poultry farm business plan loan

Poultry Farm Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Poultry Farm Business Plan

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

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

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

Executive Summary

Business overview.

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

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

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

Product Offering

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

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

Customer Focus

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

Management Team

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

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

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

Success Factors

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

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

Financial Highlights

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

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

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

Company Overview

Who is Smith Poultry Farm?

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

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

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

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

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

Smith Poultry Farm Products

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

Industry Analysis

Customer analysis, demographic profile of target market.

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

The precise demographics for Mason City, Iowa are:

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

Customer Segmentation

Smith Poultry Farm will primarily target the following customer profiles:

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

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

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

Myson Poultry Farm

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

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

Iowa Poultry Farm

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

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

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

Good Cluck Poultry Farm

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

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

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

Competitive Advantage

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

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

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

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

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

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Smith Poultry Farm is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

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

Professional Associations and Networking

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

Print Advertising

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

Website/SEO Marketing

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

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

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

Operations Plan

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

Operation Functions:

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

Milestones:

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

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

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

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

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

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

5/15/202X – Hire and train farm staff

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

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

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

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

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

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

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

Key Assumptions

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

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

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Poultry Farm Business Plan FAQs

What is a poultry farm business plan.

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

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

What are the Main Types of Poultry Farms?

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

How Do You Get Funding for Your Poultry Business Plan?

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

What are the Steps To Start a Poultry Farm Business?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• How to Start a Farm Business

Additional Helpful Template

Farm Business Plan

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

Last updated on November 15, 2021 by Temi Cole 1 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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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.

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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.

February 22, 2024 at 1:44 pm

My first time to visit this web site. I am impressed and subscribed soon. Hope I will be benefited from the package. Inspired by quick response of the system and tells how efficient and profitable the poultry business too. I will keep myself long in the transaction. Regards, Assefa T.

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

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

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

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

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

Step 1. Learn About Poultry Farming

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much to start a chicken farm?

Geoff and John started off with:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is chicken farming profitable?

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

Poultry companies selling DTC

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

Chicken is about a 30% margin.

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

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

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

Selling as a commodity

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

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

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

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

Geoff told us about how a lot of farmers operate:

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

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

Poultry Industry

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

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

From the poultry farm, the birds will go to:

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

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

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

A farmer’s main costs include:

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

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

Using current market rates, the spending breaks down to:

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

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

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

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

Poultry Wholesalers

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

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

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

Supermarkets

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

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

Why does this matter to a poultry farm?

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

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

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

Governing Laws

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

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

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

Market Forces

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

Choose a Poultry Sector Next

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

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

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

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

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

Type of Bird

Were you raised on a chicken farm?

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

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

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

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

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

Step 2. Write a Poultry Farming Business Plan

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

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

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

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

Step 3. Poultry Business Loans

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

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

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

Next, choose a location for your poultry farm.

Step 4. Find a Location of Chicken Farm

Where are you going to raise chickens? 

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

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

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

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

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

Step 5. How to Make a Chicken Farm 

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

You’ll need to do things like:

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

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

How to start a poultry farm: Build a Chicken Coop

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to start a poultry farm: Buy Feed

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

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

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

Check out this blog to learn more about feeding chickens .

You’ll want other equipment, too. 

How to start a poultry farm: Other Equipment

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

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

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

Get Your Chickens

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

Geoff told us:

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

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

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

Some of the ones consistently mentioned include:

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

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

Step 6. How to Run a Chicken Farm

Poultry farming is a delicate business. You have to:

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

Geoff and John use manual processes. They told us:

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

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

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

Step 7. Process the Birds

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

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

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

Step 8. Sell the Chickens or Eggs

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

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

How to start a chicken farm for Perdue

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

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

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

How to start a chicken farm for Tyson

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

How to start a chicken farm to sell eggs

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

Step 9. Other Business Functions

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

• Bartering (unique to farming)

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

How to start a poultry farm: Hiring

Marion Acres, LLC emphasizes two aspects when hiring:

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

For processing employees, they told us:

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

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

How to start a poultry farm: Accounting 

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

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

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

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

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

How to start a poultry farm: Marketing

John discussed their marketing strategy with us:

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

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

The team that manages that also manages the inventory.

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

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

Go start your own business!

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

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

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Poultry farm business plan template + PDF

This guide presents an innovative AI Business Plan Generator template, crafted specifically for entrepreneurs eager to start or scale their poultry farm business. It's important to emphasize that the names and financial projections provided in this example are entirely hypothetical, used solely as instructional aids to smooth the path of your business planning process. These instances are carefully chosen to illustrate how you can customize your own AI-generated Poultry Farm Business Plan, empowering you to overcome challenges and seize opportunities within the poultry farming industry.

For tailored customization, we offer a downloadable 'Poultry Farm Business Plan PDF.' This document is crucial for entrepreneurs committed to developing a persuasive and effective strategy to initiate or grow their poultry farm service. The 'AI Business Plan Generator' acts as a detailed guide, offering deep insights into the poultry farming market. It equips you with the vital tools to adeptly oversee and expand your poultry farm business, utilizing AI for unmatched strategic planning.

How this poultry farm business plan sample was created

Seamlessly customize your personalized poultry farm business plan with our AI Business Plan Generator. Simply click 'Generate your business plan' and proceed through a sequence of focused questions about your poultry farm venture. Our sophisticated AI technology will evaluate your responses to develop a business plan that precisely matches the objectives and needs of your poultry farm business. This quick and efficient approach only requires 5-10 minutes, yielding a detailed and well-organized plan. Our platform enables you to adjust and fine-tune your plan, ensuring it accurately mirrors your distinctive vision for your poultry farm service. Once complete, your plan is ready for download, offering a clear and thorough guide for launching and developing your poultry farm business. Utilize the power of our AI business plan generator, tailor-made for poultry farm businesses, to boost your strategic planning.

Poultry farm business plan sample

Executive summary, business description, market research and analysis, swot analysis.

• Organizational Structure and Management Team

Products or Services

Marketing and sales strategy, operations plan, financial projections, risk analysis.

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, nestled in the fertile lands of Springfield, Illinois, presents an innovative and sustainable approach to poultry farming that prioritizes ethical practices, quality produce, and environmental stewardship. Founded by Janet Wilson, an expert with over 15 years of experience in Poultry Science, Feathered Friends has quickly established itself as a beacon of excellence in the agricultural sector. With a dedicated team that includes Operations Manager Tom Hargrave, Chief Veterinarian Dr. Rachel Kim, Marketing Director Lisa Chang, and HR Manager Michael Robbins, the farm is positioned for unprecedented growth and success.

Our farm specializes in a variety of poultry products and services designed to meet the rising demand for healthy, ethically produced food. The range includes fresh cage-free and organic eggs, broiler chickens, specialty birds such as ducks and quails, organic and conventional chicken feed, and live chickens for those interested in backyard poultry farming. This diversification not only allows us to cater to a broad segment of the market but also mitigates risks associated with demand fluctuations in the agricultural industry.

In the heart of our operations lies a commitment to sustainable and humane farming practices. Our production processes are meticulously managed to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental sustainability. This commitment is reflected in our extensive biosecurity measures, rigorous health checks, and our sustainable waste management practices. Our operational efficiency is enhanced by our strategic distribution channels, encompassing direct sales, B2B relationships, and an expanding online presence, ensuring our premium products reach a wide audience.

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm operates within a growing industry, buoyed by consumer preferences shifting towards healthier and ethically produced food options. With a keen focus on the local and regional markets, including households, eateries, and small-scale grocery stores, we have identified significant growth opportunities. Additionally, our diverse product range and adherence to ethical farming practices provide us with a competitive edge in a market increasingly dominated by concerns about food origin and production methods.

The financial trajectory of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is promising, with projected revenues set to climb from $500,000 in the first year to $1,100,000 by year five. Our strong revenue forecasts are underpinned by an expanding market presence and operational efficiencies that drive down costs and improve profit margins. Our net profit is expected to grow from $50,000 in the first year to $250,000 by year five, reflecting our strategic investments in infrastructure, marketing, and product development.

However, we are not without our challenges. Potential risks include disease outbreaks, regulatory changes, and market competitions. To mitigate these, we’ve established comprehensive contingency plans, including stringent biosecurity protocols, diversified supplier relationships, and aggressive marketing strategies. Our insurance and legal considerations are designed to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances, ensuring we maintain our growth trajectory.

In conclusion, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm stands at the cusp of significant expansion. Our dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability positions us as a leader in the industry. As we seek investment to fuel our growth, we invite partners to join us on this journey towards making a tangible impact on food production ethics, environmental sustainability, and community nutrition. At Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, we believe in nurturing the land that feeds us, respecting the creatures in our care, and providing our customers with the highest quality poultry products on the market.

Situated in the heart of Springfield, Illinois, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm stands as a testament to the resilience and innovation within the agricultural sector, specifically the booming poultry industry. As a purveyor of high-quality poultry products, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm has carved out a niche for itself in a market that is increasingly demanding ethically raised, healthy food options. The poultry farm industry, a critical component of the global food supply chain, has witnessed substantial growth, driven by a surge in consumer demand for poultry products due to their health benefits, affordability, and versatility in culinary applications. Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, through its commitment to sustainable farming practices and ethical treatment of animals, is at the forefront of this industry, providing an array of products and services to meet the diverse needs of its clientele.

The history of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is a story of passion, dedication, and a deep-seated belief in the value of fresh, locally sourced food. Founded five years ago by Janet Wilson, a graduate with a B.Sc. in Poultry Science and 15 years of industry experience, the farm was born out of a desire to offer an alternative to the mass-produced poultry products that dominate the market. From its inception, the farm's purpose has been twofold: to supply the local community with fresh, high-quality poultry products, and to educate consumers on the importance of supporting ethical and sustainable farming practices. This dual focus has driven the company's operations, shaping its approach to everything from animal husbandry to customer service.

The mission statement of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm encapsulates its ethos: "To nourish and enrich lives by providing the highest quality, ethically raised poultry products, fostering a connection between the community and the source of their food." This mission guides every decision made at the farm, ensuring that operations align with the core values of transparency, sustainability, and excellence.

Legally structured as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Feathered Friends Poultry Farm benefits from the flexibility and protection this form affords. The LLC structure not only shields the owner's personal assets from the farm’s liabilities but also offers tax efficiencies and operational flexibility, critical factors in the volatile world of agricultural business.

Looking to the future, the long-term potential of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is bright. The global trend towards healthy eating, coupled with a growing awareness of the environmental and ethical implications of food production, is creating vast opportunities for businesses like Feathered Friends Poultry Farm. As consumers increasingly seek out products that align with their values, the demand for ethically produced, high-quality poultry products is expected to grow exponentially.

In meeting this demand, the farm is poised for expansion, with plans to increase its product range, enter new markets, and continue its advocacy for sustainable agriculture. By staying true to its mission and leveraging emerging trends in the industry, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is on track to not only succeed financially but also make a significant impact on the food system. Through its commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community engagement, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm exemplifies the potential of small businesses to lead the way in creating a more ethical and sustainable future for food production.

The poultry industry represents a vibrant and essential sector of the global food market, characterized by its dynamic trends, substantial size, and robust growth rate. With a keen focus on sustainability and health, the industry is currently experiencing a paradigm shift towards organic and ethically produced poultry products. Market research indicates that the global poultry market is anticipated to grow steadily, propelled by increasing consumer awareness about the health benefits of poultry meat and eggs, as well as a surging demand for protein-rich diets. This sector's resilience and adaptability are evident in its swift response to consumer preferences and global supply chain challenges, ensuring its continued expansion and relevance.

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm’s target market is multifaceted, encompassing local households in search of fresh, high-quality poultry products, regional eateries and restaurants that prioritize farm-to-table offerings, and small-scale grocery stores aiming to cater to health-conscious consumers. This target group is characterized by a demographic that values sustainability, ethics in food production, and quality over price. The size of this target market is substantial and is on an upward trajectory, given the increasing population in Springfield, Illinois, and the surrounding areas. The growth potential within this market segment is significant, fueled by a growing trend in consumer behavior that leans towards supporting local businesses and a preference for products that are perceived as healthier and more natural.

Market needs and demands are evolving, with a clear preference for poultry products that are not only fresh and of high quality but also produced in a way that aligns with ethical and environmental standards. Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency in the production process, animal welfare considerations, and minimal use of antibiotics and hormones. This shift in consumer preferences reflects broader market trends and patterns, including a surge in demand for organic and cage-free options, the popularity of specialty birds such as ducks and quails, and an expanded interest in backyard farming.

Competition within the poultry industry is intense but varies significantly in scale and scope. Feathered Friends Poultry Farm's primary competitors include Cluckin' Fresh Farms, Happy Hens Hatchery, and Barnyard Birds Ltd. Cluckin' Fresh Farms is known for its extensive marketing efforts and broad product range, although it has faced criticism for its animal welfare standards. Happy Hens Hatchery specializes in egg production, with a strong reputation for quality but lacks diversity in its product offerings. Barnyard Birds Ltd. offers a wide array of poultry products but struggles with consistency in product quality. These competitors hold a considerable market share within the regional market; however, their distinct weaknesses present opportunities for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm to capitalize on, particularly in areas of product quality, ethical production practices, and customer engagement.

Potential barriers to entry in the poultry farming industry include the high initial capital investment required for land, infrastructure, and equipment. Additionally, stringent regulations and health safety standards pose significant challenges, necessitating substantial knowledge and adherence to legal requirements. Moreover, establishing a strong supply chain and distribution network is critical for success but can be daunting for newcomers. These barriers, along with the competitive landscape, necessitate a strategic approach to entry and expansion, underscoring the importance of a solid business plan and a clear understanding of the market dynamics.

In conclusion, market research and analysis reveal a promising outlook for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, given the industry's growth trajectory, the specific needs and trends of the target market, and the competitive landscape. By strategically positioning itself to meet the evolving demands of health-conscious consumers and leveraging its strengths against competitor weaknesses, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is well-placed to capitalize on the opportunities presented within the burgeoning poultry industry.

Organizational Structure and Management

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) located in Springfield, Illinois, operates with a well-defined organizational structure designed to maximize efficiency and support its strategic objectives. The organizational chart is hierarchical, with the Owner & Director at the top, followed by departmental heads overseeing Operations, Veterinary Care, Marketing, and Human Resources. Each department plays a crucial role in the farm's overall success, working collaboratively while focusing on their specific functions.

The management team is the backbone of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, consisting of highly skilled professionals committed to the company's mission. Janet Wilson, the Owner & Director, holds a B.Sc. in Poultry Science and brings over 15 years of industry experience. Her leadership and vision steer the farm towards its goals of providing high-quality, ethically produced poultry products. Tom Hargrave, the Operations Manager, with a Diploma in Agricultural Management and 10 years of poultry farm management experience, is responsible for the day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency and productivity. Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Rachel Kim, a DVM specialized in Avian Medicine, with 8 years in veterinary practice, oversees animal health and welfare, a critical aspect given the farm's commitment to ethical practices. Lisa Chang, the Marketing Director, with an M.A. in Marketing and 5 years in agri-business marketing, develops and implements strategies to promote the farm and its products. Lastly, Michael Robbins, the HR Manager, with a B.A. in Human Resources and 7 years in the agricultural sector, is tasked with managing the farm’s workforce, including recruitment, training, and ensuring workplace safety.

Staffing needs are anticipated to grow as the farm expands its operations and product range. Currently, the farm employs several poultry handlers, maintenance personnel, and office staff. Future staffing requirements include additional poultry handlers to manage increased production, a sales team to grow market presence, and potentially, an in-house nutritionist to innovate feed formulations. This expansion will necessitate structured recruitment processes, comprehensive training programs, and strategies for staff retention, acknowledging the critical role of an engaged and skilled workforce in achieving the farm's objectives.

Human resources policies and practices at Feathered Friends Poultry Farm are designed to create a productive, safe, and inclusive work environment. These include rigorous health and safety protocols, performance-based rewards, and continuous professional development opportunities. The farm commits to fair labor practices, providing competitive wages and benefits, and fosters a culture of respect, teamwork, and transparency.

External advisors and consultants play an integral role in Feathered Friends Poultry Farm’s strategic planning and operational efficiency. The farm engages a veterinary consultant specializing in poultry diseases to complement Dr. Kim’s expertise, ensuring the highest standard of animal health and biosecurity measures. A financial advisor assists with budgeting, financial planning, and identifying investment opportunities, crucial for the farm's sustainability and growth. Additionally, agricultural extension services are utilized for insights into latest farming technologies and practices, which can further improve productivity and environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, the organizational structure and management of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm are crafted to ensure a cohesive and efficient operation that upholds the highest standards of quality and ethics in poultry farming. As the farm grows, its structure, team, and policies will evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities, with a continuous focus on excellence, sustainability, and community engagement.

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm offers a diverse range of poultry products and services designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality, ethically produced food. Our product line includes:

1. Fresh Eggs: We provide both cage-free and organic options to cater to the health-conscious consumer. Our eggs are collected daily, ensuring the freshest product possible. 2. Broiler Chickens: Available as whole birds, individual parts, or prepared cuts, our broiler chickens are raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones, guaranteeing a natural and wholesome product. 3. Specialty Birds: Duck and quail offerings diversify our product range, catering to customers looking for alternative poultry options. 4. Chicken Feed: We offer both organic and conventional feed blends, catering to the needs of backyard farmers and commercial poultry operations alike. 5. Live Chickens: For those interested in backyard farming or poultry shows, we sell layers, broilers, and show breeds, all bred for health and vitality.

Our unique selling points and competitive advantages include our commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices. Unlike many competitors, our products are produced with a focus on animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and support for local economies. We guarantee freshness and quality by controlling every step of the production process, from feed to final product. Our transparency and commitment to these principles have earned us a loyal customer base that values not just the quality of the product but the ethos behind it.

Currently, our products are well-established in the market, with a consistent demand from local households, regional eateries, and small-scale grocery stores. Looking to the future, we plan to expand our product range to include more specialty birds and possibly enter into the organic meat market. We also aim to enhance our offerings with value-added products, such as marinated or pre-cooked poultry, to meet the demands of busy consumers looking for convenience without compromising quality.

In terms of intellectual property status, our brand name "Feathered Friends Poultry Farm" and logo are trademarked, providing brand protection and recognition in the marketplace. While our farming practices and product offerings are not patented, we continually seek innovative techniques and products that could qualify for intellectual property protection to maintain a competitive edge.

The production process at Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is meticulously managed to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety. From breeding to hatching, feeding, and processing, each step is carefully monitored. Our feed is sourced from trusted suppliers, with organic options coming from certified organic grain producers, guaranteeing our chickens' optimal health and growth. We maintain a close relationship with our suppliers, ensuring that all inputs meet our stringent quality and ethical standards.

In conclusion, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm stands out in the poultry market through our commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. Our diverse product range caters to a broad audience, from health-conscious consumers to culinary enthusiasts and backyard farmers. As we look to the future, we are focused on expanding our product offerings, exploring intellectual property opportunities, and refining our production processes to maintain our competitive edge. Our dedication to excellence and sustainability positions us for continued growth and success in the dynamic poultry industry.

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm's marketing and sales strategy is designed to solidify our presence in the local and regional markets, appeal to our target demographics, and expand our customer base. Our approach combines traditional and digital marketing techniques, a comprehensive sales strategy, competitive pricing, strategic distribution, targeted promotion and advertising, and exemplary customer service policies.

Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy focuses on highlighting the unique selling points of Feathered Friends Poultry Farm, specifically our commitment to high-quality, ethically produced poultry products. We plan to utilize a combination of digital marketing, community engagement, and collaborations with local businesses to reach our target market effectively.

- Digital Marketing: Leveraging social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) to share engaging content that tells the story of our farm, our practices, and the quality of our products. SEO-optimized content marketing through blogs and newsletters will further drive online visibility. - Community Engagement: Participating in local farmers' markets, agricultural shows, and community events to build brand awareness and direct relationships with consumers. - Business Collaborations: Partnering with local restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores to feature our products, creating mutually beneficial relationships that introduce our offerings to new customer segments.

Sales Strategy

Our sales strategy is centered on building and maintaining strong relationships with both direct consumers and business clients.

- Direct Sales: At farmers' markets and through our farm shop, highlighting the freshness and quality of our products in person. We'll employ a knowledgeable sales team who can educate customers about the benefits of our farming practices. - B2B Sales: Developing a dedicated B2B sales team focused on establishing and nurturing relationships with local eateries, restaurants, and retailers. This team will also manage orders, deliveries, and ongoing client support. - Online Sales: Implementing e-commerce capabilities on our website for both local pickup and delivery, making it easier for customers to purchase our products directly.

Pricing Strategy

Our pricing strategy is designed to reflect the premium quality of our products while remaining competitive within the market. We will employ a cost-plus pricing model, ensuring that all costs are covered and a reasonable profit margin is achieved. Seasonal promotions and loyalty discounts for regular customers will be introduced to encourage repeat business and enhance customer loyalty.

Distribution Channels

Distribution channels include direct sales at our farm shop and local farmers' markets, B2B sales to local restaurants and retailers, and online sales through our website. We will also explore partnerships with local delivery services to expand our reach within the region.

Promotion and Advertising Plans

Promotion and advertising efforts will focus on digital marketing campaigns, local print and radio adverts, and sponsorship of community events. Seasonal promotions around holidays and special events will be leveraged to boost sales. Collaborative promotions with local businesses and eateries will help expand our reach. Influencer marketing with local food bloggers and chefs will also be pursued to increase brand visibility and credibility.

Customer Service Policies

Customer satisfaction is paramount at Feathered Friends Poultry Farm. We will implement clear policies ensuring prompt and friendly customer service, easy product returns, and responsive feedback mechanisms. Dedicated customer service personnel will be trained to resolve issues efficiently, ensuring customer experiences that foster loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.

In conclusion, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm's marketing and sales strategy is comprehensive, focusing on building a strong brand presence, establishing meaningful customer relationships, and driving sales through multiple channels. Our commitment to quality, ethics, and customer satisfaction will guide all marketing and sales efforts, positioning us for long-term success in the market.

The Operations Plan for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm outlines the comprehensive workflow and processes designed to ensure efficient daily operations, high-quality production, and effective supply chain management. Our operational strategy is rooted in sustainability, efficiency, and the ethical treatment of our poultry, which are hallmark principles of our farm.

Operational Workflow

Daily operations at Feathered Friends Poultry Farm are divided into several key areas: breeding and hatching, feeding, health care, egg collection, processing, packaging, and sales. The day begins with a thorough inspection of all birds and facilities to ensure health and safety standards are met. This is followed by feeding, egg collection, and routine health checks which are conducted by our skilled farmhands under the supervision of the Operations Manager and Chief Veterinarian. Specific tasks are allocated to team members based on expertise, ensuring the highest level of care and efficiency.

Production or Service Delivery Processes

Our primary services involve the production and sale of fresh eggs, broiler chickens, specialty birds, and chicken feed. Each aspect of production, from breeding to sale, follows a meticulously planned process:

- Breeding and Hatching: Utilizes selective breeding techniques to ensure healthy, productive stock. Eggs are incubated under optimal conditions to maximize hatch rates. - Feeding: Implements a nutritionally balanced regimen carefully formulated for different poultry stages, using organic and conventional feed blends sourced from trusted suppliers. - Health Care: Involves regular veterinary checks, vaccinations, and immediate intervention for any health issues. Biosecurity measures are strictly enforced to prevent disease outbreaks. - Processing and Packaging: For broiler chickens and specialty birds, humane processing is followed by hygienic packaging meeting all regulatory standards for food safety. Eggs are cleaned, graded, and packaged on-site.

Quality Control Measures

Quality control is integral to all farm operations. We conduct regular audits of our practices against industry standards and our ethical policies. All poultry products are subject to stringent quality checks before sale, ensuring they meet health, safety, and quality benchmarks. Feedback loops involving customers and suppliers also contribute to continuous quality improvement.

Inventory Management

Efficient inventory management is crucial to balance supply with demand while minimizing waste. We employ inventory tracking systems for feed, medicines, and packaging materials, ensuring timely reordering to prevent stock-outs. For perishable products like eggs and processed poultry, careful demand forecasting allows us to manage inventory levels effectively, reducing waste.

Supply Chain Management

Our supply chain strategy emphasizes relationships with local suppliers to shorten supply chains, reducing environmental impact and ensuring freshness. We prioritize suppliers who share our values of sustainability and ethical practices, regularly reviewing their performance. For sales, we leverage direct-to-consumer channels, B2B relationships, and online sales, optimizing routes and schedules to maximize efficiency and minimize carbon footprint.

Facilities and Equipment Needs

Feathered Friends Poultry Farm operates from a rural property in Springfield, Illinois, housing breeding facilities, hatcheries, coops, processing units, and storage facilities. Key equipment includes incubators, feeders, waterers, egg collection systems, and processing machinery. Future needs include upgrades to increase automation in egg collection and packaging, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs. An investment in renewable energy solutions like solar panels is planned to reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

In conclusion, the operations plan for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is designed to ensure smooth daily operations, high-quality production, and effective management of resources. Through meticulous planning, quality control, and sustainable practices, we are committed to delivering ethically produced, high-quality poultry products to our customers.

The Financial Projections section of the business plan for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is formulated to provide a comprehensive overview of the farm's anticipated financial performance over the next three to five years. The projections include a sales forecast, profit and loss projection, cash flow analysis, balance sheet projection, break-even analysis, and the underlying financial assumptions and considerations that shape these forecasts.

Sales Forecast

Over the next five years, Feathered Friends Poultry Farm is projected to experience a steady increase in sales. This growth is anticipated based on the expansion of product lines, the scaling of production capabilities, and the strengthening of market presence.

- Year 1: $500,000 - Year 2: $600,000 - Year 3: $750,000 - Year 4: $900,000 - Year 5: $1,100,000

This forecast assumes an expanding customer base, successful marketing strategies, and stable market conditions.

Profit and Loss Projection

The Profit and Loss Projection highlights expected revenues, costs of goods sold (COGS), gross margins, operating expenses, and net profit.

- In Year 1, with revenues of $500,000 and COGS at 60% of sales ($300,000), we project a gross margin of 40%. Operating expenses, including salaries, marketing, and administrative costs, are estimated at $100,000, leading to a net profit of $50,000. - By Year 5, as efficiencies improve and the farm scales, we anticipate revenues of $1,100,000, COGS at 55% ($605,000), operating expenses stabilizing at $245,000, and a net profit margin improving significantly to $250,000.

Cash Flow Projection

The Cash Flow Projection outlines the net cash inflows and outflows, providing insight into the farm's liquidity and financial health. Initial capital investments, operational costs, and sales revenues are considered to project cash flow. In the first year, significant investments in facilities and equipment may result in tight cash flow, necessitating a credit line. However, as revenues grow and operational efficiencies are realized, positive cash flow is expected to improve, allowing for the repayment of any initial borrowing and supporting expansion plans.

Balance Sheet Projection

The Balance Sheet Projection for the first five years reflects the farm's assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity. We foresee a steady increase in assets, primarily driven by investments in operational infrastructure and potential land acquisitions. Liabilities, primarily composed of initial loans, are projected to decrease as earnings allow for the repayment of debt. Owner’s equity is expected to grow as reinvested profits increase the value of the farm.

Break-even Analysis

The Break-even Analysis identifies the point at which total revenues equal total costs, signaling where the operation becomes profitable. Given the initial investment in operations and conservative estimation of sales growth, we project to reach the break-even point towards the end of the second year. This analysis is critical for understanding timing for potential reinvestment and loan repayments.

Financial Assumptions and Considerations

- Market Conditions: We assume stable market conditions with moderate inflation. While we have contingency plans for disease outbreaks and supply chain disruptions, major market shifts could impact financial projections. - Operating Efficiencies: Projections are based on anticipated improvements in operating efficiencies as we scale, including reduced per-unit costs and increased margins. - Capital Investments: Assumes initial and ongoing investments in infrastructure are financed through a mix of owner’s equity and external financing. - Revenue Streams: Includes diversification of revenue through direct sales, B2B channels, and online markets to mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations.

In conclusion, the financial projections for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm suggest a robust growth trajectory, supported by strategic investments in infrastructure, market expansion, and operational efficiencies. These projections are based on careful consideration of current market trends, historical financial performance, and prudent financial assumptions. Our financial strategy is designed to ensure sustainability, profitability, and the realization of our long-term goals.

The Risk Analysis section of the business plan for Feathered Friends Poultry Farm comprehensively identifies the potential risks that could impact the operations, finances, and overall success of the farm. This section outlines proactive strategies for risk mitigation, contingency plans for unexpected events, and considerations regarding insurance and legal protections.

Identification of Potential Risks

Market Risks: - Consumer Demand Fluctuations: Changes in consumer preferences or economic downturns could lead to decreased demand for poultry products. - Competition: New or existing competitors could impact market share, especially those offering lower prices or alternative products. - Regulatory Changes: New regulations or changes in agricultural, environmental, or food safety policies could impose additional operational burdens.

Operational Risks: - Disease Outbreaks: Avian influenza or other poultry diseases could significantly disrupt operations. - Supply Chain Disruptions: Issues with feed or equipment suppliers could impact production. - Environmental Risks: Extreme weather conditions, such as droughts or floods, could damage infrastructure or disrupt operations.

Financial Risks: - Price Volatility: Fluctuations in the prices of feed or other key inputs could affect profitability. - Interest Rate Rises: Increases in interest rates could impact the cost of existing or future debt. - Cash Flow Challenges: Significant upfront capital expenditures or unexpected costs could strain cash flow.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Market Mitigation: - Diverse Product Range: Offering a variety of poultry products can cater to a broader consumer base and adapt to changing tastes. - Marketing and Branding: Strengthening brand recognition and customer loyalty through effective marketing can solidify market position. - Regulatory Compliance: Staying informed of and compliant with all regulations can prevent legal issues and fines.

Operational Mitigation: - Biosecurity Measures: Implementing and strictly adhering to biosecurity practices can prevent disease outbreaks. - Diversified Suppliers: Establishing relationships with multiple suppliers for key inputs can mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions. - Infrastructure Investments: Investing in weather-resistant infrastructure and emergency preparedness can reduce the impact of environmental risks.

Financial Mitigation: - Cost Control: Regular review of expenses and cost-effective strategies can maintain financial health. - Debt Management: Careful management of debt levels and terms can mitigate the impact of interest rate changes. - Emergency Fund: Maintaining a reserve fund can provide liquidity to address unexpected financial challenges.

Contingency Plans

- Disease Outbreak: In the event of a disease outbreak, an immediate action plan includes quarantine measures, veterinary intervention, and notification to relevant authorities. - Supply Chain Disruption: Contingency contracts with alternative suppliers and maintaining a stockpile of critical inputs can address temporary supply issues. - Financial Shortfalls: Accessing lines of credit or re-evaluating capital expenditures can provide financial flexibility in times of cash flow challenges.

Insurance and Legal Considerations

- Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive insurance policies, including liability, property, and business interruption insurance, can provide financial protection against various risks. - Legal Protections: Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) and directors and officers (D&O) insurance can protect the farm and its management against legal claims. - Regulatory Compliance: Regularly consulting with legal experts familiar with agricultural law can ensure ongoing compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

In summary, while Feathered Friends Poultry Farm faces a range of potential risks, thorough preparation and proactive strategies are in place to mitigate these challenges effectively. By anticipating possible scenarios, establishing robust mitigation measures, and ensuring comprehensive insurance and legal protections, the farm is well-positioned to navigate uncertainties and maintain a trajectory towards growth and success.

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Poultry Farming Business Plan [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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• Goat Farming Business Plan [Sample Template]
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How to Write a Poultry Farming Business Plan (Sample Template)

Last updated Apr 22, 2024 | Poultry Business

Have you been thinking of starting a poultry farm ? If YES, here is a comprehensive sample of a poultry farming business plan you can use for free to raise capital.

Poultry farming is a growing industry as it has become one of the largest meat producing industries across the globe. And as a result, demand for poultry products keeps increasing day by day.

To start any type of business, you will first need to learn the ropes. Conducting thorough research is also one of the things you will be tasked with. Also, you might be required to undergo some training so as to have firsthand experience on how to run your business.

The agricultural industry, of which poultry farming is a part of, is no doubt among the leading industries in most countries of the world. This is the industry that produces chickens and eggs for the larger population.

Poultry farming is a highly thriving and profitable business venture. Aside from the fact that people consume birds and chickens, the supply of eggs is also a major source of revenue generation for poultry farmers. 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.

I have prepared a Poultry Farming Business Plan sample, that I believe will be of great help to you.

Areas covered in the business plan include:

• Executive Summary
• Our Services
• Our Mission and Vision Statement
• Roles and Responsibilities
• SWOT Analysis
• Market Analysis
• Our Target Market
• Our Competitive Advantage
• Sales And Marketing Strategy
• Publicity and Advertising Strategy
• Financial Projections and Costing
• Our Startup Budget and Expenditure
• Financial Projection
• Sales Forecast
• Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Important Things to Note About The Poultry Farming Business Sample.

• The name used for the poultry farming business is an imaginative name. It’s totally used for illustration purposes.
• The budgeting and financial estimates are for illustration purposes. When developing your business plan, ensure that you do a feasibility study, so as to come up with the right figures.
• This poultry farming business sample should act as your guide, to help you develop a better one for your business.

Use the big button below to download the Poultry Farming Business Plan Sample.

Patrick Lumumba

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Poultry Farming Business Plan Sample

Published Oct.12, 2016

Updated Apr.23, 2024

By: Cynthia Turner

Average rating 4.2 / 5. Vote count: 6

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Table of Content

Do you want to start a Poultry Farming business plan?

Starting a business in the food sector requires an ambitious plan. For a poultry farm business, a good business plan for poultry farming will be needed to make it successful. 

The primary step to starting this business is to learn how to write a business plan for poultry farming. You can go for food delivery service business plans if the major focus of your startup will be to deliver poultry products. 

However, if you are looking to open a farming business in the poultry sector, reading an organic farm business plan or reading this example is a great start. Just like any other business, you will need to develop a solid business plan for a poultry farm. It can help you get required permits as well as investors in situations of need. Here, we will be presenting the business plan for Chuck’s Produce Farm.

Executive Summary

2.1 about the farm.

Chuck’s Produce Farm will be a poultry farm started by Henry Chuck. The primary objective of the business will be to provide poultry products such as chicken meat and eggs to supermarkets as well as nearby restaurants. 

2.2 How will the Farm be Managed?

According to its Chicken Farming business plan , Chuck’s produce farm will be managed through a detailed plan. The business plan of the poultry farm will include management guides for all aspects of the business, from finances to operations. Henry read through many business plan poultry farming samples to ensure that his chicken poultry farm business plan address all the possible tricky aspects of the business. 

In this business plan online template, we will show you how to make a poultry farm business plan for your business. 

2.3 Customers of Poultry Farming Company

Our customers will primarily be other businesses to whom we will provide our products and services to be transferred to the general public. Thus, our main customer groups will include:

• Supermarket Chains
• Small Produce Businesses 
• Food Factories
• Restaurants 

2.4 Business Target

The target of Chuck’s Produce Farm will be to become the major supplier of poultry products to businesses in and around Dallas. The business will aim to gain at least a 60% share in the local market by the end of the second year. 

The financial targets that the business is aiming to achieve are demonstrated below:

Company Summary

3.1 farm ownership & management.

Henry Chuck will be the owner and primary manager of Chuck’s Produce Farm. He studied biology and biochemistry as a student and then worked with many organizations to manage product dissemination operations. His father had a farm, and it was always his dream to make use of the farm to create an organic business. 

3.2 Why is the Farm Being Started?

Henry noticed that with an increase in the consumption of food, especially poultry products, industries had started to resort to harmful chemicals just to meet demands. He wanted to change the narrative by providing organic and healthy poultry substitutes so that local people could consume poultry products without the added harm of chemicals. 

3.3 Basic Steps to Start Poultry Farm Business

Step1: Refine Your Idea

The first step to the start of anything new is an idea. So, before Henry even thought about how to set up a poultry farm , he needed a basic business idea. Refining the idea before he developed a business plan on poultry farming was a great advantage as it helped him limit the scope of his planning. 

Step2: Develop the Uniqueness 

The next step before writing a poultry farming business plan is to develop the unique areas of your business. Henry used this step as a build-up of the idea. He knew the importance of marketable businesses and products, so he created a brand around the unique propositions of his farm. 

Step3: Location Selection and Permits

Henry already had a location for starting Chuck’s Produce Farm. However, since one cannot start a commercial farm on a whim, he worked to get the required permissions from local authorities. This will allow him to run his business smoothly without any legal complications. 

Step4: Online Presence

Since Henry’s business idea is focused on commercial customers instead of the public, so most of the orders will be in bulk. In order to manage such orders and keep up to date with customers and their demands, Henry decided to invest in the development of an online portal with which his customers could put in orders. Henry also decided to develop social media profiles for his business for a greater audience reach about organic products. 

Step5: Follow the Plan

One cannot learn how to run a poultry business or any other business without dedicating research to a developed plan. After developing the business plan for poultry farm pdf, Henry will follow the guidelines to establish a sustainable farming business.

Services 

When thinking about how start a poultry farming business , Henry zoned in on the services he would be providing to his customers. This helped him filter out what operations needed planning and which ones didn’t. To start a poultry farm business or any other business for that matter, a refined list of marketable products and services is needed. In his small scale poultry farming business plan, Henry decided to add all the services that his produce farm aimed to provide. To learn how to open a poultry farm, you can look at the list of services we are providing in this poultry farm business plan. You can also refer to a cattle farming business plan to understand what scale of services is best to start a business. 

• Chicken and Turkey Products

The first set of products offered by Chuck’s Produce Farm will be chicken and turkey. We will offer clean meat that is processed in different ways. Our customers will be able to buy full chickens or turkeys ready for roast, boneless meat, and so on. 

Chuck’s Produce Farm will also rear chickens for laying eggs. This will be an added facet to Henry’s pdf on poultry farming business plan. The farm will provide these eggs to our customers regularly at a wholesale price. 

• Poultry Rearing Services

The farm will also aid other smaller poultry farms with proper rearing of poultry and chickens for both eggs and meat. In this regard, our farmers will give training sessions and tips to the locals.  

• Chick Shipments

Our last service will be to provide chicks to poultry farms in other parts of the country. This is to promote the development and rearing of own meat and poultry in all parts of the country. This service will help in the sustainable consumption and rearing of poultry in the industry.

Marketing Analysis of Poultry Farming Company

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Starting a poultry farm business requires the collection and use of a lot of information. No business can be started without knowing about your target market. Whether you are developing a dairy farm business plan or a business plan for a poultry farm pdf, you need to learn about the target market. 

Therefore, Henry decided to do some research into the poultry farm industry when learning how to set up a poultry farm business. He learned that the business plan of poultry farming should include its products and services along with its unique propositions over the market. It should inquire into the previous trends and predicted future trends to invest in operations that are useful in figuring how to establish a poultry farm. 

After looking into the industry, Henry knew the major trends which he decided to utilize in developing his business plan for poultry farm . Through these trends, Henry identified the target customers for his business as presented in the poultry farming business plan template below.

5.1 Market Trends

According to IBISWorld, chicken and turkey meat production has a market share of around $30 Billion in the United States alone. And according to Reportlinker’s “Poultry Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery to 2030” report, the industry has a growth rate of 3.8%. This means there is significant room in the industry for another player like Chuck’s Produce Farms.   

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

The target customers of Chuck’s Produce Farm are as follows:

Business plan for investors

5.2.1 supermarket chains.

Our primary customers will be the supermarket chains in Dallas. We will provide the products for their meat and produce sections. We will also provide eggs and other meat options for these chains. Thus, they will be our indirect link to the public. 

5.2.2 Small Produce Businesses

The second set of customers we expect to serve will be small produce businesses. Smaller businesses have a harder time setting up their operations and properly rearing poultry. Thus, Chuck’s Produce Farm will offer training and shadowing services to these new businesses to promote the production of poultry on a local scale. 

5.2.3 Food Factories

Our third target group of customers will be food factories in the nearby areas that need poultry like chicken and turkey along with eggs to create their products. We expect to have contracts with quite a few of these factories. 

5.2.4 Restaurants

Our final target group will be restaurants in Dallas. Usually, restaurants look for the wholesale rate of poultry products to save expenses. Therefore, Chuck’s Produce Farm will reach out to many restaurants for an exclusive contract to supply organic poultry products.

5.3 Business Target

• To achieve the status as the best organic poultry farm in Dallas.
• Promote the production of clean poultry products across the country.
• To provide chemical-free meat and poultry products to our customers.
• To increase the preference for organic, chemical-free poultry over regular one.

5.4 Product Pricing

Since our products have to compete with industrial products at a commercial level, our prices will be similar to the market competitors. However, at the same price, we will be providing chemical-free products that can be checked for health benefits against competing products.

Marketing Strategy

To write a business plan on poultry farming, Henry ventured to search for his target market. This allowed him to develop a business plan sample for poultry farm that could focus on marketing for these particular customers.

A marketing plan is an essential element of a farming poultry business plan. In fact, it is a very important part of every business plan, whether it is a pig farm business plan or a broiler poultry farming business plan.

Therefore, in this business plan, we are presenting the marketing plan and strategies for Chuck’s Produce Farm.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• We will provide meat that is free of chemicals usually used to increase the growth rate or size.
• We will offer organic products that stem from proper poultry grooming.
• We will aid local poultry farms and focus on a helping business model.
• We will use organic and eco-friendly feed and products that harm neither the poultry nor its consumers.

6.2 Sales Strategy

• We will offer organic products as compared to the chemically treated ones in the market.
• We will reach contracts with local restaurants and businesses.
• We will advertise through word of mouth and local training and guide sessions held throughout Dallas.

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6.3 sales monthly.

6.4 Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Personnel plan

If you have hen business ideas or something of the like, you may be trying to learn how to start a small poultry farm. Henry had the idea of an organic farm business plan which is how he developed the idea of Chuck’s Produce Farm. To ensure the success of his business, Henry added an employee section in his business plan for a poultry farm . The workforce needed to start Chuck’s Produce Farm can be found below for reference. 

7.1 Company Staff

• 1 Co-Manager to help in overall operations
• 10 Trained Poultry Farmers
• 2 Vets 
• 8 General Cleaners
• 1 Technician to maintain machines
• 3 Sales and Marketing Executives
• 1 Accountant

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial Plan

Starting a poultry farm requires much more than a food idea. It requires consistent effort and planning to maintain the business. In order to develop a successful business plan for poultry farming, Henry put in a significant amount of effort in the financial analysis section. 

To start and run a sustainable business, Henry planned out the costs for different operations of the farm along with expected sales and product prices. This kind of financial analysis is necessary for every business plan, may it be a goat farming business plan . For making a financial plan for your startup, you can follow the example below for guidance.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 Break-even Analysis

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 Profit Monthly

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 Business Ratios

• How do I start a poultry farm business plan?

You can start chicken farm by looking at poultry farming business ideas and developing a good business plan like the one above. 

• How much profit does a poultry farm make?

According to ChickenFeedMachinery, a poultry farmer can make up to $2000/month for 300 egg-laying chickens, but it varies from one type of business to the next. 

• Is poultry farming a profitable business?

A poultry farming business can be highly profitable if you have a commercial poultry farm business plan like the one shown above. 

• Which poultry is most profitable?

The success of a poultry business depends more on its management than its type. So, you can download a poultry farm business plan like the one above to sharpen those skills.

Download Poultry Farm Business Plan Sample in pdf

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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

By henry sheykin, resources on poultry farm.

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

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

Research Industry And Market Trends

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

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

Tips for Researching Industry and Market Trends:

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

Define Target Customer Segment

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

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

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

Tips for Defining Your Target Customer Segment

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

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

Conduct Competitor Analysis

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

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

Tips for conducting a competitor analysis:

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

Identify Suitable Location For The Farm

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

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

Determine Legal and Regulatory Requirements

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

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

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

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

Assess Financial Resources And Sources Of Funding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Analyze Start-Up And Operational Costs

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

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

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

Develop A Comprehensive Marketing Strategy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Establish A Network Of Suppliers And Potential Partners

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Establishing a Strong Network of Suppliers and Partners:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Poultry Farm Loans: Six Important Things You Need to Know

Looking for poultry farm loans? Here are some of the most important things you’ll need to know before applying for one. 

Poultry and eggs are a staple in the American diet . Farmers in the industry have an essential role to play in the economy and our way of life, especially considering that Americans consume 288 eggs per person and 8 billion chickens annually.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) touts that the poultry industry provides 240,000+ jobs , and as we move further away from the lockdowns of the pandemic, that number is expected to rise.

The USDA’s Farm Service Agency prioritizes farmers in this industry because of their importance, which is why they offer competitive financing options to help farmers grow and increase their productivity, profitability, and influence within the industry.

Getting Financing for a Poultry Farm

Despite their role, managing a poultry farm is no easy job. Your output depends on many factors you often can’t control, including the animals you raise, the weather conditions in your area, and the price of equipment, supplies, and the farm you operate upon.

Much like other businesses, cash flow is crucial to your success, and you can expect to encounter problems when managing your revenue at some point over the lifetime of your operation.

Some entrepreneurs in the industry choose to cut costs in other areas of their business to free up cash or afford a growth opportunity, but you can preserve the integrity of your farm and make your operation stronger by securing financing to support you as you grow.

Whether you need to purchase new equipment, stock up on inventory for an upcoming busy season, or hire additional staff, getting poultry farm loans could be what you need to take your business to the next level.

Benefits of Acquiring a Poultry Farm Loan

Farm loans are a way for entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities to grow without straining their cash flow. It introduces immediate liquidity, allowing your business to cover costs, start new projects, and operate at your highest capacity.

Once you’ve received your funds, you can:

• Streamline cash flow
• Purchase equipment
• Stock up on inventory
• Hire/train new staff
• Renovate/expand your property
• Invest in revenue-driving opportunities, like marketing or new partnerships

The possibilities are endless. With your cash in hand, you can grow your poultry farm as you please and become a staple in your local community if you aren’t already!

How to Get Financing for a Poultry Farm Through FSA

The FSA, or the Food Standard Agency , offers numerous programs for new poultry farmers looking to enter the industry and existing farmers who need additional capital to manage their operations. Here are a few poultry farm grants that you can seek:

Farm Operation Loans

Purchase livestock, equipment, and inventory with the help of a farm operation loan. You can borrow up to $400,000 with one of these financing products, and the repayment terms vary between one and seven years.

Farm Ownership Loans

Farm ownership loans are used to purchase a new farm, expand a current farm, improve your current operations, increase productivity, or preserve farmland for future generations, according to the FSA . The maximum borrowing limit is $600,000 , and the maximum repayment terms are 40 years from the start date of your financing.

When it comes to poultry farm loans and grants, FSA offers minor financing instruments, known as microloans, to give entrepreneurs a small influx of capital to help them tackle challenges. Microloans are characterized by limited borrowing limits, up to $50,000 , and repayment periods of up to 25 years.

Emergency Loans

Natural disasters can turn your poultry farm into a nightmare in a matter of seconds, but the FSA has proactively established programs to help .

Emergency loans are designed to help farmers recoup their losses after inclement weather or natural disasters, but they can only be used if the Secretary of Agriculture declares an event as a natural disaster or if the President establishes a state of emergency.

There are other poultry loans programs, like youth loans and Native American Tribal loans, that specific groups of people can leverage to support their farms and ranches. For more information on these programs and their benefits, visit the FSA website .

Getting Poultry Farm Loans With FSA: Maximum Interest Rates

When it comes to poultry farm loans, all FSA loans contain a maximum interest rate that lenders can charge. The FSA sets the rate in accordance with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) and the Daily Treasury Par Yield Curve Rates. Here are the details according to the FSA:

Data Collected from FSA.USDA.gov

This concept is somewhat complicated, but all it means is that the FSA works in accordance with other economic institutions to provide entrepreneurs with interest rates that reflect the national average.

Additionally, these interest rates serve as the maximum amount you can be charged for financing with the FSA, and you can potentially secure a lower interest rate by negotiating with your specific lender.

Resources for Entrepreneurs in the Poultry Farm Industry

At the end of the day, the FSA wants business owners and entrepreneurs to succeed in the agricultural industry. That’s why, apart from numerous poultry farm loans, farmers can also find numerous resources to help them grow and operate their businesses.

Their website contains various resources and information for anyone looking to get their start, expand their operation, or grow to outpace their competitors.

One of these is their Farm Loan Discovery tool, an online resource that helps farmers like yourself start the process of financing their businesses. They also have a Service Center Locator , Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool , and other resources on their website .

Poultry Farm Loans: Top Options in 2023

If the FSA’s specific programs aren’t what you’re looking for, you can secure traditional financing options to get poultry farm loans and reach your goals. Here are some of the more common options:

Get Poultry Farm Loans in 2023: Traditional Lenders vs. Alternative Lenders

Banks and credit unions have some of the strictest eligibility requirements in the lending industry. They often require you to have a high credit score, a lengthy time in business, and generate at least $10,000 per month in revenue in order for you to reach approval.

If you’re investing your profits back into your business, as many growing businesses do, you might find it difficult to convince a bank or credit union that your operation qualifies for financing.

This is why online lenders have become so popular over the last decade. These alternative lenders have looser requirements and, therefore, can offer to finance more business owners and entrepreneurs.

They also offer their services to different types of businesses, like poultry farms, giving the entrepreneurs in these industries another avenue to secure the capital they need.

Get Poultry Farm Loans With National Business Capital

Managing any business is hard work, but poultry farming is a bit more difficult than most traditional businesses, and poultry farm loans can play an important role in growing your organization.

Your inventory is alive, the weather heavily impacts your production, and the industry is highly competitive, but you’ll also have to manage your cash flow on top of it all. If you’re running into cash flow issues, or if you’re faced with a potential growth opportunity that’s outside of your financial capabilities, you should consider securing a loan or financing to help support your operation.

However, the process of finding a lender and applying for financing takes time, which is something that you might not have an abundance of as you manage the day-to-day of your poultry farm. Rather than take your focus away from your business, you can team up with National Business Capital and have our team do the heavy lifting for you.

At National, we leverage exclusive lender relationships to connect entrepreneurs with competitive financing that helps them grow and scale fast. Our experienced Business Finance Advisors take the time to learn about you, your business, and your challenges to find best-fit solutions for your specific circumstances, allowing you to spend time on what matters most—your business.

Ready to get started? Fill out our streamlined digital application and kickstart your financing journey today.

How Do I Start a Local Poultry Farm?

Before you start your own poultry farm, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with poultry farming techniques, choose the sector you’ll operate within, and decide on a type of bird(s) to support your business.

These are the most important steps, as anything after this point becomes irrelevant if you don’t fully understand the type of work you’ll perform.

Next, you’ll start to build up the business side of your operation. You’ll select a logo, secure your licenses, set a location for your operation, and start to establish a business plan.

There are other minor yet important steps in between this and opening your doors, but at this point, you’ll have a solid foundation to move forward.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Poultry Farm in the USA?

The specific amount you’ll need will depend on your location and individual circumstances, but it typically costs anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 to start a poultry farm. That amount includes the first three months of pay for your employees, too, but it doesn’t account for any roadblocks or challenges you’ll encounter along the way.

You could have a bad weather day that wipes out $10,000 worth of supplies in an instant, or you might encounter a situation where someone you hire doesn’t work out as you intended.

In either case, you’ll need capital to cover your expenses in the interim, which is why it’s so important to establish a financing relationship from day one of your business.

Which Are the Best Poultry Farm Loans in 2023?

There’s no “best” poultry farm loan; The financing product that will benefit your specific situation the most will depend on your needs, circumstances, and business model. However, each financing product has characteristics that make one more advantageous than another.

For example, term loans are a great option for any entrepreneur who knows exactly how much a challenge or opportunity will cost them.

If you’re looking for a more flexible option to help you stay one step ahead of the curve, you can’t go wrong with a business line of credit. For equipment, you’ll likely choose equipment financing to get you across the finish line.

The bottom line? Each financing solution has a specific purpose that will make one more beneficial than the other, depending on your specific circumstances.

How Hard Is It to Get a Poultry Farm Loan?

The difficulty associated with securing a poultry farm loan will depend on the specific loan product you’re seeking to leverage in your business. For example, if you’re financing equipment, your credit score plays less of a role than it would if you were securing a term loan.

Generally, you’ll need at least one year in business, a 580+ FICO score, and at least $500,000 in annual revenue to give yourself a good chance of reaching an approval on any poultry farm loan product.

How Can I Get a Farm Loan With No Down Payment?

There are a few ways to secure a farm loan without a down payment: choose a financing solution that doesn’t traditionally require down payments or choose an FSA-sponsored loan product.

Some financing options, like equipment financing, won’t usually require a down payment unless your business’s financial information is less than favorable.

On the other hand, the FSA offers multiple farm loan products that don’t require down payments at all, which you can leverage if you meet their minimum qualifications.

What Are the Potential Risks and Challenges Associated With Poultry Farm Loans?

All the risks and challenges that can come with poultry farm loans start and end with the lender you’re working with. Higher interest rates, use-case restrictions, and hidden fees are often imposed by the wrong lender. If you work with the right one for your business, you’ll be able to maximize the benefit of your financing, regardless of the product you’ve chosen.

What Documentation Is Needed for a Poultry Farm Loan?

The specific documentation you’ll need will depend on the lender, but here are a few of the most commonly requested documents:

• At least one full year of business bank statements
• Two – most recent – business tax returns
• Balance sheets
• Cash flow statement
• Profit and loss statement
• Business debt schedule, if applicable
• Details of accounts receivable and accounts payable
• Description of and proof of ownership for collateral
• Proof of business insurance
• Licenses, permits, articles of incorporation, and other legal documents
• Business certificate
• Detailed personal financial information
• Complete business plan, including a detailed description of your business, products or services, structure, management, and marketing plan, as well as financial projections

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Everything You Need to Know to Create a Profitable Poultry Farm

Last Updated: May 30, 2024 Fact Checked

• Choosing a Farm Type
• Establishing the Farm
• Caring for Chickens
• Growing Your Farm

Expert Interview

This article was co-authored by Alexandra Doss and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Alexandra Doss is a Poultry & Livestock Expert expert based in Ruskin, Florida. She owns and manages Stellar Game Birds, Poultry, Waterfowl LLC, a selective breeding operation with game birds, poultry, and waterfowl. With over 14 years of experience, she produces strong genetics and health in her hatching eggs, eating eggs, and live birds. The farm is FWC game farm licensed, FDAC licensed for quail, chicken, and duck eating eggs and meat, and NPIP certified. She is known as the Quail Lady and has published several books on raising Coturnix. Her work has been featured in Mother Earth News, Backyard Poultry, Grit, The Chicken Whisperer Magazine, and Community Chickens. She also has a career as a Workforce Management Supervisor and has a certificate in project ​​management. She received a BS from Oregon State in Animal Sciences. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,750,364 times.

Running a chicken farm requires more than just agricultural know-how. If you want to be a chicken farmer, you must also think like a business person while growing your brand. Choosing a focus, establishing a brand, raising your chickens, and building your business are all part of chicken farming. Then, as your farm grows, you'll be able to market, finance, and network to grow your business. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to start a successful chicken farm business.

Quick Steps to Start a Chicken Farm

• Decide if you want an egg- or meat-production farm and choose the best chicken breeds for your focus.
• Buy the land for your farm and purchase supplies like coops, brooders, and feeders. Apply for a loan if necessary.
• Market your farm by creating a website, making ads, and attending agriculture conferences to network.

Choosing a Focus, Breed, and Location

• Although less common, some chicken farms handle both meat production and egg-laying. If you choose this option, it may require twice as much equipment and physical labor.
• Studies show that eggs from chickens raised in good environments have double or triple the omega-3 fatty acid content and a third of the cholesterol as other eggs. By creating an egg-laying farm, you can assure your customers that they weren’t fed or exposed to unhealthy chemicals. [2] X Research source

• Broiler farms typically grow between 4 and 8 flocks a year, depending on the size of the chickens.
• Large chickens are typically processed into value-added products like chicken patties and chicken fingers. Medium-sized chickens are often packaged as boneless breasts or whole rotisserie chickens. Small chickens are often sold as fast food products. [4] X Research source

• Egg or meat processing: Processing poultry products for taste, quality, and safety
• Marketing poultry products: Promoting poultry products through advertisements to increase revenue
• Chicken breeding: Raising, breeding , and selling chickens for pet owners or other farmers

• If you want to start an egg-laying farm, for example, you may want to choose a layer breed like Rhode Island Red, Hamburg, or Sussex chickens. [7] X Research source
• Some good broiler breeds include the Cornish Cross, Bréese, Buckeye, and Delaware chickens. [8] X Research source
• You can find a list of popular chicken breeds and their specialties at https://chickenbreedslist.com/ .

• The further you move from your city or town, the cheaper the land will be.
• If you can't find land near the city limits, look for land in the countryside where you'll have plenty of space to farm.
• Poultry expert Alexandra Doss recommends that you “have at least an acre or so” of land for a chicken farm, but “a quarter of an acre is fine for a few chickens, too.”

Establishing Your Chicken Farm

• If you choose agriculture or poultry science, add a business minor (or vice-versa) to take classes on marketing, leadership, and other relevant topics.
• Get your degree online if you don't have time for a traditional four-year degree.
• Other ways to learn about poultry farming include taking a training course or consulting an established farmer for advice and mentorship.

• If you’re starting a farm in the United States, consider applying for an LLC, which has many benefits for startups.

• If you're running a meat productions farm, for example, you could include your plans for raising and butchering chickens, revenue goals or the first year, and plans for marketing your poultry products in stores.
• Business plans are useful for attracting investors or business partners down the road.

• Bring a business outline, evidence of your credit history, pay stubs, and anything else requested by the bank to your meeting.
• Start with a loan for the minimum amount of equipment and chickens for your farm. You can always get a larger loan as your business grows.

• Lighting instruments
• Waterers or heaters
• Waste disposal system

• Start with a small farm so you don't have to pay workers until your chicken farm business is successful.
• If you need to hire more workers, try to hire those with years of experience in poultry farming for better stability. You’ll also likely need an administrative manager to keep an eye on daily business.

Raising and Caring for Chickens

• Extensive: A cost-effective system in which your chickens roam freely on the ground and just have a shelter.
• Semi-intensive: In this system, you’ll breed half your chickens in cages and the other half will roam freely on the ground. This system protects the chickens from predators and bad weather.
• Deep-litter: This system is best for broilers. The chickens can move freely on the ground made of straw, sawdust, and leaves. This system allows you to easily feed them and reach their eggs without unnecessary hurdles.
• Slatted or wired: This system includes creating small houses with wooden slats or wired mesh flooring. The slats are 4 feet above the ground and you can easily feed the chickens and collect eggs . This is ideal for adult birds as the houses have a low temperature.
• Battery-caged: In this system, you’ll place the birds in metal cages and separate them into groups. Each cage has its own food and water containers and provides nests for the chickens to lay eggs in. This is the most effective system for egg production, but it may be too expensive for a new business.
• Build the chicken coop or cage at about 4 sq ft (0.37 m 2 ) per chicken. [17] X Research source
• Clean the chicken coop or cage regularly to prevent the chickens from spreading diseases.

• When buying chicks, always do some research beforehand to make sure the breeder is dependable. You don’t want to invest a ton of money on chicks just to discover they’re sick or malnourished.
• Make sure you have the brooder ready before buying and stocking the chicks.

• You can also give chickens corn, halved grapes, or cabbage as a treat, but avoid feeding them these treats more than several times a week as it's less healthy than chicken feed. [19] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
• Nearly 70% of your production cost comes from supplying poultry feed.
• As you become more experienced, consider learning how to prepare your own feed . Until then, buying it from the market is fine.
• If your chickens aren’t fed properly, they’ll produce fewer eggs and become susceptible to various diseases.
• If you use ingredients like maize, ensure the moisture content is never above 10-11%, as this may lead to fungus. To prevent this, purchase your feed from a reliable company.

• As there is currently no effective treatment for poultry diseases, vaccinate your chickens to keep the diseases from spreading. Some common vaccines include RDV, Fowl Pox, Cholera, and Mycoplasma. Consult with your vet to get your chickens vaccinated.
• Not all vets have experience working with chickens, so locate a poultry vet ahead of time. [22] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

Growing Your Poultry Farm

• If you notice that you're spending too much on chicken feed, for example, shop around with different suppliers to find cheaper feed.
• You can also hire an accountant or financial advisor to keep your records organized for you.

• Creating a logo for your business can also provide visibility for your brand. Make sure it aligns with your business (for example, you could never go wrong with incorporating a chicken into your logo) and put it on your website and business cards.
• If you don’t have a large budget, however, don’t splurge on a logo when you can invest your money into your actual business.
• Make use of social media, as well. Consider making a Facebook, Instagram, and even a TikTok account to spread the word about your business. Be sure to post regularly!

• Connect with your friends and neighbors, too. Even if they’re not farmers themselves, they may know people who are interested in buying from you or investing in your business.

• If you're running a chicken breeding farm, for example, you may want a loan to buy better egg incubators.

Community Q&A

• If you're not up for starting a chicken farm from scratch, you can also invest in or buy an existing franchise instead. [27] X Trustworthy Source Federal Trade Commission Independent U.S. government agency focused on consumer protection Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Research methods that successful chicken farms use as a guide for your business. Popular poultry farms include Cargill Meat Solutions, Hormel Foods Corp, Tyson Foods, JBS USA, and Smithfield Foods. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling chickens. Live poultry often carry salmonella. [28] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about poultry, check out our in-depth interview with Alexandra Doss .

• ↑ https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00KWCS.pdf
• ↑ https://www.greenamerica.org/green-living/many-benefits-backyard-chickens
• ↑ https://www.ciwf.org.uk/farm-animals/chickens/meat-chickens/
• ↑ https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/farming/new-farmers-guide-to-the-commercial-broiler-industry-poultry-husbandry-biosecurity-basics/
• ↑ https://www.poultry.care/blog/how-to-start-a-successful-poultry-care-farming-business
• ↑ https://www.fao.org/poultry-production-products/production/poultry-species/chickens/en/
• ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/234/69325/Chicken_Breed_Chart_to_Help_Choose_Your_Chicken.pdf
• ↑ https://www.ciwf.org.uk/media/5235306/The-life-of-Broiler-chickens.pdf
• ↑ https://withmydegree.org/can-degree-agriculture/
• ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan
• ↑ https://www.osha.gov/poultry-processing
• ↑ https://www.fao.org/poultry-production-products/production/management-and-housing/en/
• ↑ https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/livestock-biosecurity/keeping-backyard-chickens
• ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/adopting-and-caring-backyard-chickens
• ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/decreasing-daylight-and-its-effect-on-laying-hens
• ↑ https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g8903
• ↑ https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/what-kind-of-records-should-i-keep
• ↑ https://www.farmers.gov/your-business/beginning-farmers/build-knowledge
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan
• ↑ https://www.fao.org/poultry-production-products/production/poultry-species/en/
• ↑ https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumers-guide-buying-franchise
• ↑ https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/animal/backyard.html

About This Article

To start a chicken farm business, decide if you want to focus on eggs, meat production, or another specialty niche, then obtain the necessary equipment. Next, choose a chicken breed that matches your farming goals and set up coops or cages to keep them in. Feed and care for your chickens daily and be sure to separate any chickens that seem ill from the rest of the population. Don't forget to market your business by creating a website and advertisements! For more tips on choosing the best breed for your goals, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Poultry Farm Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

Poultry Farm Business Plan Template

If you want to start a Poultry Farm or expand your current Poultry Farm, you need a business plan.

The following Poultry Farm business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning Poultry Farm business plan.

You can download our Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Below are links to each of the key sections of your Poultry Farm business plan:

Poultry Farm Business Plan Home I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan VIII. Management Team IX. Financial Plan

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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.

Need to write a plan for your venture? Download a FREE Business Plan PDF Sample to develop a template for your own startup.

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 .

1 thought on “Sample Poultry Farming Business Plan”

nice write up

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Tata Capital > Blog > Loan for Business > How to Start a Poultry Business in India?

How to start a poultry business in india.

Poultry farming is the fastest-growing division of India's agribusiness sector. Rising government investments through the National Livestock Mission in hatching, rearing, processing and breeding are poised to boost growth further.

Poultry farming is no longer a backyard business as it was once considered but a competent techno-commercial venture. Hence, you need a solid blueprint before getting started. Read on to learn more about designing and implementing a business plan for poultry farming.

1. Decide on the type of poultry farm business and select the birds

Before drawing up a business plan for poultry farming, you must choose the sector to cater to like egg production, meat production, poultry feed production, egg and meat processing etc.

Next comes the selection of birds. Let us look closer at the available bird choices for poultry farming:

Broiler chickens: These are chickens with a high growth rate. They become whole birds in about 8 weeks (about 2 months) and can provide a high quantity of meat, ideal for a chicken production business plan.

Layer chickens: Layer chickens are a unique breed of hens and can produce over 250 eggs per year. You can also consider other birds such as goose, duck, peacock, quail, pigeon, and turkey for egg laying.

Roosters: Adult roosters guard the hens that lay eggs.

You can initially start with two or three birds and add more to your flock when the business grows.

2. Finalize location

Location is an important aspect of your business plan for poultry farming. Your poultry farm's location depends on the type and scale of it. Let us look at the several types of poultry farms in India based on land size:

1. Battery cage poultry farm: In this type of poultry farm, the birds are not allowed to run freely. The land requirement consequently is less. You can typically set up a battery cage farm on 6000 sq ft of land.

2. Free range poultry farm: Birds can roam free on this type of poultry farm. Hence, a larger land area of about 36000 sq ft is required.

3. Semi range poultry farm: In this type of poultry farm the birds are kept in coops and allowed a small space to roam around. The typical land size required is closer to a battery cage poultry farm.

4. Wild poultry farm: In this poultry farm, the birds are raised in a completely natural environment with no enclosures. The land requirement for this farm is the highest at around 45000 sq ft.

Apart from the type of poultry farm, you need to consider other factors as well to decide on location. These include proximity to the market and amenities like freshwater and preferably a pollution-free environment.

3. Identify your target audience

Next you need to identify the target audience of your business plan for poultry farming. You have three main target markets to choose from: individual customers, wholesalers, or retailers. You will need to conduct thorough market research to determine your target audience’s demand and purchase preferences.

Understanding the target audience is vital to designing a production and marketing strategy that effectively meets customers' needs.

4. Create a business plan

Now comes the blueprint of your business: the business plan. A concrete chicken farming business plan will guide you towards achieving your financial goals.

A chicken farming business plan will typically include:

Type of poultry farm

Type and quantity of birds

Equipment required

Process details for business activities such as breeding or egg production, etc.

Details of financial and human resources

Advertising and marketing strategy

Pending registration and licenses

Business goals for your business plan for poultry production

5. Decide on capital allocation

To decide on the funding requirement, you must first list the potential expenses for your chicken rearing business plan. A standard poultry farm will include land acquisition expenses, construction of coops, housing facilities for employees, equipment purchase, marketing, and daily working expenses.

Apart from these, do not forget some ongoing business expenses such as bird feed, medication, and labour. A comprehensive account of capital allocation will help you secure funding for your business smoothly.

6. Create a marketing and advertising strategy

A business plan for poultry production is incomplete without a proper marketing strategy. To increase visibility, you should consider advertising on all the major media outlets, such as social media, print, paper, and radio.

Additionally, you can create a website for your business as well as market your products on popular e-commerce websites. This will ensure a wider reach for your poultry business.

Your specific market strategy will be driven by your target audience. For example, if you are targeting youth who want farm-fresh eggs, make sure your marketing campaign prioritises this particular aspect of your poultry farm.

7. Complete FSSAI (Food Safety Standards Authority of India) registration and obtain relevant licenses

If your poultry farm business turnover is less than 12 Lakhs, you can get it registered with FSSAI, the food regulatory body of India. However, for a turnover greater than 12 Lakhs, you will need to obtain a state or national license. Additionally, you might consider applying for a poultry farming business loan to support your expansion.

Some other mandatory licenses required for your poultry farm business are:

A NOC (no objection certificate) from the village and municipality where your farm is located and from the pollution board

Permission from the electricity board to install a transformer for your chicken production business plan

License from the groundwater department

Registration of your poultry farm business (proprietary firm, partnership firm or company)

Final Thoughts

This is all about designing a successful chicken rearing business plan. Once you’ve made a concrete business plan, it’s time to address the challenge of funding. If you are considering a business loan for your venture, look no further than Tata Capital.

Tata Capital’s business loans are designed to help businesses grow and thrive. You can apply for a business loan at Tata Capital with minimum business loan documents required. Further, the competitive business loan interest rates offered by Tata Capital ensure that your profits go into growing your business and not high loan EMIs.

To know more, visit the Tata Capital website or download the Tata Capital App now!

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• Flood Resources

Reducing Flooding Impacts to Farms, Businesses, & Other Ag Facilities

Producers and business owners can take the following precautions to protect their operations.

Ag Chemical Facilities

Anhydrous ammonia.

• Move anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks and other equipment out of the flood zone.
• Drain line and remove pumps and other system components.
• Lock and protect tank valves.
• Have plan to move product out and ship to terminal or other storage facility.
• Turn power to ammonia system off when unattended.
• Secure storage tanks to prevent movement or damage by flood waters.

Bulk Dry Fertilizer

• Construct barriers at flood water entrances to prevent water from entering bins.
• Delay shipments or temporarily move product to higher ground.

Bulk Liquid Fertilizers or Pesticides

• Lock and protect valves.
• Close and lock site gauge valves on bulk fertilizer storage tanks.
• Inventory all stored products.
• Accelerate or postpone shipments.

Small Packaged Pesticide Containers

• Keep containers off the floor and secured.
• Inventory products.
• Move grain fumigants to an area outside the flood zone.
• Move products to an area protected from flood waters and away from drains.
• Postpone incoming shipments.
• Contact your dairy plant for additional milk storage.
• Contact your milk hauler for alternate route and pick-up plan.
• Secure adequate feed supplies.
• Relocate feed supplies to protect from flooding.
• Relocate calf hutches to high ground.
• Protect well from floodwater or secure an alternate supply of safe water.
• Have back-up generators available in case of persisting power outages.
• Install additional sump or trash pump for parlor pit.
• Install spill containment kit to keep flood water out of milkhouse and other key areas.
• Divert drainage by adding shallow diversion ditches so the runoff water flows around the cow yard.

Food & Dairy Processing Plants, Grocery Stores & Warehouses

• Update all emergency telephone numbers.
• Check your flood insurance.
• Keep employees informed of all plans and review their responsibilities.
• Maintain emergency lighting.
• Have back-up generators available in case of longer term power outages.
• Ensure emergency shutoffs for refrigeration and other systems are in a protected location.
• Protect your well from floodwaters or secure an alternate supply of safe water.
• Identify ways to divert floodwater away from the facility, if possible.
• Update emergency contact list for contractors and utilities.
• Identify alternate storage facilities such as public storage, refrigerated trailers, or storage buildings.
• If flooding is predicted and time allows for safe removal, relocate food, supplies, and equipment to alternate storage.
• Locate main gas and electrical shutoffs.
• Protect records. Back up computer records and programs for vulnerable equipment and store in a safe, dry location.
• Use plugs to prevent floodwater from backing up in sewer drain.
• Have alternate means of communication available such as cellular phones or battery-operated radios.

Grain Facilities

• Take proactive and protective action. Consider sandbagging and moving grain to unused bins that are less likely to flood. If flooding is inevitable, move grain to a safe location.
• Grain that is threatened by flooding may be moved to sites that have not been pre-approved by inspectors. Notify the MDA that grain has been moved to temporary storage facilities once the transfer has taken place. Inspections of the temporary storage sites may be conducted after the fact to ensure that the grain has been safely and securely stored. Grain must be returned to approved storage facilities once the danger of flooding has passed.
• A similar plan should be used for warehouses storing general merchandise.
• The MDA is available to help elevator managers arrange for suitable temporary storage and solve flooding problems on a case-by-case basis.
• Keep in mind that grain that has become adulterated due to exposure to floodwater may not be used for hu-man food or animal feed.

Report an Incident

An agricultural chemical incident, a food or feed incident, or a plant or animal health emergency must be reported to the Minnesota Duty Officer at 800-422-0798 (available 24 hours). You can also call the Duty Officer to request state assistance. If there is an immediate threat to life or property, call 911 first.

Private Well Contamination

If you get your drinking water from a private well and are experiencing flooding, assume your well is contaminated. Water from your well should not be used for drinking, cooking, or brushing your teeth until the floodwater recedes. The Minnesota Department of Health has resources to help protect your water from becoming contaminated and advice if your well has been impacted by floodwaters. A licensed well contractor should disinfect your well – or complete the disinfection yourself – if floodwaters reached or covered your well.

Impacts to Crops and Livestock

Flooded fields.

Heavy rains can flood fields or create saturated conditions. While floodwaters can kill off a crop, standing water can also create disease and pest issues. The University of Minnesota Extension has information on crops that are exposed to prolonged periods of high soil moisture.

• Small grains
• Produce and specialty crops

On-farm Grain Storage

Take proactive steps to protect stored grain. Consider sandbagging and moving grain to unused bins that are less likely to flood. If flooding is inevitable, move grain to a safe location.

The University of Minnesota Extension has resources if you experience flooded grain bins on your farm. 

Producers should monitor conditions before floodwaters enter barns and other enclosed livestock areas. If producers need help or other resources to move livestock, contact your local county emergency managers or local county feedlot officer.

Manure Management

If your manure storage facility has the potential to overflow, contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to reduce the potential for manure contamination to streams, rivers, and lakes. You may also call your local county feedlot officer. If your manure storage facility overflows, you must contact the Minnesota Duty Officer at 800-422-0798.

Financial Assistance and Support

Rural finance authority disaster recovery loan program.

The Rural Finance Authority (RFA) has 0% interest loans available for Minnesota producers whose operations have been impacted by flooding. The Disaster Recovery Loan is available to help a farmer cover lost revenue or expenses not covered by insurance. The loan can be used to replace livestock, make building improvements, and other qualifying items. Producers work through their local lender to apply for the Disaster Recovery Loan Program. More information is available on  the RFA website .

Eligibility for Disaster Recovery Loans is established through state or federal disaster declarations. For a current list of counties eligible for funding due to severe weather events, visit the USDA website . Applicants have one year from a disaster declaration date to apply for a loan.

Farm Advocates provide one-on-one assistance for Minnesota farmers who face crisis caused by either a natural disaster or financial problems. They are trained and experienced in disaster programs, agricultural lending practices, mediation, lender negotiation, farm programs, crisis counseling and recognizing the need for legal and social services.

Farm Stress and Mental Health

Severe weather outbreaks can add to stress, financial problems, price and marketing uncertainties, and household difficulties. You can contact the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline anytime for support:

• Phone : 833-600-2670
• Text : FARMSTRESS to 898211
• Email :  [email protected]

Visit the  Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline webpage  for more information and resources.

Federal Resources

Assistance for flood damage may also be available through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) , USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or the Small Business Administration (SBA) . Specifically, the FSA provides emergency farm loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to natural disasters. A presidential or secretarial disaster declaration may be needed to access some of these federal programs.

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USDA Is Delivering on its Commitment to Fair, Competitive, and Transparent Markets

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2024 – The pandemic revealed how bottlenecks in the food and agriculture supply chain threatened consumers with higher costs and reduced access to key products, while producers faced collapsed markets and unfair prices. Meanwhile, marketplace abuses in concentrated markets have been longstanding concerns in key sectors such as meat and poultry.

Under President Biden’s historic Executive Order on Promoting Competition in America’s Economy and as set out in our competition report , USDA has led a whole-of-USDA and partaken in a whole-of-government initiative to improve the competitive landscape in food and agricultural markets. With landmark investments, new rules and enforcement, and a wide-ranging realignment of policies, the Biden-Harris USDA has brought meaningful, lasting change and delivered on its commitment to fair and competitive markets that serve the interests of working family consumers and the American farmer alike.

Highlights of USDA’s efforts include:

Delivering on unprecedented multibillion dollar investment plan to sustainably lower costs for consumers and boost choice for producers, by directly incentivizing competition in food processing and fertilizer.

USDA is delivering on its commitment to invest $1 billion to expand independent meat and poultry processing capacity across the country as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain .

To enable sustained success, USDA has supported a range of critical needs:

Direct processing capacity expansion. USDA is expanding processing capacity for farmers in 26 states by investing $208 million in 35 small and mid-sized businesses, through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP).

• Local processing options . $9.5 million to 42 projects through the Local Meat Capacity Grant program is building resilience in the meat and poultry supply chain by modernizing, increasing, diversifying, and decentralizing meat and poultry processing capacity. This initial set of awards covers 27 states and Puerto Rico. An additional round of awards will be announced soon.
• Enhanced financing options . The USDA RD Rural Business and Cooperative Service (RBCS) has awarded $275 million in grants to 29 eligible lenders in the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) to date. Awards established revolving loan funds to increase access to capital for processors who want to start or expand processing capacity for meat and poultry.
• Workforce Training . USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is awarding specified universities grants of up to $15 million to support agricultural workforce training for historically underserved communities. Work in these programs supports development of meat and poultry processing training and educational materials for place-based needs, particularly relevant to small or mid-sized farms and ranches.
• Food safety compliance, especially at smaller facilities . AMS awarded $53 million through 237 grants in 45 states through the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant Program (MPIRG) to help currently operational meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities obtain a Federal Grant of Inspection or operate as a State-inspected facility under a Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program.

Management Technical Assistant . USDA is investing up to $25 million through the Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity - Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA) to ensure that participants in USDA’s Meat and Poultry Supply Chain initiatives have access full-range technical assistance to support their project development and success. Six organizations are serving as technical assistance providers, and since its launch in 2022, the program has helped over 1,000 businesses and organizations across the United States.

Tribal Capacity . USDA has invested nearly $50 million in the Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program that will improve tribal nations’ food and agricultural supply chain resiliency by developing and expanding value-added infrastructure related to meat from indigenous animals like bison, reindeer or salmon.

Research and Innovation . In March 2023, the University of Arkansas was awarded a $5 million grant from the AFRI Center of Excellence for Meat and Poultry Processing and Food Safety Research and Innovation (MPPFSRI). In addition, $13.9 million in grants from the Meat and Poultry Processing Research and Innovation – Small Business Innovation Research Phase III – program were awarded to 14 small and mid-sized meat and poultry processors who will trial food safety and quality assurance technologies. These grants are administered by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Making innovative investments in fertilizer production that will deliver independent, made-in-America, innovative, sustainable and farmer-focused new capacity .

USDA has also stood up and dedicated $900 million for the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program . USDA has announced 57 projects in 29 states for a total amount of $251 million under the program. Examples of recipients include a business in Washington state that uses patented technology to manufacture and process raw manure and fish waste into fertilizer, and another in Alabama that uses slow-release technology to improve nutrient efficiency.

Reinvigorating USDA’s century-old fair and competitive market laws with new rules and enforcement to counter unfair, deceptive, and anti-competitive practices and empower producers and growers.

USDA has put forth a suite of critical new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (P&S Act) to promote transparency in poultry contracting and tournaments , address unfairness and deception in broiler grower payments, poultry grower ranking systems, and capital improvement systems , prohibit discrimination, retaliation, and deception in a range of circumstances, and provide better clarity around unfair practices and competitive injury. With two final rules and two more proposed rules, USDA is delivering on its commitment to make lasting change that works.

The “ Transparency in Poultry Contracting and Tournaments ” final rule gives broiler chicken growers better insight into the opportunities and risks before making key financial decisions , such as entering a poultry growing arrangement or making an additional capital investment. And to help growers be better growers and to protect growers against potential deceptive practices, the rule requires integrators to give growers key information about the inputs they receive under tournament-specific input disclosures.

The “ Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity ” final rule prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and certain other basic characteristics; bans retaliatory practices to protect activities such as communicating with government agencies, joining producer or grower associations, being a witness in a proceeding against a packer or live poultry dealer, and asserting legal and contractual rights; and offers protection against deceptive contracting that are false, misleading, and result in harm to producers.

The “ Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems ” proposed rule would prohibit deductions from the base price in contracts for broiler chicken growers, permitting only bonuses for performance. The rule would also establish a duty of fair comparison to ensure grower comparisons (tournaments) are conducted in a reasonable and equitable way that does not disadvantage specific growers. It would also provide critical information to enable growers to better identify risks that may arise on capital improvement practices and enhance the ability for USDA to enforce existing prohibitions on unfair capital improvement practices .

The “ Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets ” proposed rule provides clarity regarding the prohibition on unfair practices under the Packers Stockyards Act and the relationship to competitive injury , including harms to market participants and harms to markets . This proposed rule seeks to provide a workable guideline on how the prohibitions on unfair practices will operate and be enforced.

AMS will also be releasing later this summer a report on access to retail markets and is working on a rule to improve transparency and price discovery in cattle markets.

In addition, AMS has enhanced its enforcement partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice , including establishing a new joint tips and complaints portal at farmerfairness.gov. Further examples of this robust enforcement partnership include a case against a poultry company to halt their use of termination fees to penalize broiler chicken growers from switching processors and a landmark case against the third largest poultry processor addressing deception in tournaments.

USDA has established an innovative partnership with the State Attorneys General to share resources and enhance enforcement of unfair and anticompetitive practices in food and agriculture.

Supporting transparency.

In February 2024, USDA finalized a new rule that only permits the voluntary “ Product of USA ” or “Made in the USA” claim to be applied to those FSIS-regulated meat and poultry products that are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States , which better aligns with consumer understanding of what the label means.

FSIS is also engaged in a review of animal-raising claims for labels of FSIS-regulated products, such as “no antibiotics ever” and “pasture-raised.” High quality standards and verification on labels are important to prevent consumer confusion and ensure that the market reflects those choices with the consumer’s hard-earned dollar.

Launched in 2023, USDA’s pilot Cattle Contracts Library , provides new disclosure to the industry and public regarding the key terms, conditions, and volumes under which cattle are contracted, bringing sunshine to practices in what is now the largest part of the cattle market. USDA continues to work with Congress to enable this pilot program to deliver meaningful and lasting value to producers.

USDA is also launching a new data visualization tool, the Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) Live Cattle Data Dashboard , providing users the ability to view and access LMR live cattle market information in a manner that is easy to use and understand. AMS also will begin publishing additional information on the actual net premiums and discounts paid to cattle producers by packers under formula marketing arrangements and detailed quality grade price distribution information. The enhanced insight gained from these powerful tools places producers on a more equal footing with large volume data users and fosters a fairer and more competitive marketplace. Public access to this dashboard will be available this summer.

Creating a fairer market for seeds, other agricultural inputs.

In March 2023, USDA released a report, titled “ More and Better Choices for Farmers: Promoting Fair Competition and Innovation in Seeds and Other Agricultural Inputs ,” that includes recommendations for improving market fairness. USDA took immediate action on three of these recommendations:

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) stood up a new Farmer Seed Liaison that is working to boost transparency and reduce confusion in a complex seed system by helping facilitate communication between farmers and plant breeders and the patent system. Ensuring the patent system gets the best information regarding seed science and practices enables patents to serve their appropriate function in rewarding genuine innovation, and prevent the inappropriate use of patents as government-granted monopolies.

AMS released a Notice to Trade regarding compliance with disclosing the kind and variety of seeds under the Federal Seed Act. USDA has also made it easier for farmers and seed businesses to report tips and complaints related to competition and consumer protection in the seed markets through enhanced links at its FarmerFairness.gov portal.

USDA and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) formed a Working Group on IP & Competition in Seeds and Other Agricultural Inputs, where USDA and USPTO, together with DOJ and Federal Trade Commission (FTC), will work to promote fair competition in the seed market .

Enhancing value-added market access.

As part of its work to transform the nation’s food system , USDA is investing in more and better markets across the food system. These efforts are designed to strengthen our local and regional food systems, create new market opportunities, add value for agricultural producers and consumers, and spur economic activity locally — helping communities that have been left behind by the current agricultural models and supporting good-paying jobs throughout the supply chain. Programs through which USDA is accomplishing these goals include the Organic Transition Initiative , Healthy Meals Incentives , Regional Food Business Centers , Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program , Local Agricultural Marketing Program (LAMP) , Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives , and Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) .

Increasing transportation network resilience.

As part of Secretary Vilsack’s work as co-chair of both the Biden-Harris Administration’s Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force and Council on Supply Chain Resilience, USDA has supported whole-of-government efforts to build enduring supply chain resilience. In May 2023, Secretary Vilsack sent a letter to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) requesting urgent action to improve rail service for agricultural commodities by moving forward on open proceedings, such as a shipper petition on private railcar use, emergency service orders, and reciprocal switching. In addition, Secretary Vilsack urged STB to provide clarity on the railroads’ common carrier obligation and collect additional first-mile/last-mile service data.

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