When starting ostrich farming, you will quickly realize that to ensure a stable production farm, a financial plan is of the utmost 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 market development, 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 remember to change the plan so that it is very specific to ostrich farming. For example, the turnaround time on a poultry farm is on average 6 weeks, while the turnaround time on an ostrich farm is up to 14 months, depending on the market you are targeting. 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 incorporating 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 certification or additional 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 will you be able to establish an operational plan and put it into practice.
• To set up your operating plans, you need to research 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 timelines
• Understand the quality requirements you will need to meet
• Develop the necessary infrastructure and interdependent operating cooperation
• Find a source for your live ostriches and ostrich eggs
• Identify networking, joint venture, and cooperation and partnership opportunities that you will need to optimize production
• Developed a training program for all interdependent staff and operations
• Develop your product line
Various daily, weekly or seasonal activities will need to be defined for the smooth running of operations in your ostrich farming business. 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 proven production plan in advance. This will not leave room for errors due to lack of knowledge.
Activities to investigate include:
FOOD:
• 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 the hatching of the ostrich eggs?
• How and where will the chicks be raised?
• What type 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?
• Which processes should be outsourced?
• What are the requirements of your market?
• How will the products be distributed and marketed?
Once you have thoroughly researched each aspect, you will be ready to put this knowledge into successful practice as you move your ostrich farming business from a planning phase to a development phase and finally to a project phase. production.