PLEASE ADVISE..

Hi! I have an incubator and a Hatcher for chicken eggs and would like to be assisted with buyers for 1 day old broiler chicks as I don’t have facilities for growing these chicks.

Hello, i am looking for suppliers of Ross Broiler Day Old Chicks in the Vaal, Vanderbijl area. Please advise.

We want to start a a chicken farming business. Can you help with the business plan and the starting costs then if the funding are accepted we will need help to put the all farm in place.

Hi, I want to bay a farm and start a poultry farm in the north wets area, need some help with a business plan and start up for the farm, I need help please.

I am looking at busying a fully operational chicken farm around Pretoria not exceeding R4m please assist if you can.

I would like to be connected to the suppliers of poultry types of equipment. cages, incubators, etc. I am planning a start-up for egg, and chick production.

my name is Jeanette iam startup in layers your help will be highly appreciated

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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 .)

Read The Poultry Business - Like Never Before!

Chicken Snippets Newsletter - deep poultry analysis to sharpen your acumen, by email.

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.

Master The Poultry Business - Like a Pro!

Poultry Courses Online - most actionable and interactive online poultry course.

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.

Reader Interactions

Write your poultry project proposal in just 90 mins, leave a reply cancel reply.

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The most in-depth guide to poultry farming anywhere , right now.

– Kwasi Jones

Receive all the ‘insider tips’ they never speak about to help you:

• ✔️ Write a plan that actually gets investment
• ✔️ Decide if poultry will be profitable for you
• ✔️ Avoid pitfalls like mortality with key procedures
• ✔️ Understand the hidden benefits of production models

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southafricagro.com

Poultry farming in south africa – (beginners guide & profitability) (2024).

Poultry farming has long been a staple of South Africa’s agricultural landscape. With its diverse climate, fertile land, and a growing demand for poultry products, South Africa offers an ideal environment for aspiring poultry farmers. Whether you’re a newcomer to the industry or an experienced farmer looking to expand your horizons, this beginner’s guide to poultry farming in South Africa will provide valuable insights into the essentials of starting and running a successful poultry farm while exploring the potential for profitability.

Poultry Farming In South Africa – (Beginners Guide & Profitability)

1. choose your poultry type.

The first step in poultry farming is selecting the type of poultry you want to raise. In South Africa, the most common poultry species are chickens (layers and broilers), ducks, turkeys, and quails. Each has its own requirements, and your choice should align with your goals and available resources.

Layers: These chickens are raised for egg production. They require a comfortable environment and a consistent feed regimen.

Broilers: Raised for meat, broilers grow rapidly and typically reach market weight in a few weeks. Adequate housing and nutrition are crucial for their growth.

Ducks, Turkeys, and Quails: These birds have specific requirements and can offer niche market opportunities. Research the particular needs of the species you choose.

2. Business Plan

Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals, budget, and expected returns. Consider factors like location, housing, feed, water supply, and healthcare costs. A well-thought-out plan will help you secure financing, identify potential challenges, and set realistic expectations.

3. Location and Housing

Selecting the right location is critical. Ensure easy access to markets, feed suppliers, and veterinary services. Construct suitable housing with adequate ventilation, insulation, and biosecurity measures to protect your birds from diseases.

4. Equipment and Supplies

Invest in essential equipment such as feeders, drinkers, incubators (if raising chicks), and a reliable source of electricity. High-quality equipment will ensure the efficiency and success of your poultry farming venture.

Profitability Potential

1. growing demand.

The demand for poultry products in South Africa remains robust. Poultry meat and eggs are affordable sources of protein for a growing population, making poultry farming a profitable venture.

2. Market Opportunities

Explore various market opportunities, such as selling live birds, meat, eggs, or value-added products like processed chicken. Diversifying your offerings can increase profitability.

3. Efficient Management

Effective management practices can significantly impact your profitability. Monitor feed consumption, disease prevention, and growth rates closely to optimize your production.

4. Access to Finance and Support

South Africa offers various financial support programs for emerging poultry farmers. Investigate these opportunities to secure the necessary funding for your poultry farming operation.

5. Sustainable Practices

Embrace sustainable farming practices to reduce costs and improve profitability in the long run. Efficient resource use, waste management, and eco-friendly initiatives can enhance your farm’s reputation and attract environmentally-conscious consumers.

6. Stay Informed

Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in poultry farming through industry associations, workshops, and agricultural publications. Continuous learning can help you stay competitive and maximize profits.

Challenges to Consider

While poultry farming in South Africa offers substantial profitability potential, it is not without its challenges:

Disease Outbreaks: Poultry diseases can devastate a farm. Implement strict biosecurity measures and have a relationship with a local veterinarian.

Feed Costs: The cost of poultry feed can fluctuate, affecting your bottom line. Explore options for sustainable and cost-effective feed sources.

Market Competition: The poultry market can be competitive. Differentiate your products through quality, branding, or unique offerings.

How Profitable is Poultry Farming in South Africa?

Poultry farming in South Africa can be highly profitable. With a consistent demand for poultry products, especially chicken meat and eggs, the industry offers substantial income potential. Profitability depends on factors like efficient management, market opportunities, and cost control.

How Much Do You Need to Start Chicken Farming in South Africa?

The initial capital required to start chicken farming in South Africa varies depending on scale and type. For a small-scale operation, you may need around R10,000 to R50,000 for infrastructure, equipment, and initial bird purchase. Large-scale commercial farms can require millions of rands in investment.

Which Type of Poultry Farming is Most Profitable?

Broiler chicken farming (meat production) tends to be more profitable in South Africa due to faster turnover and high demand for chicken meat. However, layer chicken farming (egg production) can also be lucrative with a consistent egg market.

Which Fields of Poultry Production Provide the Most Profitable Business?

Broiler meat production and commercial egg production are the most profitable sectors of poultry farming in South Africa. They offer steady demand and efficient production cycles.

How Much Does it Cost to Slaughter a Chicken in South Africa?

The cost of slaughtering a chicken in South Africa can vary depending on location and processing facilities. On average, it may cost between R5 to R15 per chicken for slaughter and processing.

How Much Does it Cost to Raise 100 Chickens in South Africa?

Raising 100 chickens in South Africa can cost approximately R5,000 to R15,000, covering expenses like feed, housing, healthcare, and initial bird purchase. Costs can fluctuate based on factors like location and management practices.

Where Can I Get Funding for Poultry Farming in South Africa?

Several options for funding poultry farming in South Africa include agricultural grants, loans from financial institutions, government programs, and support from agricultural organizations. Research and apply for these opportunities to secure financing.

Is Selling Eggs Profitable in South Africa?

Yes, selling eggs can be profitable in South Africa, as eggs are a staple food item with steady demand. Profitability depends on factors like production efficiency, marketing, and pricing strategies.

How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Chicken that Lays Eggs in South Africa?

The cost of buying a chicken that lays eggs (a laying hen) in South Africa can vary depending on factors like breed, age, and quality. Prices typically range from R50 to R150 per bird, but specialty breeds or high-quality layers may cost more

Pig Farming In South Africa – (Beginners Guide & Profitability)

Ostrich Farming In South Africa – (Beginners Guide & Profitability)

How To Start Game Farming In South Africa

Poultry farming in South Africa offers an attractive avenue for both newcomers and experienced farmers to achieve profitability. By carefully planning your venture, investing in quality resources, and staying informed, you can navigate the challenges and capitalize on the growing demand for poultry products in the country. Remember that success in poultry farming often requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to continuous improvement, but the rewards can be well worth the effort.

Related Posts

Egg Farming In South Africa – Profitability & How To Start (2024)

How To Start Sugar Cane Farming In South Africa (2024)

Cattle Farming In South Africa (Beginners Guide & Profitability) 2024

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Starting Free Range Chicken Farming Business in South Africa – Business Plan (PDF, Word & Excel)

Posted by BizBolts | Agriculture , All Articles , Business Ideas , Business Plans , Poultry Farming

There has been an increase in the demand for organic food, such as free-range chickens, in South Africa. A lot of people prefer chicken meat to any other type of meat. Free-range chickens are a delicacy for the local folk and it’s no wonder why venturing into the free range chicken farming business in South Africa is profitable. Free-range chickens are also known as indigenous chickens. Free range chickens are quite versatile in that they can be reared for their meat, their eggs or both. Indigenous chickens have a distinctive taste which makes them highly sought-after plus they are very nutritious. Though most people keep free range chickens at their homesteads, mainly in the countryside, you can raise free range poultry for commercial purposes. This article will outline how to start a free range chicken farming business in South Africa, and the free range chickens farming business plan – PDF, Word and Excel.

Before you start a free range poultry farming business in South Africa, there are some important decisions which you have to make. You have to decide on the size of your indigenous chicken farming business ie how many free range chickens you will have at your poultry farm.  There are many different free range chickens breeds, so you have to select which breed you will use, location of your business, and your target market. The size of your free range poultry farming business will depend on the amount of capital you have, the size of the land, and your target market. It’s important that you get a good free range chicken farming business plan before you start the indigenous chicken farming business in South Africa.

Business Model

For your free range chicken farming project, it is best if you start your free-range poultry farming business with day old chicks. With time, you may then hatch your own chicks, which can reduce your expenses significantly. Make sure that you buy your day-old chicks from a reliable, accredited hatchery or company where the parent stocks are well managed. There are a number of breeds to choose from, and the right breed will depend on your needs. Raising free range chickens for both meat and eggs is much more profitable. As much as your free-range chickens forage for food, you must supplement with feed to increase meat and egg production. A lack of feed or water will reduce resistance to diseases and parasites and result in an increase in flock mortality. Allow adult hens and cocks enough time and space to scavenge in their surroundings on a regular basis. Space is important for free range chickens. You should have 10 birds per square meter, and your housing can be barns, chicken coops, or hutches. The building cost will be based on the material you use and the number of free-range chickens you have. The difference between broiler chickens and free-range chickens is that broilers can be raised indoors, but free-range chickens spend most of the day outdoors, foraging for plants and pastures.

Market Research

The demand for free range chickens has been on the rise as people move towards healthy and organic food. Most people prefer to have organic, free-range chickens rather than broiler meat. Also, the price of free-range chickens is higher than that of broiler chickens because of their health, and free-range hen eggs are valued more than indoor layer eggs. This is because free-range eggs are rich with nutrients, and some find free-range chickens and eggs to be tastier. In order to run a successful free-range business, you need to understand the market. You must understand who you are selling your chickens and eggs to, what their tastes and preferences are, as well as their purchasing habits. There are plenty of schools, restaurants, hotels, lodges, and various other individuals who might be interested in your products. However, the only way to find out who your customer will be is through market research. You can speak to other livestock farmers, abattoirs, and supermarkets to understand what the market for free-range chickens is like. You can also read farmers’ blogs, publications, and agricultural reports in order to learn more about the industry.

Land for Free Range Chicken Farming Business

You need land – this is where you will build the free range chickens housing and where the birds will roam around. Sustainability of the land must be thoroughly assessed beforehand. The location must be very strategic i.e. near major road networks, with reliable water supply, near the market and close to cheap labour. The size of the land your require will depend on the scale of your indigenous poultry farming business.

Housing and Equipment for Indigenous Poultry Farming Business

You need proper housing for your free range poultry. When you setup housing units for your free range chickens, pay attention to spacing, ventilation and lighting as these are central to providing an optimum environment for their growth. Free range chickens like any other chicken types do not cope well with extreme temperatures. So it’s necessary to keep them in an environment that will enable them to maintain their thermal balance. Proper lighting is necessary as it stimulates the indigenous chickens to lay eggs. You can use barns, chicken runs or hutches as housing for the free range chickens.

There is need of providing adequate space for the chickens in order allow for free movement, nesting and also roosting. When keeping free range chickens indoors you must ensure a space of at least 0.1 square metres per bird. If they are crowded they will suffocate and die. When keeping the indigenous chickens outdoors, an allowance of at least a square metre per bird will be ideal.  Free range chickens need pasture to forage. This is important because free range chickens prefer to scavenge from their immediate surroundings. This is one of the major difference between free range chickens and broilers. Broilers are raised indoors in confinement, while free range chickens roam outdoors foraging for food.

Equipment required for free-range chicken farming business in South Africa includes feeders, drinkers, lighting system and nest boxes. Your commercial free range chicken farming business plan should include the costs of purchasing the equipment and the poultry housing.

Competitive Analysis

The purpose of a competitive analysis is for you to know who your competitors are, understand their strengths and weaknesses in comparison to your own, and find a gap in the market. This competitor analysis will help you recognize how you can improve your own business strategy. It will help you learn how you can outdo your competitors in order to retain your customers and attract new ones. A competitive analysis will help you figure out what your competitive edge is over others in your sector. When conducting a competitive analysis, there are certain factors that you should consider, such as who your competitor’s target market is, where their farm or offices are, and if they are your direct competitors, indirect competitors, or substitute competitors. A direct competitor can be another livestock farmer that sells the same free range birds and eggs that you offer. This would mean that your direct competitor targets the same market as you and may have a similar distribution model. Your indirect competitors serve the same customer needs but offer different products or services. Substitute competitors offer products that can be substituted for your birds and eggs. These farmers may raise broiler chickens, ducks, or ostriches for meat.

Free Range Day Old Chicks

You require day old chicks in order to start your indigenous poultry farming business in South Africa. When starting, you have to buy day old chicks. After you have started your free range poultry business, you can then hatch the eggs on your own from the eggs laid by the chickens. This will cut your business costs. When buying day old chicks it’s important to get them from reputable and professional suppliers. Getting good quality day old chicks plays a pivotal role in producing chickens with high growth potential and good quality poultry meat. Your commercial free range poultry farming business plan should include the costs of purchasing day old chicks.

Breeds of Free Range Chickens in South Africa

There are many different breeds of free range chickens in South Africa. The right free range chickens breed to choose will depend on your needs. Free range chickens can be kept for meat production, for egg production or for both. The free range chicken breeds common in South Africa include Boschveld chickens , Venda   chickens, Ovambo   chickens, Naked Neck Chickens and Potchefstroom Koekoek chickens. The other free range poultry breeds used by South Africa poultry farmers are Rhode Island Red, Australorps, Orpington, Plymouth Rocks, Leghorn and Light Sussex among others. 

Rhode Island Red Chicken Breed

Free Range Poultry Feed and Nutrition

Feeds and water are paramount for egg production, meat production, resistance to diseases or parasites and growth. In a free-range rearing system, the cocks and hens must be given adequate space to roam around and scavenge for food. Opportune times for that are early morning and late afternoon owing to less heat and more incidence of insect presence.

Supplementary feeds ought to be made available for the birds in the early morning and in the evening. Strategically provide drinking water under shady areas to avoid possibilities of heat stress. Leverage on scavenging to minimize feeding costs. However foraging pasture alone isn’t adequate for commercial free range chicken business. You have to provide the birds with supplementary feed. This includes commercial poultry stock feeds, and home made feeds such as maize, wheat, sunflowers etc.

Sales And Marketing Plan

Before you set up your free-range business, ensure that you have laid out your sales and marketing plan. After surveying and researching your market and understanding what they want, you can develop your sales and marketing plan. Make a list of potential and top buyers in your area and notify them that you will be selling to them soon. Consider partnering with middlemen because they could help you sell your products. They can buy your eggs or birds in large quantities and pay you at once or over the course of a few days. You can include hiring marketers at your farm to help you get more customers and pay them a handsome commission. You can also offer these marketers or sales agents bonuses for reaching a set target. There are also a number of restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels that are in constant need of fresh eggs and processed chickens that you can approach. They can buy your birds and eggs at a wholesale price, which is a great way to sell your chickens and eggs without much effort. Consider networking with other farmers and businesses that can help you sell more eggs and chickens. They may be interested in buying your products. You can also exchange ideas with them and learn from their experience.

Market for free range chickens and eggs in South Africa

The market for free range chicken products in South Africa is high and increasing. More people are being health conscious and moving towards organic and health food. Many consumers prefer free range chickens over broiler poultry meat. This is because free range poultry meat is regarded as highly nutritious, delicious, organic, and healthier. Thus, the demand for free range organic chickens meat continues to rise in South Africa. Free range chickens have a higher price than broiler chickens, as they are considered to be more superior.  Free range chickens eggs are also considered to be healthier as compared to the ordinary layers eggs. You can supply your indigenous chickens to individuals, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, butcheries and organisations.

Keys to Profitability

Setting up a free range farming business is not difficult, and some tips to help you run a successful business include staying up to date with industry trends. You must be up to date with market trends because people’s interests change. Nowadays, a lot of people want food that is ethically produced, and the demand for organic food is on the rise. This was not the case a few years ago. Lowering your prices is another way to become more competitive. Make sure that your prices reflect the value of your birds and eggs, but they should not be too high. Lastly, consider offering delivery services to your clients. Customers will appreciate the convenience of having their birds or eggs delivered to their offices or homes, especially if they are bulk orders.

PRE-WRITTEN FREE RANGE CHICKEN FARMING BUSINESS PLAN (PDF, WORD AND EXCEL): COMPREHENSIVE VERSION, SHORT FUNDING/BANK LOAN VERSION AND AUTOMATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For an in-depth analysis of the indigenous poultry farming business in South Africa, purchase our indigenous poultry farming business plan. We decided to introduce the business plans after noting that many South Africans were venturing into the free range poultry farming business without a full understanding of the industry, market, how to run the business, the risks involved, profitability of the business and the costs involved, leading to a high failure rate of their businesses.

Our business plan will make it easier for you to launch and run a free range chicken farming business successfully, fully knowing what you are going into, and what’s needed to succeed in the business. It will be easier to plan and budget as the free range poultry farming business plan will lay out all the costs involved in setting up and running the free range poultry farming business. The business plan is designed specifically for the South African market.

USES OF THE FREE RANGE POULTRY FARMING BUSINESS PLAN (PDF, WORD AND EXCEL)

The free range chickens farming business plan can be used for many purposes including:

• Raising capital from investors/friends/relatives
• Applying for a bank loan
• Start-up guide to launch your indigenous chicken farming business
• As a free range chicken farming project proposal
• Assessing profitability of the free range poultry business in South Africa
• Finding a business partner
• Assessing the initial start-up costs so that you know how much to save
• Manual for current business owners to help in business and strategy formulation

CONTENTS OF THE FREE RANGE CHICKENS FARMING BUSINESS PLAN (PDF, WORD AND EXCEL)

The business plan includes, but not limited to:

• Market Analysis
• Industry Analysis
• 5 Year Automated Financial Statements [ Income statements, cash flow statements, balance sheets, monthly cash flow projections (3 years monthly cash flow projections, the remaining two years annually),break even analysis, payback period analysis, start-up costs, financial graphs, revenue and expenses, Bank Loan Amortisation]
• Marketing Strategy
• Risk Analysis
• SWOT & PEST Analysis
• Operational Requirements
• Free range chickens farming guide (Technical Details of how to house, feed and raise the free range chickens)
• Operational Strategy
• Why some South Africans in the free range chickens business fail, so that you can avoid their mistakes
• Ways to raise capital to start your free range chicken farming business in South Africa
• Directory [Contact Details for South African suppliers of feeds, equipment, free range day old chicks, abattoirs, poultry housing construction, contacts of poultry farming training companies in South Africa, contacts of poultry farming organisations in South Africa]

The Free Range Poultry Farming Business Plan package consist of 5 files

• Free Range Chicken Farming Business Plan – PDF file (Comprehensive – 99 pages)
• Free Range Chicken Farming Business Plan – Editable Word File (Comprehensive – 99 pages)
• Free Range Chicken Farming Business Plan Funding Version – Editable Word File (Short version for applying for a loan – 49 pages)
• Free Range Chicken Farming Business Plan Automated Financial Statements – (Editable Excel file)
• Poultry Abattoirs in South Africa -Supplementary PDF File

Testimonial 5

The BizBolts poultry business plan led us down the path from start to finish. Contact details of suppliers of key requirements were included in the business plan. It helped us crystallize our strategy, and the business plan was well received by the bank.

Testimonial 1

Many thanks to the BizBolts team for putting together a fantastic business plan, I could not have done this business plan on my own. I managed to get funding from investors to start my butchery business using your business plan.

Testimonial 3

The business plan has a highly professional look and feel. The research really helps me look deep into the market that I am targeting, it’s well suited for the South African market. The business plan clearly outlined everything I need to start the business and the costs. It’s now easier to budget and plan. Thank you very much.

Testimonial 7

Thank you BizBolts for the business plan. I received the business plan immediately after payment, it was money well spent ! I was able to easily edit the business plan. After using the BizBolts business plan, I can wholeheartedly recommend their products and skills.

Testimonial 4

The business plan was very helpful, you did a great job of taking ideas and putting them into words as well as pointing out other aspects of the business plan I wouldn’t have thought of. I got funding using your business plan and it’s now 4 months since I started my poultry business, and everything is going well.

Testimonial 2

I am extremely pleased with the business plan and financial statements. The business plan is very detailed & it meets my requirements. I feel better equipped with tools that can help me secure funding.  I would have no hesitation of recommending your business plans to other people.

Testimonial 6

It is with excitement and pleasure to inform you that I have been successful in securing a loan from my bank. This would not have been possible if not for the BizBolts Business Plan. Thank you for your help, my dreams are now coming true.

GET THE FREE RANGE CHICKEN FARMING BUSINESS PLAN (PDF, WORD AND EXCEL) - R500 Only.

We decided to make the business plan affordable to anyone who would want to start the business, and the price for the pre-written business plan is only 500 Rand.

We have several payment methods which you can use.

Payment Method 1 (Visa card, Mastercard, Credit card, Debit Card)

Click  Buy Now  below to purchase. After you have purchased, you will instantly see the download link for the business plan package on the screen. We will also email you the download link. Get instant access to the business plan now!

If you want to purchase multiple business plans at once using Visa Card/MasterCard then  click here: Business Plans Store

The business plan package is a zipped compressed file containing the PDF, Word and Excel documents. To open the package after downloading it, just right click, and select Extract All. If you have any problems in downloading and opening the files, email us on [email protected] and we will assist you.

Payment Method 2 (Instant EFT - FNB, Absa, Standard Bank, Nedbank, CapitecBank, Investec, TymeBank and African Bank. )

If you want to purchase multiple business plans at once using Instant EFT then  click here: Business Plans Store

Other Payment Methods

• Cash deposit into our FNB Company Bank Account
• EFT Transfer to our FNB Company Bank Account

Call/Whatsapp us on +27606334830 for the other payment methods. (Whatsapp us by clicking the link https://wa.me/27606334830 ). Email: [email protected] .

About The Author

BizBolts (Pty) Ltd is a business research company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. We sell prewritten business plans for various industries including livestock production, crop farming and retail businesses. BizBolts also publishes articles on business ideas, business news, business tips, personal finance, and entrepreneur profiles.

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Poultry Farm Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Poultry Farm Business Plan

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

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What Is a Business Plan?

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

Why You Need a Business Plan

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

Sources of Funding for Poultry Farms

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

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How to write a business plan for a chicken farm.

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

Executive Summary

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

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

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

Company Analysis

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

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

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

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

Include answers to question such as:

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

Industry Analysis

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

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

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

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

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

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

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

Customer Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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Competitive Analysis

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

Direct competitors are other poultry farm businesses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marketing Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operations Plan

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

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

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

Management Team

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

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

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

Financial Plan

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

Income Statement

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

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

Balance Sheets

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

Cash Flow Statement

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

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

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

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

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

Poultry Farm Business Plan FAQs

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

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

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

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

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