WANT TO SET UP A DAIRY FARM?
The quality of milk is the foremost determinant of a dairy business's success. This has also led to a shift from mixed farming to specialized dairy farming over the years
Dairy farming returns high yield if you invest your resources with hard work and dedication. It is important to be clear with your objectives and requirements before you jump into it. Make sure you are prepared to answer the following questions before you venture into dairying.
Do you have a Dairy Farm business plan?
It is important to draw a well-thought business plan, just like for any other business. Do a SWOT analysis, have clarity in terms of how much productivity you want? What is your target market? What should be the size of the herd you will require for that? Will you and your family shall work on the farm or you shall require hired hands to work on the farm? Have you accounted for cash flow besides the capital investment?
Do you have the required farm management expertise?
Owned or borrowed, one must have the technical know-how of dairy farming. Have you worked on a dairy farm before? Are you acquainted with the basics of cattle management? Do you own cattle or know what kind of milch animals you should possess? Do you have access to the professional services of experts like farmers, veterinarians, dairy farming consultants, agronomists?
Have you created a cropping and feeding program?
Quality milk needs quality care of your cattle and feeding. Proper nutrients need to be provided to the dairy animals, which is also economical as almost half of your milk production cost accounts from feeding. The amount of feed and fodder varies on factors like what breed is the cow, what is the bodyweight, whether it is lactating or dry etc. Knowledge of the same or consultancy with a nutritionist is important not only for the health of animals but also to ensure higher milk yield and better quality.
What is your waste management plan?
Waste management is an important aspect of a dairy farm. Wastes like manure, leftover feed, dead animals, need to be dealt with to eliminate the threat of diseases and to prevent pollution from greenhouse gas emissions or wastewater. While it's necessary, proper management can be highly resourceful. The manure from the cattle can be recycled and incorporated in the cropping and feeding program, or it can be used to produce bioenergy. What methods of waste management do you plan to use? Are they cost-efficient for you?
While these questions touch the surface of the requirements, as an entrepreneur you will need to do an in-depth study and analysis. Many legal and technical aspects need to be considered too. The right approach is to stick to your strengths and hire consultants who can help you in the right direction
Chadha Sales Pvt. Ltd. is led by a team of experts, skilled in technical knowledge of milk production and processing. We help you meet your vision by estimating the right kind of resources you will need.
To take your dairy dream ahead, connect with us for a personal consultation
