Develop a Strong Business Plan and SWOT Analysis
It is important to remember that a dairy farm is a business. A strategic business plan, SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and the resources available will determine one’s success in dairy business. What number of cows will you milk? Where will you market your milk? Will you procure workers? What amount of cash do you have to live on after the dairy bills are altogether paid? Your business plan should have a detailed cash flow plan to meet the expectation for your expenses and cost of production.
Consult the Specialist / Advisors
Regardless of your childhood experience with a dairy farm and figured out how to feed and milk cows from your folks and grandparents it is vital to counsel specialists in the dairy business and plan your administration framework. Other dairy makers are extraordinary assets. Go to their farms in different parts of the state or nation and find out what has worked and what has not worked, but keep in mind that because something worked at one farm does not mean it will work for you on your farm.
Develop a Cropping and Feeding Program
Regardless of whether you will bolster a TMR (Total Mixed Ration), graze your cattle, or some mix of both; dairy cattle require a specific arrangement of supplements to help themselves, create milk, and grow a calf. Work with a nutritionist to create rations for your lactating cows and dry cows and heifers if these animals are to be raised on the farm. Raising all your own feed takes time hence arrange some advanced tools for planting and harvesting the crops. Make arrangement with neighbors to share equipment and labor which can reduce your capital investment.
Develop a Waste Management Plan
Dairy cows produce a considerable measure of manure. While this fertilizer is frequently alluded to as waste, if managed properly it can be an extraordinary asset on the farm. Manure Management will be attached intently to your cropping and feed program.
Increase Your Equity over Time
Dairy Farming requires an extensive capital venture. Land, Buildings, Equipment, and cows are costly and few new dairy farmers will have the required capital to buy everything when they get started in business. Many starting farmers start by acquiring their cows first and renting the farm and land. These initial animals are your farms equity.
Dairy Farming is a Biological System
The dairy farming is reliant on the cow’s capacity to carry on with a healthy life, produce milk, and have calves that can become the next generation of the farm. Dairy farming requires detailed programs for herd wellbeing, reproduction and calf care in addition to the nutrition and financial aspects on the farm.
One Size Does Not Fit All
All dairy farms are different based on the producer’s desire, resource, market needs. Various frameworks exist and can be gainful. A few producers contract out their replacements to a custom calf raiser while others expand by offering crops, raising cows or making a home-bottling plant. How you farm will rely upon your desire, resources, and drive.
You are a Manager First
With a specific end goal to succeed you should integrate every part of management into a whole farm plan. Work with trusted advisors to build a plan, and stick with your strengths. On the off chance if you cherish milking dairy animals but hate planting corn, discover somebody to do the work or outsource. Consider creating a farm management team that engages your consultants to be active participants in the farm’s progress.