How to Start a Dairy Goat Business
As with any business, researching a dairy goat business before starting will make setup easier and better suited to your individual preferences. By talking with people who are already in the dairy goat business, as well as investigating the legal aspects and health and related costs, the "unexpected'" may be addressed and a personalized business plan can be developed.
Learning as much as possible about goat behavior, health, breeds and production cycles aids helps you know how these factors affect farm production.
Whether the farm is to be certified as organic, a commercial business or a private co-op, the basic steps for starting a dairy goat business are the same.
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Instructions
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Determine what you know and what you need to learn about running a business, as well as about goats and farming in general. Use this as a basis to schedule classes or to determine what you need to learn from current dairy goat business owners. Look to associations for information, too.
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Evaluate the feasibility of a dairy goat farm in the area you plan to establish it. The cost of fuel versus profit from the goat milk needs to be factored into your plans. Look at whether there is a market for the milk the farm will produce.
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Choose the best breed for the climate where the business is located. Calculate the number of goats to start with. Look at breeding lines (genetics) and the history of the parents for milk production.
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Look for feed sources for quality nutrition. If you are growing the feed on the farm, calculate the capability. Find a nutritionist with goat knowledge and learn about goat nutrition.
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Establish good husbandry practices. Cleanliness is important. Keep track of production through a record-keeping system.
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Set up housing and a milking facility and install milking equipment.
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Determine where the milk is to be processed. Will it be by a commercial processor or will it be done on the farm? Will it be picked up by the processor? Will a new route be needed or does one exist for the processor pickup? Will they buy the milk and what is the charge for pickup?
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Check on local regulations for needed permits, septic systems requirements and water regulations for freshwater and wastewater.
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Find a goat-qualified veterinarian. Also learn about goat medicine.
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Prepare a business plan to include liabilities and assets, along with projected cash flow. Include a description of the farm with an explanation of how the farm can make a profit. Establish a marketing plan. Set up backup plans for when things don't go as planned.
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Comments
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good article, I will follow it up with no fail.
