When starting out with ostrich farming, you will quickly realize that to ensure a stable producing farm, a financial plan is of paramount importance. In order to have products on the market, we need reliable production at the right price. If we are able to identify all the aspects related to the development of the market, we will gain a better understanding of how we can finance each aspect and manage it in the most profitable way.
There are business plan strategies that apply to all business models, but there are some that are unique to ranching in general, and some that are very specific to ostrich farming. It is good to learn from other companies and learn good business management techniques from them, but always remembering to change the plan to be very specific to ostrich farming. For example, turnaround time for a poultry farm is on average 6 weeks, while turnaround time for an ostrich farm is up to 14 months, depending on your target market. Therefore, much more care must be taken when planning the cash flow of the company, since the time before financial benefits are realized to facilitate the cash flow will take months or even years to realize.
Therefore, it is imperative that you fully understand the market you are entering, while implementing the experiences of other successful agribusinesses into your own business plan.
The first step you must take is to define the market you intend to serve. Find out what the requirements are for this market: What age and quality of ostrich is needed for this market? What additional certification or quality controls are needed?
Once you fully understand your market, you can plan the steps you’ll need to take to get there. Only then can you establish an operational plan and put it into practice.
• To set up your operational plans, it is necessary to investigate a number of aspects of the business:
• Define your management structure
• Define the volume with which the company will start
• Define the growth rate and possible areas of expansion, with schedules
• Understand the quality requirements that must be met
• Develop the necessary infrastructure and interdependent operation cooperation
• Find a source for your live ostriches and ostrich eggs
• Identify networking, joint venture, and cooperation and partnership opportunities you will need to optimize production
• Developed a training program for all interdependent staff and operations
• Develop your product line
It will be necessary to define several daily, weekly or seasonal activities for the smooth running of operations in your ostrich farming company. While it is true that a plan can be developed as you learn the process, this is not good management practice. By researching your options and learning from the experiences of other ostrich farms, you can implement a pre-tested production plan. This will not leave room for errors due to lack of knowledge.
Activities to be investigated include:
FEEDING:
• What feeding program are you going to follow? Decide in advance where you will get your rations and whether you will make your own food or buy ready-made food.
• Research the benefits of different types of food, as well as how they are presented.
• How will the ostrich feed be distributed and how often?
PRODUCTION:
• What will you do about hatching the ostrich eggs?
• How and where will the chicks be raised?
• What kind of pens will you have for the ostriches?
• How will you ensure the biosecurity of your farm?
• What will your transportation needs be?
• What are the safety risks involved for workers and what measures will be put in place to ensure a safe and healthy environment for livestock and workers?
PRODUCTS:
• What products will you produce and/or manufacture?
• What processes should be outsourced?
• What are the requirements of your market?
• How will the products be distributed and marketed?
Once you have researched each aspect thoroughly, you will be ready to successfully put this knowledge into practice, as you move your ostrich farming venture from a planning phase to a development phase and finally to the planning phase. production.
