ostrich farming business plan

Ostrich Farming: Best Business Plan For Beginners

• Pinterest 93

Ostrich farming is the practice of breeding and raising ostriches for commercial purposes. Ostriches are large flightless birds that are native to Africa, but they are now raised in many parts of the world for their meat, eggs, feathers, and leather.

Ostriches are the largest birds in the world and can grow up to 9 feet tall and weigh up to 350 pounds. They are also known for their distinctive appearance, with long necks, powerful legs, and a distinctive plumage of black and white feathers.

Ostrich farming involves raising the birds in captivity, usually in large outdoor enclosures or indoor facilities. The birds require a lot of space to move around, and the enclosures must be strong and secure to protect them from predators and other hazards.

The primary product of ostrich farming is meat, which is a lean and healthy protein source that is gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers. Ostrich meat is also very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers and sausages to steaks and stir-fries.

Another product of ostrich farming is eggs, which are much larger than chicken eggs and have a distinctive flavor and texture. Ostrich eggs are often sold as a novelty item and are popular in upscale restaurants and gourmet markets.

In addition to meat and eggs, ostrich farming also produces feathers and leather. Ostrich feathers are prized for their softness and durability and are used in a variety of decorative and fashion applications. Ostrich leather is also highly valued for its strength and suppleness and is used in luxury goods such as handbags and boots.

Ostrich farming is a challenging and complex industry that requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Farmers must be knowledgeable about the biology and behavior of ostriches and must be able to provide them with the proper care and nutrition. They must also be able to manage the marketing and distribution of their products and navigate the regulatory and legal issues associated with the industry.

Table of Contents

Uses of Ostrich

Ostriches are known for their distinctive appearance, with long necks, powerful legs, and a distinctive plumage of black and white feathers. Ostriches are not only fascinating animals but also provide a range of useful products. Lets explore some of the uses of ostriches.

Ostrich meat is a lean and healthy protein source that is gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers. Ostrich meat is very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers and sausages to steaks and stir-fries. It has a unique taste that is often described as similar to beef but with a slightly sweeter flavor.

Ostrich eggs are much larger than chicken eggs and have a distinctive flavor and texture. Ostrich eggs are often sold as a novelty item and are popular in upscale restaurants and gourmet markets. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, frying, and baking.

Ostrich feathers are prized for their softness and durability and are used in a variety of decorative and fashion applications. Ostrich feathers are often used in costumes, hats, and accessories, and they are also used in fly tying for fishing.

Ostrich leather is highly valued for its strength and suppleness and is used in luxury goods such as handbags, wallets, and boots. Ostrich leather is also used in furniture, car interiors, and other high-end products.

Ostriches are also used in the tourism industry. Many farms that raise ostriches offer guided tours, allowing visitors to see these fascinating birds up close and learn more about ostrich farming.

Ostrich oil is extracted from the fat of the bird and is used in a variety of cosmetic and medical products. Ostrich oil is high in antioxidants and is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used in skin creams, lotions, and other skincare products.

Ostrich manure is rich in nutrients and is often used as a fertilizer for plants. It is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for plant growth.

Ostriches are not only fascinating animals but also provide a range of useful products. Ostrich meat, eggs, feathers, leather, oil, and manure are all valuable commodities that are used in a variety of industries.

The use of ostriches in the tourism industry is also growing, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to learn more about these remarkable birds.

Advantages of Ostrich Farming Business

Ostrich farming is a unique and fascinating business that can be very profitable for those who have the knowledge and resources to start and run a successful operation. Here are some of the advantages of ostrich farming:

High Demand for Ostrich Products

There is a growing demand for ostrich meat, eggs, feathers, and leather in many parts of the world. This demand is driven by the health benefits of ostrich meat, the novelty of ostrich eggs, and the high quality and durability of ostrich feathers and leather.

As a result, ostrich farming can be a profitable business for those who are able to supply these products to the market.

Low Overhead Costs

Ostriches are relatively low-maintenance animals that do not require a lot of food, water, or shelter. They are also resistant to many diseases and pests, which means that farmers do not need to invest heavily in veterinary care or pest control. This can result in lower overhead costs and higher profits for ostrich farmers.

High Return on Investment

Ostriches can be raised for a variety of products, including meat, eggs, feathers, and leather. These products are all high-value items that can generate significant revenue for ostrich farmers. With proper planning and management, ostrich farming can provide a high return on investment.

Diversification of Income

Ostrich farming allows farmers to diversify their income streams by producing multiple products from a single animal. This can help to reduce the risk of economic fluctuations and provide a stable source of income for the farmer.

Environmentally Friendly

Ostrich farming is an environmentally friendly business that can have a positive impact on the ecosystem. Ostriches are efficient feed converters, which means that they require less feed per pound of meat than other livestock animals.

They also produce less waste than other livestock, which can reduce the environmental impact of farming.

Sustainable Business

Ostrich farming is a sustainable business that can be carried out over the long term. Ostriches have a long lifespan and can produce multiple offspring over their lifetime. This means that farmers can establish a breeding program that can sustain the business for many years to come.

Ostrich farming is a unique and profitable business that offers many advantages to those who are willing to invest in it. With high demand for ostrich products, low overhead costs, and a high return on investment, ostrich farming can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly business that provides a stable source of income for the farmer.

How to Start Ostrich Farming Business

Starting commercial ostrich farming business is not too easy. It requires knowledge, and high investment as compared to other poultry farming business .

So, we recommend having practical knowledge or training before starting this business commercially. Try to complete a training from an existing farmer, or from any govt or non-govt institution.

Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful ostrich farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing.

Complete Training

Ostrich farming is a specialized field that requires knowledge and expertise in animal care, nutrition, breeding, and business management. Proper training is essential for those who want to start an ostrich farm or work in the ostrich farming industry. In this article, we will explore some of the key aspects of ostrich farming training.

Animal Care

Ostrich farming training should include a comprehensive understanding of animal care. This includes the basic needs of ostriches such as food, water, and shelter, as well as more advanced topics such as disease prevention, handling, and health care. It is important to learn about the specific needs of ostriches as they have unique requirements compared to other livestock animals.

Proper nutrition is critical to the health and growth of ostriches. Ostrich farming training should cover topics such as feed formulation, feeding techniques, and the nutritional requirements of ostriches at different stages of development. This is important to ensure that ostriches are healthy and productive.

Ostrich breeding is a complex process that requires knowledge of genetics, reproduction, and hatching. Ostrich farming training should include information on breeding techniques such as artificial insemination, egg collection and storage, and incubation. This knowledge will help farmers to produce high-quality chicks and manage their breeding program effectively.

Business Management

Running an ostrich farm involves many business management aspects, such as marketing, sales, and financial management. Ostrich farming training should provide an understanding of these topics and how they relate to the ostrich farming industry. This is important for farmers who want to run a successful and profitable business.

Safety and Regulations

Ostrich farming involves working with large and potentially dangerous animals. Training should cover safety procedures and regulations related to ostrich farming, such as handling techniques and biosecurity protocols. This is important to ensure that both the farmers and ostriches are safe.

There are several ways to obtain ostrich farming training. Some universities offer courses and degrees in animal science or agriculture that include ostrich farming as a topic. Additionally, there are many private organizations that offer workshops, seminars, and training programs on ostrich farming.

Ostrich farming training is an essential component of starting and running a successful ostrich farm. Training should cover animal care, nutrition, breeding, business management, safety, and regulations.

There are many resources available for those who want to learn about ostrich farming, including universities, private organizations, and online courses.

By obtaining the proper training, farmers can ensure the health and productivity of their ostriches and run a profitable business.

Select a Good Location

Selecting a good location for ostrich farming is essential for the success of the business. A location with a dry and warm climate, ample land availability, accessibility, proximity to services, availability of water, and favorable zoning regulations are some of the key factors to consider when selecting a location.

By choosing the right location, ostrich farmers can ensure the health and productivity of their birds and run a successful and profitable business.

There are several factors to consider when selecting a location for an ostrich farm. Here are some of the key considerations:

Ostriches are adapted to a range of climatic conditions, but they prefer dry and warm environments. A location with a dry and warm climate is ideal for ostrich farming. Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, or very hot temperatures should be avoided.

Land Availability

Ostriches require a lot of space to move around and exercise. The ideal location for ostrich farming should have ample land available for the birds to roam and graze. A minimum of one acre of land per bird is recommended for outdoor grazing. The land should also be well-drained and not prone to flooding.

Accessibility

A good location for ostrich farming should be easily accessible by road, which will make it easier to transport feed, equipment, and birds. Additionally, the location should be easily accessible to markets where the ostrich products can be sold.

Proximity to Services

The location should be close to services such as veterinary care, equipment suppliers, and feed stores. This is important to ensure that the birds receive proper care and nutrition, and that the farm has access to the necessary resources to operate effectively.

Availability of Water

Ostriches require a lot of water to drink and bathe in. A good location for ostrich farming should have access to a reliable source of water, such as a well or a river. Additionally, the location should have access to water for irrigation purposes, as the birds need to graze on fresh grass.

Zoning Regulations

Zoning regulations vary by location and may impact the ability to establish an ostrich farm in certain areas. It is important to research the zoning regulations in the proposed location and ensure that ostrich farming is allowed in that area.

Select Right Breed

When choosing an ostrich breed for farming, it’s important to consider factors such as the bird’s size, temperament, growth rate, and adaptability to your local environment. With the right breed, proper care, and management, ostrich farming can be a profitable and rewarding business.

Black-necked ostrich

The black-necked ostrich is the most common ostrich breed used for farming. It’s known for its large size, rapid growth rate, and ability to produce high-quality meat and leather. This breed is native to Africa and can adapt well to different climates and environments.

Blue-necked ostrich

The blue-necked ostrich is another popular ostrich breed for farming. It’s slightly smaller than the black-necked ostrich, but it’s known for its docile nature and gentle temperament. This breed is often used for breeding and for producing high-quality feathers.

Red-necked ostrich

The red-necked ostrich is a rare breed that’s native to the Sahel region of Africa. It’s smaller than the black-necked and blue-necked ostriches and is known for its unique red neck and legs. This breed is often used for breeding and for producing high-quality feathers.

Somali ostrich

The Somali ostrich is a tall and slender ostrich breed that’s native to East Africa. It’s known for its adaptability to hot and dry environments and is often raised for its meat, eggs, and feathers.

Masai ostrich

The Masai ostrich is a rare and endangered ostrich breed that’s native to East Africa. It’s one of the largest ostrich breeds and is known for its long and slender neck. This breed is often used for breeding and for producing high-quality feathers.

Proper housing is essential for the health and wellbeing of ostriches. When designing and constructing ostrich housing, it’s important to consider factors such as space requirements, fencing, bedding, ventilation, lighting, and feeding and watering.

By providing a safe and comfortable environment for ostriches, farmers can ensure the health and productivity of their flocks. Lets explore some of the key factors to consider when designing and constructing ostrich housing.

Space Requirements

Ostriches are large birds that require a significant amount of space to move around and exercise. For adult ostriches, a minimum of 300 square feet per bird is recommended, with even more space recommended for breeding pairs or groups.

In addition to a large outdoor area, ostrich housing should also include indoor shelter where the birds can rest and protect themselves from extreme weather conditions.

Ostriches need a soft and dry surface to rest on, and straw or wood shavings can be used as bedding material. It’s important to keep the bedding clean and dry to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that can cause diseases.

Ventilation

Good ventilation is crucial in ostrich housing to prevent the buildup of ammonia and other harmful gases that can cause respiratory problems in the birds.

Adequate ventilation can be achieved through the use of windows or vents that allow for the exchange of air while keeping the birds protected from drafts.

Ostriches require adequate lighting to maintain healthy circadian rhythms and promote egg-laying. A combination of natural and artificial lighting can be used to achieve the appropriate level of light for the birds.

As with any livestock, ostriches require appropriate fencing to keep them safely contained and prevent them from wandering off or being preyed upon by predators. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key factors to consider when designing and constructing ostrich fencing.

Ostriches are large birds that are capable of jumping and can easily clear fences that are too low. A fence height of at least 7-8 feet is recommended to prevent ostriches from jumping over it. Some farmers even use fences that are 10-12 feet tall to ensure maximum safety and security.

Ostriches are strong animals and can easily break through or damage weak fencing materials. The fencing material should be sturdy and durable, such as welded wire or chain-link fencing. Barbed wire should be avoided as it can cause injury to the birds.

Ostriches are curious birds and may approach the fence to investigate. Fencing that allows the birds to see beyond their enclosure is important to prevent them from feeling trapped or confined. Mesh or wire fencing is ideal for this purpose as it allows for visibility while still providing a secure barrier.

Ground Clearance

Ostriches can also dig under fences, so it’s important to ensure that the fence is buried at least 2-3 feet into the ground. This will prevent the birds from digging underneath the fence and escaping.

Electric Fencing

Electric fencing can be used as an added deterrent to prevent ostriches from approaching or damaging the fence. Electric fencing can be installed on top of a regular fence, or as a stand-alone barrier.

It’s important to ensure that the voltage is not too high, as it can cause injury or even death to the birds.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of ostrich fencing is crucial to ensure its effectiveness and safety. The fence should be inspected regularly for damage or wear and tear. Any damage should be repaired promptly to prevent the birds from escaping or predators from entering.

Proper fencing is essential to ensure the safety and security of ostriches. When designing and constructing ostrich fencing, it’s important to consider factors such as height, strength, visibility, ground clearance, electric fencing, and maintenance.

By providing a secure and safe environment for ostriches, farmers can ensure the health and productivity of their flocks.

Proper nutrition is essential to ensure the health and productivity of ostriches. When feeding ostriches, it’s important to consider factors such as protein requirements, feeding schedule, water requirements, vitamins and minerals, feeding equipment, and feed storage.

By providing a balanced and nutritious diet, farmers can ensure the health and wellbeing of their ostriches and promote their growth and productivity. Lets explore some of the key factors to consider when feeding ostriches.

Protein Requirements

Ostriches require a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. Commercial ostrich feed, which is available at most feed stores, is the most convenient and reliable way to ensure that ostriches receive the necessary nutrients. A good quality ostrich feed should contain at least 18-20% protein.

Feeding Schedule

Ostriches should be fed two to three times a day. Young birds require more frequent feedings than adults. A schedule of feeding in the morning, afternoon, and evening is recommended.

In addition to commercial feed, ostriches can also be fed fruits and vegetables, but it’s important to ensure that these foods do not make up a significant portion of their diet.

Water Requirements

Fresh and clean water should be provided at all times. Ostriches require a lot of water, especially during hot weather. It’s important to ensure that the water supply is not contaminated by feces or other debris, as this can lead to health problems.

Vitamins and Minerals

Ostriches require certain vitamins and minerals to maintain good health. Commercial ostrich feed should contain the necessary vitamins and minerals, but it’s also important to provide access to minerals and vitamins separately.

A good quality mineral block or loose minerals can be provided to ensure that ostriches have access to all the nutrients they need.

Feeding Equipment

Ostriches should be fed using feeding troughs or self-feeders. These should be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold. It’s important to ensure that there is enough feeding space for all the birds to eat comfortably.

Feed Storage

Ostrich feed should be stored in a cool and dry place to prevent spoilage. If the feed gets wet or contaminated, it should be discarded. A good quality feed bin or container with a tight-fitting lid can be used to store ostrich feed.

Ostrich breeding is an important aspect of ostrich farming. When breeding ostriches, it’s important to consider factors such as age and maturity, pairing, nesting and egg laying, incubation, chick rearing, and record keeping.

By following best practices and monitoring the breeding process, farmers can increase the productivity and profitability of their ostrich farms. Here we are going to discuss some key factors to consider when breeding ostriches.

Age and Maturity

Ostriches reach sexual maturity at around 2-3 years of age. Breeding should not begin until the birds have reached this age. The age and maturity of the birds are important factors to consider when selecting breeding stock, as older birds are generally more successful breeders.

Ostriches are typically bred in pairs, with one male and one female. It’s important to ensure that the birds are not related, as inbreeding can lead to health problems and reduced productivity.

Pairing should be done based on the physical characteristics of the birds, such as size, feather quality, and overall health.

Nesting and Egg Laying

Ostriches lay their eggs in communal nests that are constructed by the female. The nest should be located in a quiet and secluded area to reduce stress on the birds. The female will lay one egg every two days until the clutch is complete, which can take up to two weeks. A typical clutch size is 20-40 eggs.

Ostrich eggs require an incubation period of 42-46 days. The eggs can be incubated naturally by the female, or they can be artificially incubated using an incubator.

Artificial incubation is the preferred method for most ostrich farmers, as it allows for better control over the incubation process.

Chick Rearing

Ostrich chicks are precocial, meaning they are capable of independent movement and feeding shortly after hatching. Chicks should be kept in a warm and dry environment for the first few weeks of their lives.

A diet of commercial ostrich feed and fresh water should be provided. Chicks should be kept separate from adult birds until they are fully feathered and able to fend for themselves.

Record Keeping

Proper record keeping is essential to monitor the success of ostrich breeding and to identify any potential health problems or issues. Records should be kept of breeding pairs, egg laying, incubation, and chick rearing.

This information can be used to improve breeding practices and to make informed decisions about the management of the flock.

Ostrich caring is a critical aspect of ostrich farming. Proper care includes providing adequate housing, balanced feeding, regular health care, grooming, exercise, and record keeping.

By following best practices and monitoring the health and productivity of the flock, farmers can ensure that their ostriches remain healthy, productive, and happy.

Ostriches require adequate housing to protect them from extreme weather conditions and predators. The housing should be spacious enough to allow the birds to move around freely, and the flooring should be solid to prevent leg and foot problems. Additionally, the housing should have adequate ventilation to ensure good air quality.

Ostriches require a balanced diet to remain healthy and productive. Their diet should consist of a combination of commercial ostrich feed, fresh water, and hay or other types of roughage. The feed should contain all the necessary nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, to meet the birds’ nutritional needs.

Health Care

Regular health care is essential for ostriches. The birds should be vaccinated against common diseases and dewormed regularly. Additionally, regular health checkups should be conducted to identify any potential health problems early on. Any sick or injured birds should be isolated and treated immediately to prevent the spread of disease.

Ostriches require regular grooming to maintain their feathers and overall health. The feathers should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and debris. Additionally, the birds should be dusted regularly to prevent mites and other parasites from infesting the feathers.

Ostriches require regular exercise to maintain good health and prevent obesity. The birds should be allowed to roam around freely in a fenced area to prevent them from escaping and to protect them from predators.

Additionally, the birds should be provided with toys and other forms of enrichment to keep them mentally stimulated.

Proper record keeping is essential to monitor the health and productivity of the ostrich flock. Records should be kept of feeding, health care, grooming, and exercise. This information can be used to identify any potential problems and to make informed decisions about the management of the flock.

Marketing ostrich products requires a combination of strategies to effectively promote these unique products.

By identifying your target market, developing a brand identity, utilizing digital marketing strategies, participating in trade shows and events, and offering samples and discounts, farmers can increase the visibility and sales of their ostrich products. Lets explore some of the key factors to consider when marketing ostrich products.

Identify Your Target Market

The first step in marketing ostrich products is to identify your target market. Ostrich meat, feathers, and leather appeal to different markets, so it’s important to understand your customers’ needs and preferences.

For example, ostrich meat is popular among health-conscious consumers who are looking for a lean, protein-rich meat, while ostrich feathers and leather are often used in high-end fashion and home decor.

Develop a Brand Identity

Developing a brand identity is essential for promoting ostrich products. Your brand should reflect your values, mission, and unique selling proposition. This can include using high-quality packaging, creating a catchy slogan, and designing a memorable logo.

Developing a strong brand identity helps to differentiate your products from others in the market and makes them more appealing to customers.

Utilize Digital Marketing Strategies

In today’s digital age, it’s essential to utilize digital marketing strategies to promote ostrich products. This includes creating a website, social media pages, and email marketing campaigns.

These digital channels allow you to reach a wider audience and promote your products in a more cost-effective manner. Additionally, you can use online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms to sell your products directly to consumers.

Participate in Trade Shows and Events

Participating in trade shows and events is a great way to promote your ostrich products to a targeted audience. These events allow you to showcase your products, connect with potential customers, and learn about industry trends.

Additionally, you can use these events to network with other industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the market.

Offer Samples and Discounts

Offering samples and discounts is a great way to introduce customers to your ostrich products and encourage them to make a purchase. This can include offering free samples of ostrich meat at a farmers’ market or offering a discount on a first-time purchase.

Additionally, you can offer promotions such as buy one, get one free, or a percentage discount on multiple purchases.

Ostrich farming is a unique and fascinating industry that offers a range of products and opportunities. It is a challenging and complex field that requires specialized knowledge and expertise, but for those who are willing to put in the effort, it can be a rewarding and profitable enterprise . Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!

Frequently Asked Questions

People ask many questions about ostrich farming business. Here we are listing most common questions about this lucrative business, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

Is ostrich farm profitable?

Yes, commercial production of ostrich is a profitable business. But you have to ensure good marketing facilities. So, try to determine the marketing facilities of ostrich products before starting this business. Ostrich products are highly prized in the international market. You just have to sell the products to the right buyers. Your venture will not be profitable without good marketing strategies. Nowadays, commercial ostrich farming for meat, hides, feathers and eggs can be a profitable way to earn a living.

How to start commercial ostrich farming business?

Starting a commercial ostrich farm is relatively easy. First of all, try to complete a training, then select a very good location, select the right breed, make a good house for your birds, make a fence around the farm area, feed your birds with good quality and nutritious food and take good care of them.

How much land do you need for an ostrich farm?

Ostriches are larger sized birds, and they generally need more space as compared to other poultry birds. You will need between 1 and 3 acres of land for running an ostrich farm successfully.

How long does it take ostrich to grow?

In most cases, ostriches become mature within their one and a half year (around 18 months) of age.

How fast do ostriches grow?

They weigh about 1kg when born and in the space of 18 months grow to an incredible size of about 140kg.

When female ostrich start laying eggs?

The female ostrich will start laying eggs when she is about two years old.

How much money can you make with an ostrich farm?

Depends on numerous factors and it’s not possible to tell the exact amount. Please consult with some existing ostrich farmer in your area for having some ideas.

How much does 1 ostrich egg cost?

Depends on many factors and also can vary from place to place. You can expect the price around $30 per egg.

How many years do ostrich live?

Average lifespan of an ostrich is between 30 and 40 years.

How many eggs an ostrich lays per year?

Ostriches lay less eggs under natural conditions. But they lay more eggs under farm conditions. Young females produce between 10 and 20 eggs under farm conditions in the first year. And the aged females can lay as many as 40 to 130 eggs annually. Most often the females lay between 40 and 60 eggs in the subsequent years.

How much does a fully grown ostrich cost?

Exact price of an ostrich depends on numerous factors and the price can vary from place to place. But generally, you can expect the price between $30,000 and $80,000.

Are ostriches high maintenance?

No, ostriches are not high maintenance. They generally require less maintenance as compared to many other domestic birds.

How many space does an ostrich need?

The ostriches are larger sized birds, and a mature bird will require around 6 square meter housing space.

What is the age for ostriches to be slaughtered?

Ostriches reach slaughtering age faster if you raise them for meat production purpose. They generally reach slaughtering age within their 12 to 24 months of age.

Do ostriches lay eggs without a male?

Yes, sure! But they will produce unfertilized eggs and you will not be able to hatch those eggs. If you want to hatch the eggs you have have to have a male in your flock.

Do ostriches mate for life?

Yes, ostriches normally mate for life.

What food do ostriches eat?

They generally survive on forage and plants in the wild. They have a diet made up primarily of plant matter. In the wild, ostrich diets consist of roughly 60% plant material, 15% fruits or legumes, 5% insects or small-sized animals, and 20% grains, salts, and stones.

Are ostriches aggressive?

Ostriches may turn aggressive rather than run when threatened, especially when cornered, and may also attack when they feel the need to defend their offspring or territories.

Are ostriches good pets?

No, they are not good pets. Although, the chicks are adorable.

What problems do ostriches have?

Campylobacter jejuni and Chlamydia psittaci are occasionally reported, mainly in young ostriches, but both remain a diagnostic challenge. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is transmitted to domestic animals including ostriches, principally by ticks of the genus Hyalomma.

How long can an ostrich live without water?

The ostriches are very strong and hardy birds. They can go without water for more than 2 weeks in the wild.

What climate do ostriches need?

Ostriches can tolerate temperature differences of 104° F (40° C)! They prosper in climates between 86° F and -22° F (30° C and -30° C).

What are ostriches good for?

Generally, ostriches are good and raised mainly for meat, hide and feathers.

Recommended for You

Learn About Food Of Ostrich For Better Growth

Best Ostrich Housing Guide For Beginners

Learn About Ostrich Diseases & Keep Them Healthy

1 thought on “ostrich farming: best business plan for beginners”.

What is the best site for market prices/purchasing/selling ostriches in the USA?

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Starting An Ostrich Farm – Profitable Business Plan

Ostrich farming is another unique type of farming which stands out of the box from the usual cow and goat farming. You can easily earn high scale of profits if you are ready to invest more in this business. One thing to remember is checking if the country accepts this business. Some countries oppose the use of ostrich meat and hide. Thus, if you raise ostriches in such countries, you cannot have business in more areas.

You can start your own ostrich farm by following below information on how to construct ostrich farm, how much profits you can make, feeding habits, breeding, etc.

Ostrich products

• Ostriches have an advantage of providing more meat from a single hen or cock. Meat from ostriches are considered the healthiest of all.
• The eggs produced by them are extremely rich in nutrition since the yolk of this egg is the largest in the world.
• Ostrich hide is used by many industries who manufacture shoes and bags. They not only use the hide, but also the feathers on it which is known for its smooth texture.

Why this business runs only in large farms?

These are huge sized birds and considering this, you cannot initiate this business in small farms or places which are closed all around. Investment will be slightly higher than other farming businesses, since the livestock grown here is a rare one. The size of these ostriches plays a major role in deciding the expenses incurred, heavy birds require large quantities of food.

The natural pattern of their habitat forces you to provide them with a large area to live in. And also, the maintenance needs for ostrich farm are more which is kind of a drawback for people who do not have enough money to carry out this business. Animals and birds grow due to food habits and on more important factor, exercise. Thus, for these birds to reach complete growth naturally, a suitable area for them to run and relax is important.

Requirements to start an ostrich farm – Business Plan

The formal setup – You will need acres and acres of land to accommodate the ostriches you raise. Approximately 4 ostriches would require an area of half an acre. So, it is very important to have a vast area for the farm. Within the farm, places should be planned for breeding and incubation. These basic components makeup your setup partially complete.

Ostrich chicks  – After the selection of land, the very next step is to purchase ostrich chicks for further production. You can either select ostrich chocks or matured ostriches. It completely depends on your financial background. Ostrich chicks are priced around $10 and the matured ones at $25. This is just an approximation and the prices change to each country and demand.

Nutritive food – To ensure stable growth of the ostriches in your farm, they should be provided with nutritive food. Ostriches are omnivorous creatures eating a wide range of food items. Here, choosing food for them is not an issue but investment on food is undoubtedly an issue.

Gallons of water – Just another related item to food. Water is a must in your farm 24*7 to have healthy ostriches and chicks.

Containers – The food which is being fed should be put in clean and comfortable containers after knowing the eating habits of the ostrich. Containers should be large in size for storing water since, the consumption is high. Water containers should be at a height where it reaches the ostrich’s chest.

Workers – The size of the business is huge and this creates a condition for employing workers for your farm. Managing them is really not an easy task and it needs more manpower. You will need labourers to maintain the farm, clean the birds, feed the birds, and also for administration purposes.

Incubator – Incubator is a place where the eggs are taken for hatching. They hatch naturally, but when it is a farm you are supposed to carry out every stage of the process in a very technical and planned way.

Fencing or a tall compound – These huge birds are not capable of flying and that does not mean they don’t require roof. Roofs are important to protect them from rain. But, to prevent escaping of these birds from the farm, a compound around is a must.

Legal documents – As already mentioned, this business is feasible only if the country legally permits. Having this, it is safe to obtain the necessary legal documents from the respective governments of each country before the start. Produce them along with the business plan if you are a person seeking for funds from financial institutions.

Financial needs -To be in safer side, it is better to have excess funds with you even after the start of the business. Every day expense of farming will bring in the necessity for a particular account for savings for this purpose from the initial investment.

Water heaters – Ostriches are birds which survive in dry places. Though they can thrive under any climatic condition, you will find certain difference in their behavioural aspect if not grown in right conditions. If your farm is located in a colder region, install heaters having water at 20 degrees centigrade. This will be the ideal temperature of water during winter.

Planning and layout of an ostrich farm

• Under the layout decision you have two choices. Choose to setup a layout where all the activities of raising the ostriches are carried out at the same place or design the layout so as to have three major divisions for breeding, incubating and raising the chicks. If the layout is the former one, keen supervision is need.
• Fresh water supply throughout the day is important. Considering this, make the water supply area available to all parts of the farm. Centred location of water supply area will be a very good idea.
• Layout also includes services done in the farm. Services insists on the installation of electric setup, gas and oil etc.
• Electric supply is to provide lights and electric energy to the incubator.
• Gas and oil can supplement the use of heaters to some extent.
• Above all this irrespective of the layout designed, breeding will require a separate fenced area.

Feeding ostriches

Ostriches should be fed at proper timing. Delay in feeding might end up in unfavourable diseases and also a loss for you. Adult ostriches should be fed twice a day and chicks should be fed at least 5 times a day. Adults are fed in the morning once and mid-evening once. Ostriches drink 9 litres of water a day.

Keep changing the water when it becomes dirty or is filled with food items. Healthy and clean water can alone assure proper growth. Commercially speaking, food items can be chosen to enrich the quality of meat. Foods like maize and soya are highly recommended. And apart from these, you can also concentrate on feeding nutrition separately. Amino acids and yeast will greatly help in rapid growth.

Some of the foods ostriches eat are:-

• Little rodents
• Other packed food supplements for ostriches sold at shops

 Breeding practices

• In the process of production, breeding is the most important phase which involves high supervision. Mating at the right time is important for producing healthy chicks. A male ostrich attains maturity between 2 to 4 years and in case of female it is at an earlier stage.They attain the state of maturity at the age of 6 months.
• Ostriches are seasonal breeders and thus they are allowed for breeding only at a specific period of time. The most appropriate time is from the month of March to September. Mating should happen only in specific area allotted within the farm. This is to avoid any sort of unfavourable happening due to disturbances caused by other ostriches in the farm.
• Male ostriches can mate with 4 to 7 females at a time. So, egg production will be an on-going activity in this business.
• Female ostriches lay eggs in holes and the weight of these eggs are uncertain. It purely depends on the health condition of the mated ostriches.
• The eggs can either be allowed to hatch naturally or taken care of using incubator. Since the count of ostriches in a farm is high, it is advisable to undergo the incubation process in an incubator. This will prevent infertile eggs and death while hatching.
• After hatching, the chicks are under close monitoring conditions. The first three weeks of the chicks are spent in separate place in the layout. As already mentioned, during this period the chicks are fed 5 times a day.
• The chicks then learn to eat on their own from the male ostriches.

Profits in an Ostrich Farming Business

• Ostrich farming, though a very expensive business generates excess income and profits after the business has reached the market success. The more you invest, the more is the profit. This business is only for patient entrepreneurs who wait for profits without giving up. This whole process takes time and the profits are realised only after 3 to 4 years after the establishment of the business.
• It is easy to sell the ostriches and realise profits even while they grow. But this will empty the farm and you will be left with only the setup in the end.
• Breeding will increase the number of ostriches and this will ultimately change the size of the business.
• Wait for the right time to start selling the ostriches. Meanwhile, you can earn revenue from the eggs. Ostrich eggs are sold for high rates in the market. And from this, it is easy to get money for the everyday operation of your business.
• Find appropriate markets for selling these eggs and promise them regular supply.
• To be a successful business person, avoid the habit of compromising on the quality. Make sure you grow healthy and pure breed ostriches and sell clean eggs.
• Diseased ostriches will completely put down the whole company. If there is a diseased ostrich in your farm, treat it at the right time or just dispose it from the farm. By saving the medical expenses you will end up in a huge loss.
• Now, going on to the profits from a well-developed ostrich farm. Here, revenue comes from the entire body of the ostrich. Like listed in the ostrich products, people are ready to buy ostriches for their feather to meat.
• The demand for ostriches is obviously more since most of the people wishing to start a business will end up in chickens, goat, cows or any other small birds.
• Demand decides the price. Pricing should be done considering the costs incurred during the developmental stages.
• Feathers are bought for decorative purposes, and here you have a chance to earn income by saving their fallen feathers too.
• When you sell eggs, pack them properly to avoid cracks while it is transported from your place to the market. To reduce higher transportation costs due to outside transport services, you can invest money and have your own vehicle for delivery purposes.

The end is that, Ostrich farming requires high level of investment but it can assure unimaginable profits if handled properly. All this lies in your hands by proper planning and scheduling. Use your contacts for purchasing your resources at a lower cost. Adopt new techniques and methods which can help in smooth farming. If your farming is a success, you will witness increase in the number of ostriches in your farm along with the increase in income. In such cases, redesign your farm in order to avoid accommodation of large number of ostriches in a small area.

If you think these high-level processes are too difficult for your financial background, then choose to specialise in any one or two. It is just like how you sell one particular product in other businesses. Instead of carrying out the whole business by yourself, indulge in one or two activities. For example, invest less money and do the incubation process alone for farms which do not have incubators. Similarly, decide on small business types involved in ostrich farming. This idea will definitely work even if your land is small. Scope for this farming is increasing at a higher rate nowadays. So, start it as fast as you can to save yourself from the competitors in the future.

The costs associated with starting an ostrich farm can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the operation. Start-up costs may include the purchase of ostrich chicks, feed, housing, and equipment. Operating costs can include feed, veterinary care, and labor.

It really depends on the scale of your farming operation. A small ostrich farm could get away with only a couple acres, but a commercial ostrich farm could require a few hundred acres.

The housing requirements for ostrich farming differ depending on the climate. In warm climates, ostriches can be kept outdoors year-round with just a shelter for protection from the sun and rain. In cooler climates, they need a barn with access to an outdoor paddock.

The feed requirements for ostrich farming are: 1. A high-quality diet that is rich in protein and energy. 2. A diet that is low in fiber and high in digestible carbohydrates. 3. A diet that is free of harmful toxins and contaminants.

The water requirements for ostrich farming vary depending on the climate and the type of production system. In hot, dry climates, ostriches may require up to 10 litres of water per day. In cooler climates, they may require much less.

The climate requirements for ostrich farming depend on the type of ostrich being raised. For example, the Blue-eyed black ostrich does best in warm climates, while the Somali ostrich does best in cooler climates.

The labor requirements for ostrich farming vary depending on the size of the farm and the number of birds being raised. Large farms may require full-time employees to care for the birds, while smaller operations may only need part-time help. Ostrich farming typically requires workers to feed and water the birds, clean their pens, and collect eggs.

Some of the marketing requirements for ostrich farming include providing a quality product, having a good reputation, and being able to marketing effectively to potential customers.

The start-up costs for ostrich farming can be quite high. In addition to the cost of the land, you will need to purchase or build a suitable shelter, buy equipment and supplies, and purchase chicks. Once your farm is up and running, you will need to pay for feed, vaccinations, and other ongoing costs.

Similar Posts

Using Technologies to Restore Agricultural Soil

Aloe Vera Farming Business Plan – How To Start & Profit Margin

Oyster Mushroom Farming – Profitable Business Plan

How To Start Plant Nursery Business – Profitable Business Plan

Scope of Organic Farming And Profitable Opportunities In India

Starting Goat Farming Made Simple – Profitable Business Plan

Shalooka »»» Business Guide »»» Growing Ostriches-How to Start and Run a Thriving Ostrich Farm

Growing Ostriches-How to Start and Run a Thriving Ostrich Farm

Organic farming is a completely unique type of farming, to learn how to raise ostrich requires a lot of experience, care, and time. If you invest just the right money, you can get almost a 100% return on your money. According to data, ostriches produce meat and consume feed in such a ratio that it becomes more profitable than beef cattle. It may be difficult to learn how to start an ostrich farm, but with the right planning, care and investment, it can be turned into a successful business operation. The best part about an ostrich farm layout is that it requires a small area of land and can be a source of profit in more than one way. You can sell:

• Meat (ostriches can provide more meat than a single hen, their meat is also considered healthiest out of all)
• Hide (ostrich hide is used by multiple shoes and bags manufacturers)
• Eggs (Ostrich eggs are incredibly high in nutrition)
• Feathers (feathers are also used by manufacturers to provide a smoother texture)

The first step in learning how to start an ostrich farm is to find a piece of land that can be converted into an ostrich farm. Follow the guide on how to raise ostrich step by step to understand how to build a profitable business. 

Blue Mountain Feed has an excellent article on Ostrich farming industry and associated needs.

What Are The Pros & Cons of Ostrich Farming?

While ostrich farming has been a business model for decades, the reason not a lot of people choose ostrich farming as a career option is because they don’t understand the benefits. Recently the ostrich farming industry has boomed, so if you’re planning a new business, the time is right now. Ostriches are 20-30% harder to find in comparison with other animals, this is why ostrich farmers make much more profit than others. Here are all the pros and cons of starting an ostrich farm:

Pros of Ostrich Farming:

• Higher profitability than other animal farms. A single ostrich egg can be sold for up to $500. If you can do even 10-20 in a month, you can earn a hefty profit on your investments. If you want you can even sell a live ostrich, a live ostrich can be sold for up to $5,000 based on health, and other factors. 
• Higher than ordinary ROI is another benefit of ostrich farming. You can recover the money you have invested into the farm faster in comparison to pig or cattle farming. An ostrich can lay up to 40 eggs in a year and the chicks can grow up to selling age in 14 months.
• Ostriches produce even more meat than cows. A single healthy, a fully grown ostrich can produce up to 1,800 KGs of meat while a fully grown cow produces meat up to 300 KGs. 
• Ostriches produce up to 50 square meters of leathers that can be sold for profit other than meat.
• A common misconception is that ostriches require a lot of care for the profit they offer. Ostrich breeding is as lucrative as it is profitable. 

Cons of Ostrich Farming:

• The number of competitors is rising as more and more people enter the industry. More competitors mean a smaller customer base. 
• The price of ostriches is increasing which means it can become harder to find the ideal price point for your customers.
• Ostriches are harder to find in comparison to other animals like cock, hen, pigs, cows, etc. Starting an ostrich farming business can take a lot of time and effort. 

What Tools Do You Need to Start Ostrich Farming?

No business can survive without the right set of tools and equipment. Using the right set of tools can help you grow your business out of nothing. Here are the most common tools that you require to start an ostrich farm business:

• A trailer is a necessary investment when you’re working with live animals. As your farm will be acres wide, you won’t need to rent a trailer every time you wish to move the ostriches from one place to another.
• A coral system is required to keep all the ostriches in one place when you need them to stay in one place. Apart from your ostrich farm layout, you can place this small enclosure in a field where you want your animals to stay.
• A manure spreader is another tool required to keep your ostriches healthy. Animals generate a lot of manure, a manure spreader can help in distributing the manure effectively which is hygienic and reduces the risk of diseases. 
• A feed mixer is a must-have tool if you want to keep your ostriches healthy. You will also need a certain amount of water tanks to feed the ostriches. 

What are The Basic Startup Costs of Ostrich Farming?

Starting an ostrich farm can sound like an expensive ordeal but usually, the costs are more than manageable. Starting an ostrich farm is tough, but with the right kind of investment, you can turn it into a profitable business. The first step includes figuring out how much an ostrich cost? 

An ostrich costs around $500 between the ages of 60-90 days, the price doubles if the ostrich crosses the 90 days mark. A year-old ostrich costs around $2,500 which can be a really expensive investment. Your major expense will be the purchase of ostriches, other basic set-up costs of ostrich farm is: 

• The documentation including state licenses, business licenses can cost somewhere $100 – $400.
• Renting a farm based on location can cost $300 – $800.
• Basic equipment cost can reach up to $1,000.
• If you have staff then the staff salary is another major experience. 
• Expenditure for chicks feed can average $800 – $1500 per month.
• You may have to spend $300 – $500 on local advertising. 

Now that you know how much an ostrich costs, you can decide based on your budget how many ostriches you need on your farm. You need at least 2 male and 2 female ostriches to start a healthy farm. The total cost of an ostrich farm in Texas is around $2,500 – 3,300. 

The cost breakdown mentioned above can differ greatly based on the ostrich farm layout, and if you have a staff helping you on the farm or not. If you have a huge backyard or spare land then you can get rid of costs associated with the land. How much you need to spend as capital greatly depends on different aspects. 

What do You Need to Know Before Start Ostrich Farming?

How to raise an ostrich should be the first question you should ask yourself before blindly stepping into the industry. It is not easy to learn how to start an ostrich farm, but there are some things that you need to know before starting an ostrich farm.

• Determine which ostrich products you want to sell to earn profit from the ostrich farm. If you don’t wish to kill the bird, you can just sell the eggs and feathers.
• Ostriches require between one and three acres of land to run freely and remain healthy. You will need to build a basic shelter to protect the birds from environmental changes. 
• You have to provide them with a good supply of food and water. To keep them healthy, fresh water and feed are required every day.
• Decide what kind of ostrich you wish to raise, there are several species you can try. If you’re building an ostrich farm for the first time, then the African black ostrich is the right choice.
• The last thing you need to know is that you should purchase ostriches for your farm and choose from unhatched eggs as they cost the least. The less cost you invest, the more profits you can generate.

How Do You Prepare to Launch Ostrich Farming?

Want to learn how to start an ostrich farm, then you have to make all the preparations for launching the business and turning it into a profitable venture. The formal setup will require acres of land for the ostriches to run and grow healthy as they age. There are a few steps to follow for launching an ostrich farm.

Choosing a Business Name:

The right business name can help you gather new customers and help the customers understand what your business has to offer. Your business name has to be catchy and should be easy to remember. You also need to consider if the name you’ve chosen is similar to any other business. Once you decide on a catchy business name, you will have to go through the legalities of getting that name registered with the government. 

Niche Selection

Choosing the niche you want to do expertise in makes all the difference. The right niche of ostrich farming can increase the amount of profit you can earn from the business. You can start by doing everything, but over time going into a particular niche will help to build a name for your business. Here are some different types of ostrich farming:

• Arabian ostrich farming (also known as Middle Eastern Ostriches)
• Black-necked ostrich farming (Southern or Cape ostrich)
• Blue Necked ostrich farming
• Masai Ostrich farming
• Red-necked ostrich farming

Building a Skillset

You need to learn how to start an ostrich farm and how to raise ostrich before you go into investing a huge sum of money for your own farm. It’s obvious that no one’s born with all kinds of skills, you will have to learn every minor detail of ostrich farming. To acquire the right skills, you can volunteer to work part-time or full-time on an ostrich farm close to you. You may also choose to work on any ordinary cattle farm or ranch to get used to routine and understanding of animals needs in general.

Once you understand how to raise ostrich and how the industry works, you can start your own business .

All Set to Launch Ostrich Farming?

Now that you’ve made all the preparations necessary to start an ostrich farm, are you actually ready to start a full-fledged business? You will need to determine whether or not you need a formal business office? You need to determine the cost down to every single penny and then arrange the funds from your friends or family or get a loan from a local bank .

If you are hiring help for managing the ostrich farm, then your cost for salaries will increase. Apart from start-up capital, you will also need to have enough working capital to keep your business afloat for at least 3-6 months. Most businesses don’t start generating revenue till the first few months of the business. 

You also need to determine a price point and sales funnel for the products you are selling. Your products need to be cheaper than your competitors but not so cheap that you can’t generate enough profits to keep your business afloat. Also, cheap products cause customers to lose faith in your product quality. Once you manage all these factors, you are all set to start your ostrich farm. 

Problems You Could Face In Ostrich Farming Business

Learning how to start an ostrich farm can be a tricky process. It can take a lot of time to build a profitable business out of ostrich farming. If you choose to get unhatched eggs, then you will have to wait for months till they become egg laying heath or of slaughter age. Till then you will have to manage expenses of food, shelter, equipment, and staff salaries. 

While ostrich farming is a very expensive business in starting, once the time comes, it generates huge amounts of profits. The more you invest upfront, the more profit you will generate. This whole process takes time and the profits are generated only after a certain period. You just need to find appropriate markets for selling the ostrich eggs, feathers, or meat at a price that helps you generate enough profit. 

Learning how to start an ostrich farm and generating a profitable business out of that may be challenging but it is extremely rewarding in the end. If everything is handled properly, you can generate more profit than you initially expected. The more profit you generate, the more you can invest back into the business. 

Conclusion: How To Start Ostrich Farming?

In the end, it’s all about how much revenue a business can generate. While ostrich farming requires a huge initial investment but it can offer incredible profits if things are handled ideally. You can try new methods and techniques for a smoother and faster ostrich farming process. If you find a solution that can improve your process, you can increase your profits even further.

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to raise an ostrich. Start by building a business plan, figure out your market, buy the right kind of equipment and arrange the funds that are required to start the business, and keep it going for a few months. If you think you can’t manage all ostrich farming niches at the same time, then you can choose to specialize in a single niche for additional profits. 

How much profit can be generated with Ostrich farming?

It all depends on your initial investment, but you can easily get a 100% on your investment. You can generate an incredible amount of profit, while the actual number can’t be determined, you’ll get more profit than you invest.

What are the major benefits of ostrich farming?

Ostrich farming comes with a lot of benefits as it is a profitable business venture. The most noticeable features of ostrich farming are:

• Much higher profitability ratio than other types of cattle farming, which leads to more revenue.
• Ostriches produce more meat and ostrich meat sells for a higher amount in comparison to cow meat.
• Ostriches can produce a lot of leather which can be sold to manufacturers. 

Farm & Animals

How To Start An Ostrich Farm: A Simple Guide

June 25, 2021

Ostriches are raised commercially for their hides and their plumes, which are used to make boots and other leather goods, as well as accessories. Ostrich eggs are cooked and eaten in South Africa and in some very upscale restaurants around the world. The shells are useful for artistic pursuits as well as the manufacture of practical items. Lean, healthy ostrich meat is a mainstay in South Africa and is becoming a delicacy worldwide. Read on to learn more on how to start an ostrich farm.

What You'll Learn Today

1. Decide which sorts of ostrich products you want to sell

2. you’ll need to have enough land, 3. you will need to provide some sort of shelter for your ostriches, 4. you will need to construct fencing, 5. you will need to locate a source of food, 6. you’ll need to be sure that you have a good source of water for your ostriches, 7. you’ll need to decide on which type of ostrich you want to raise, 8. you will need to decide how and where you want to purchase your ostriches, how much money does the ostrich farmer make, how much does it cost to open an ostrich farm, are ostriches profitable, ostrich farming in the united states.

Until recently, ostrich hides have come mainly from South Africa, but in the 21st century, ostrich farming has gradually made its way to the United States and around the globe.

If you’ve been thinking about taking up farming but are overwhelmed by the prospect of having to buy a huge amount of acreage or handle large mammals, such as cows, you may want to consider becoming an ostrich farmer.

All in all, ostriches take up less space and eat less food than cattle. In some ways, they can be easier to handle. Even so, caring for ostriches brings its own challenges.

Here are eight considerations to keep in mind when thinking about taking up ostrich farming.

When you raise ostriches you can sell:

• Mature birds

Naturally, if you want to sell leather or meat, you will need to be comfortable with slaughtering your stock, or you will need to find a processor for your meat and hides.

If this idea makes you squeamish, you may just want to sell eggs, feathers, chicks and/or mature birds.

You’ll need to have enough land to keep your ostriches happily and healthily. Even though ostriches do not need as much space as cattle, they do need to be able to roam freely and live hygienically.

Generally speaking a mature ostrich needs between 1 and 3 acres.

At a bare minimum, they will need a three sided shed large enough for the number of birds you plan to keep to be able to congregate comfortably.

The shed must be a minimum of 12 feet high because ostriches can stand 8 feet high. The shed must protect them against sun, wind, rain and other potentially damaging elements.

Ostrich fencing must be high and sturdy and buried at least a foot deep all the way around. You must use sturdy, welded wire, at least 8 feet high. A couple of strands of barbed wire along the top will help keep predators out.

Generally speaking you will need to be able to easily purchase ample amounts of a commercially prepared ostrich feed. This is typically a pelleted type of feed that is exactly formulated to meet the needs of growing and breeding ostriches.

Be sure your local feed store is able to stock the type of feed you need. If they are able and willing to deliver, that’s a plus.

You may also wish to plant your property in types of grasses and crops that your ostriches will enjoy browsing. Generally speaking, 20% of your ostriches’ feed should come in the form of fresh produce.

Ostriches are very prone to drowning in small amounts of water by simply ducking their heads under or by falling and having their heads fall in the water. You must look for especially designed ostrich watering devices to prevent accidentally losing some of your expensive stock.

There are three types that are typically chosen for ostrich farming. They are:

• Red neck ostriches
• Blue neck ostriches
• African black ostriches

Of these three, the African black is usually preferred because these types of birds are a bit more docile and bit smaller than the other two types.

Both the blue neck and the red neck ostriches tend to be quite large and may be rather aggressive . If you are a beginning ostrich farmer, you are best off choosing African black ostriches.

You can start off with mature birds, but these are rather expensive and a mature bird is an unknown quantity. You may end up with an animal that is difficult to handle.

Other options include purchasing young chicks, which you can raise yourself or purchasing eggs that you can hatch yourself. Both of these options are quite a bit less expensive than purchasing fully grown birds. Even so, both of these options require quite an investment of time in hatching and raising the young birds.

Remember, if you start out with eggs, you will need to start out with a substantial investment in equipment necessitated by purchasing an incubator. If you’re serious about ostrich raising you will eventually need an incubator, anyway, so you might as well start out with one.

While it is not really possible to come up with a single estimate as to how much money an ostrich farmer can make, it is possible to do the math for ostrich farming in your area.

Generally speaking, you may be able to sell a full grown ostrich for as much as $40,000; however, when determining how much money you can make as an ostrich farmer, you must also take into account your costs for a wide variety of items including:

• Veterinary care
• Start up stock
• Outbuildings

The amount it costs to open an ostrich farm is really dependent upon a number of extremely variable factors, including:

• The price of land in your area
• Whether you need to build outbuildings and put up fence
• Whether you decide to start with eggs, chicks or mature birds

Generally speaking, it costs about $50 a month to feed and care for ostrich chicks. Once they reach one year of age, this amount increases to about $75 a month. Adult ostriches, two or more years in age, cost about $100 a month to feed, care for and provide veterinary care.

According to many experts, ostrich farms are a very profitable form of agricultural product project. You may hear them called “farms of the future” . This is because ostriches yield a wide variety of products with very little input.

If you can find, develop and/or create a market for your products, you stand to make a very high return on investment. The key to success in ostrich farming lies both in knowing how to care for these unusual animals and knowing how to market them.

Trying to understand the difference between ostriches and their cousins – emu? Here it is explained . And if you would like to learn how to ride these beautiful animals, here is our guide.

2 thoughts on “How To Start An Ostrich Farm: A Simple Guide”

Around how much money do I need to start an ostrich farm here in Scotland? Is £100,000 enough?

Hi I’m very much interested to start Ostrich farming needs more information. Thank yoy

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Nicky Ellis

Nicky has been an editor at Farm & Animals since 2019. She was raised on a farm in rural Michigan. She is a mom of three who spends all her free time with her family and friends, her mare Joy, or just sipping her favorite cup of tea.

6043 S Drexel Ave Chicago, IL 60637

Amazon Disclaimer

Farm & Animals is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Farm & Animals do not intend to provide veterinary advice. We try to help farmers better understand their animals; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. For more information, please read our PRIVACY POLICY .

[Complete Guide] Ostrich Farming For Beginners Pdf

Ostrich farming is a unique and lucrative venture that has gained popularity in recent years due to the increasing demand for ostrich meat, feathers, and leather. These flightless birds are not only fascinating but also offer a sustainable source of income for those interested in the agriculture industry. If you’re considering starting an ostrich farm as a beginner, this step-by-step guide in PDF format will help you get started on the right foot.

Ostrich Farming For Beginners Pdf Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: research and education.

Before diving into ostrich farming, it’s essential to educate yourself about these remarkable birds. Research the basic biology, behavior, and habitat requirements of ostriches. Familiarize yourself with the various products you can obtain from ostriches, such as meat, feathers, and leather, and understand their market demand.

Step 2: Legal Requirements and Regulations

Step 3: suitable location.

Choose a suitable location for your ostrich farm. Ostriches require ample space to roam and graze. Ideally, the land should be flat, well-drained, and securely fenced to prevent predators from entering and ostriches from escaping.

Step 4: Housing and Fencing

Construct appropriate housing for your ostriches. Ostriches need shelter to protect them from extreme weather conditions, especially in cold climates. Adequate fencing is crucial to prevent ostriches from wandering away or falling prey to predators. Ensure the fencing is at least 6-7 feet high and secure.

Step 5: Procuring Ostriches

Source your ostriches from reputable breeders or farms. Choose healthy chicks or young adults to start your flock. Ensure they have been vaccinated and are free from diseases.

Step 6: Nutrition and Feeding

Step 7: health and care.

Regularly monitor the health of your ostriches. Develop a vaccination schedule and establish a relationship with a local veterinarian experienced in avian medicine. Ostriches are hardy birds but can be susceptible to certain diseases.

Step 8: Breeding and Reproduction

Read Also:  [Beginners Guide] Kenya Profitable Goat Farming

Step 9: Marketing and Sales

Explore marketing strategies to sell ostrich products such as meat, feathers, and leather. Local markets, restaurants, and specialty stores can be potential buyers. Create a website or social media presence to reach a broader audience.

Step 10: Continuous Learning

Disadvantages of ostrich farming:, how many ostriches per acre:.

The number of ostriches you can raise per acre depends on the quality of your land and the local climate. On average, you can keep around 2 to 3 ostriches per acre of well-managed pastureland.

How Much Does an Ostrich Cost:

The cost of purchasing an ostrich varies depending on factors such as age, sex, and health. Generally, young ostrich chicks can cost between $200 to $500, while adult breeding pairs may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.

How Profitable is Ostrich Farming:

Are ostriches hard to farm:.

Ostrich farming can be challenging for beginners due to their specific care requirements, health concerns, and the need for specialized knowledge. However, with proper research and dedication, it can be a rewarding venture.

Why is Ostrich Meat Not Popular:

How often do ostriches lay eggs in a year:, how much does it cost to feed an ostrich a month:.

Feeding costs vary based on factors like location, availability of feed, and dietary needs. On average, it can cost around $100 to $200 per month to feed one ostrich.

Why Did Ostrich Farming Fail:

What do farmers feed ostriches:.

Ostriches require a balanced diet consisting of grains, greens, and supplements. This diet helps ensure they receive essential nutrients for growth and health.

Are Ostriches Low Maintenance:

Ostriches are not considered low-maintenance animals. They require proper shelter, fencing, nutrition, and health monitoring. However, with the right knowledge and dedication, their care can become more manageable.

How Much Does it Cost to Own an Ostrich:

Share this:, author: adewebs, you may also like:, can chickens eat grapes [poultry feeding tips], [beginners guide] how to start ostrich farming in nigeria, 18 toxic plants your chickens must avoid (must read), 10 things to know before keeping yaks, leave a reply cancel reply.

How to Start an Ostrich Farming Business

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Agriculture Industry » Livestock Farming

Do you want to start an ostrich farm? If YES, here is a complete guide to starting an ostrich farming business with NO money and NO experience plus a   sample ostrich farming business plan template.

If you have always had a dream of owning a farm and rearing livestock on this farm for commercial purposes, then perhaps you should partake in something adventurous rather than rearing regular livestock and look towards starting an ostrich farm.

Ostrich farming is a business that has several advantages because when compared to cattle, ostriches produce more meat for consumption while consuming resources that are smaller in comparison to what a beef cattle consumes. Also, the meat of an ostrich contains less fat, cholesterol as well as calories when compared to chicken, beef, lamb, pork and turkey, making it a win-win situation for any farmer going into this business.

Ostriches have been consumed by humans as far back as the third century and it enables farmers make faster and higher lucrative returns on investment, which has caused a large number of farmers to convert to ostrich farming.

Before starting the ostrich farming business, you would have to make a decision on the land you intend to use and how you will make use of the land.

This is because the land must be large enough for all the separate activities that will be involved in your ostrich farming business. This includes activities such as breeding, chick rearing, chick housing, raising the birds to slaughter age and also incubation facilities.

Also, you would need to consider space for building facilities that would accommodate an office, farm, shop as well as a workers’ rest area. It is important that you acquire a land that would allow your breeding birds have a total of 1500sq. meters. Climate has to be considered when running an ostrich farm so that you do not allow your birds to die due to heat or cold.

In the united states of America, you would need to complete a course on ostrich husbandry and get certain licenses and permits (owning the birds, transporting the birds, being able to bury the birds, as well as bio security measures) before starting this business. If you are wondering how you would go about all this, the article promises to point you in the right direction.

Steps to Starting an Ostrich Farming Business

1. understand the industry.

Globally, the ostrich industry has remained volatile in certain geographical locations. This is because those starting the business newly usually experience high prices for their birds which however later crashes as the true value of a slaughter bird is realized.

However, even though feed costs accounts for at least 70 percent of total expenses incurred by ostrich farmers, the business is not one however that is run at a loss.

The ostrich industry in America as well as in Europe is still in its breeding phase as there is little commercial processing taking place. As at 1992, more than 150,000 ostriches were slaughtered globally with 95% of this slaughtered amount processed in south africa.

However, present analysis gives no indication on whether the ostrich population will meet current much less future demands.

Although ostrich farming declined In the united states of America during the early periods of 1930, it slowly regained its popularity in the 1990s especially in the eastern part of the country. However, as more people have entered this industry, there has been a drop in prices as breeding supplies have become plentiful.

Even though commercial ostrich farming started in South Africa for more than 15 decades ago, other countries such as the United States of America and Israel have joined in the commercial farming as well. There are about 60,000 ostriches currently in the United States of America.

According to analysts, in order to operate economically, 250,000 breeding pairs would be required to be able to meet up with demands.

According to the 2007 Agriculture Census, 714 farmers raised 11,188 ostriches but marketed about 5,697 birds. This was a marked decrease from 2002 where more than 1,600 farmers raised more than 20,000 ostriches. The three top states in ostrich production in the United States of America are Texas, California and Kansas.

Ostrich meat is promoted as low-cholesterol red meat due to its red colour, low fat content as well as its texture which is like beef. The average carcass dressing percentage stands at 57%. The feathers are usually cropped once a year and sold to several companies in the United States of America.

The last few years has seen a dramatic progression in ostrich farming as globally the ostrich farm business has achieved stability. However, many farms do not still take proper care of the young chicks as scientists have paid the birds less attention even though it has great potential.

2. Conduct Market Research and Feasibility Studies

• Demographics and Psychographics

The demographic and psychographic compositions of those that require the products of an ostrich range from those who intend to consume it as meat, to those who intend to use other parts of the ostrich for further non-consumable products.

This therefore means that those who require the products of an ostrich cuts across various demographics from restaurants, households, research institutes, furniture manufacturers and to car manufacturers. And so it can be seen that the demographics is all encompassing as it includes those that consume ostrich meat for health purposes, those who use it for financial purposes and for other purposes as well.

3. Decide Which Niche to Concentrate On

Even though ostrich farming offers plenty benefits from the meat to its feathers, if you are just newly starting up, there are certain areas you might wish to concentrate on especially if you do not have the required finance to run all the niches at once.

Starting with few niches does not mean that you cannot later expand your business to offer other niches as soon as you have the necessary human and capital resources available. Therefore some of the major ostrich farming business niches that you may decide to go into are;

• Full cycle (this include breeders, egg layers, incubating, hatching, and then growing the chicks to slaughter stage)
• Incubation facility
• Growing out facility

The Level of Competition in the Industry

The ostrich farm business might be uncommon in the United States of America but it is slowly becoming a very popular business as more people have been known to start the business which has led to more competition in the industry.

Because of the health benefits of ostriches, more people are beginning to see the importance of consuming this meat and yet supply still outweighs demand which has led to the increase in competition amongst ostrich farmers as measures are being put in place by some farms to ensure that they create a website that will make them more visible to others around the country.

Also, already established ostrich farms have an advantage over new ostrich farms and this is because the large businesses already have a network of contacts and large economies of scale. The smaller ostrich farms on the other hand are able to compete by offering specialized services and better customer care than the large ostrich farms and in this way, the smaller farms are able to generate revenue for themselves.

4. Know Your Major Competitors in the Industry

Every industry has brands that are well known either for having existed for long or for standing out from others offering same services. Also, other factors that make brands to become popular are ones that treat their customers very well, have well crafted publicity strategies and so many other such factors.

Therefore even though ostrich farming in the United States if uncommon, there are certain brands that have stood out and made a name for themselves and they are;

• Ostrichland USA
• Arizona ostrich farm
• R&M Ostrich Farm
• American Ostrich Farms
• Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch

Economic Analysis

In the United States of America, those that intend to start an ostrich farm and run it as a business must not only have the required financial capability to do so, they are also mandated to select eggs and breeding ostriches from reliable and trusted breeders, whilst also stocking the appropriate food needed for the ostriches to survive.

The ostrich rearing business though uncommon is largely growing and even though some variations exists amongst farmers as regards rearing habits and techniques, all farmers need at least healthy eggs or one healthy breeding pair of ostriches to start.

According to the North Carolina State University, ostriches are expensive and a breeding pair that is of high quality can cost $6,000. Even though purchasing a breeding pair might be deemed costly, immediate ostrich production is however ensured.

This does not however mean that farmers have to start on a high note; they can choose the less expensive options such as buying the eggs and hatching the chicks. However, with this option, the farmers would need to wait for at least 2 years in order for their ostrich to begin production. Another option is to buy juveniles that will shorten production time to one year.

Ostrich farmers must ensure that there are suitable feeds such as pellets, game meat and greens as well as fresh water. However, when the birds begin to age, natural food is also provided alongside the commercial feed. Also, every pair is allotted 1 acre, with the space enclosed by a 6-foot fence and shelter as ostriches aren’t supposed to get wet.

An ostrich produces up to 40 eggs every year which normally reach market size within 14 months and yields meat that weighs up to 1,800 kilograms.

Other products that can be produced by a mature ostrich include 50 square meters of leather as well as 36 kilograms of feather in a year. A properly bred single female ostrich during her economic lifetime can produce up to 72,000 kilogram of meat, 2,000 kilograms of feathers and 2,000 square meters of leathers.

5. Decide Whether to Buy a Franchise or Start from Scratch

The ostrich farm business industry is without franchise and the only options that exist are either starting from scratch or buying off an existing business to run it as your own brand.

6. Know the Possible Threats and Challenges You Will Face

Every business faces threats and challenges either during start-up or whilst running the business; and because this is a business related to rearing and breeding livestock, one major challenge that you will face is the outbreak of disease that could wipe out your birds either due to mistakes in your breeding process or through no fault of yours.

Another threat that you are likely to face is the arrival of a competitor within your area of operation and also offering the same services that you offer.

Also, you are likely going to battle with gaining customer attention regarding consuming ostrich meat as an alternative to other readily available meats. Also, stringent government regulation is likely to be a threat to your business. You should however draft plans that will allow you overcome these challenges and make your business grow and boom.

7. Choose the Most Suitable Legal Entity (LLC, C Corp, S Corp)

When starting a business of whatever kind, it is important that a legal structure be chosen. However, deciding on what kind of legal structure to use might depend largely on what kind of business you intend to run. It should also be noted that the kind of legal entity you choose for your business will go a long way in determining how your business would likely fare in the future.

Traditionally, most farms that have gone commercial have always stuck to sole proprietorships , with more choosing cooperatives due to the value added businesses that they are offering. The cooperatives for instance, have majorly been in use for farmers who come together to start a business.

The benefit of the cooperative form of legal entity for farmers for over more than 15 decades is that they have helped with decision making, education as well as profit sharing.

Recently, more farmers in adapting to the changing trends in the environment have taken a new organizational form which is referred to as the New Generation Cooperative. The New Generation Cooperative (NGC) is a type of cooperative that is being used primarily by farmers who engage in the processing of agricultural commodities.

Even though most cooperatives have undergone incorporation and are referred to as corporate cooperatives, certain states have enacted laws that will see cooperatives having similar features to be changed to a Limited Liability Company.

There are other forms of legal entity that are available to the farmers such as the C Corporation and the S Corporation. With the C Corporation , the business owner enjoys limited liability; however the stringent paperwork can make it very difficult to pull money out of the business.

The S Corporation on the other hand has a more relaxing structure than the C Corporation as advances against profits are usually allowed.

One of the most popular legal entities for a farm business is the Family Limited Partnership (FLP) as it allows transfer of assets from one generation to the other. Other forms of legal entities are Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and they all have their advantages and disadvantages.

This is why it is advisable for an entrepreneur to consult with a lawyer that has knowledge regarding the business that he or she intends going into in order to receive the best advice as to what legal entity is best for the particular farm business one intends to run. Although it is possible to upgrade on legal entities, it is usually best to start on the best footing.

8. Choose a Catchy Business Name

If you are going to choose a name that does not reflect the kind of business you run, ensure you link your business in there somehow so that your target market would have an idea. If you are considering starting your own ostrich farm business, then here are some eye catching names for you to use in growing your brand;

• Boorish Ostrich Farms
• Danes Ostriches and More Inc
• Meat and Eggs Ostrich Farms
• Ostrich chicks only Farms
• Big Joe Ostrich Farms
• Mamagee Ostriches Inc

9. Discuss with an Agent to Know the Best Insurance Policies for You

Having insurance in the United States of America for an individual is very important and doubly so for a business organization, because the law regulating business operations requires that a business acquires certain basic insurance policies.

If you are confused on the right insurance policies for your business, you would need to approach an insurance agent or broker to help you choose the most appropriate policies for you. This would then allow you to create a budget knowing the insurance covers you intend to buy for your business.

Some of the basic insurance policies that you would need to consider getting when starting your own ostrich farm in the United States of America are;

• General Insurance
• Liability insurance
• Health Insurance
• Workers’ compensation
• Equipment insurance
• Auto insurance
• Property Insurance
• Overhead expense disability insurance

10. Protect your Intellectual Property With Trademark, Copyrights, Patents

The ostrich farming business is not one that requires securing an intellectual property protection for as this is a business that requires breeding and slaughtering of ostrich meat and putting other related ostrich products for sale. And so this is unlike technical business where new things are produced that would require some sort of protection.

Some ostrich farmers however go as far as protecting their logos as an intellectual property. While this is not a bad idea, it is not something that you should bother yourself with.

If however, you intend to intellectually protect the logo or the name of your company, then you would need to file an application to the United States Property Protection Organization (USPTO) so that the process can go on while you run your business.

11. Get the Necessary Professional Certification

Asides from having the necessary financial capacity required to start an ostrich farm, it is usually required by the United States Government agencies that anyone that intends to go into ostrich farming complete a course in ostrich husbandry.

This is because government is strict with those who engage in the ostrich farming business as it shows that not only will they be committed to the business but this will also ensure that they apply the best practices when starting and running the business. There isn’t much certification you would need to run an ostrich farm, but below are what you might need;

• Course in ostrich husbandry
• Other related certifications

This is not a business that is wholly dependent on certification but based more on experience and ensuring that the industry standard as well as best practices are strictly adhered to, as this is the best way to get the needed clients.

12. Get the Necessary Legal Documents You Need to Operate

In a place like the United States of America, it is important that certain documentations are in place so that the business can be run legally. In fact, no country on earth condones a business that does not have proper legal documents as the penalty is always very severe.

Therefore, it goes without saying that this is an aspect that cannot be overlooked in any way. Some of the basic legal documents that you would need to have in place before starting and running your own business in the United States of America are;

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Business Plan
• Business License and permits
• Insurance Policy
• Employment Agreement
• Contracts Document
• Operating Agreement
• Employee Identification Number (EIN)

13. Raise the Needed Startup Capital

Financing is such a very important part of any business for while one might have a business concept that looks good, without the financing to make the business concept become a reality, it will remain just a business idea.

Deciding how much you would need to start and run your business to a successful standard is very important and this is why it is usually necessary to have written a comprehensive business plan that will help you convince any external investor or financial institution if you do not have the required funds to start your business and need to consider taking a loan.

Some of the options you would need to explore when sourcing for start-up capital for your ostrich farm business are;

• Generating your capital from personal savings and sale of stocks or properties
• Sourcing for soft loans from friends and family members
• Applying for loan from the bank
• Applying for federal or state agricultural grant
• Seeking funds from venture capitalists
• Applying to the U.S Small Business Agency (SBA) for funds

14. Choose a Suitable Location for your Business

Choosing the right location for your ostrich farm business is very important as you cannot locate your business in a suburb or metropolitan city and so it is necessary that you either locate your farm outside the city limits, the countryside or the rural areas . You would only need to ensure that you are conspicuous and easily accessible for your customers.

The area that you must choose for your ostrich farm business must be a land that is large enough to accommodate the birds and also accommodate you and your workers. This makes it very easy to start this business as buying a land outside the city limits or in the countryside is very cheap and will also allow you to source for cheap labour as well.

Another issue that must be taken into consideration when locating your business is how many birds you intend to raise. This is because the birds need more space as they grow, as a pair of ostrich would require 1 acre as they are very large birds; and this space would need to be enclosed by a 6 foot fence and have shelter as well so that they don’t get wet.

Therefore, it would be necessary when getting a realtor to ensure that the realtor understands the kind of business you are going into and will therefore give you something very appropriate.

So, if you are looking for where to start and run your ostrich farm from, ensure that it is located outside the city limits, so you don’t run afoul of the city laws, or buy a land in the rural areas and start your farm. The good thing about this business is that you would not need all those that love ostrich meat to come to you as you will be in contact with only major customers.

15. Hire Employees for your Technical and Manpower Needs

There are several ways by which farmers may choose to run their ostrich farms such as breeding of live birds which involves selling eggs, breeders or chicks. This is one process of the ostrich business that requires a bit of technicality especially when raising the chicks as several facilities need to be in place to ensure that many of the chicks do not die.

Setting up a slaughter facility can come into effect when you intend to slaughter the birds yourself and market the produce. You might need to know where the slaughter facilities are if it will be too expensive for you to set up a slaughter facility yourself.

Marketing the skin of the ostriches would require knowing how to correctly shape and store them so as to have a marketable product. You might need to get a unit where the skins will be stored in temperatures of between 4 and 10 degrees centigrade and yet they mustn’t be frozen.

As regards the number of employees you would need to start and run your business efficiently in order to have as less hitches as possible, they would be Chief Executive Officer, an Admin and Human Resource Manager, Farm Manager, Marketing Executive, Customer Service Officer/Front Desk Officer, Accountant, Cleaner and Driver.

To be able to run an ostrich farm business that is of standard and also successful, you would need at least 8 people.

The Service Delivery Process of the Business

When starting with a breed stock, one starts with 1 male and 2 – 4 females. The female ostriches then lay up to 40 eggs throughout the year and only stops laying eggs except she needs to incubate her eggs. To enable an all year round production, eggs when produced are quickly moved to a machine incubator so as to ensure that the ostrich chicks survive well. Some of the eggs are usually infertile, some die during incubation, while others simply fail to hatch.

Due to how tall they grow – about 9 feet – and how fast they run – 70 miles per hour; ostriches usually require a lot of space. They thrive well in differing climates from deserts, forest regions, grassland to swamps. However dry climates and semi-arid areas are most favorable to ostrich production. A family of 4 birds would usually require half an acre of space for optimal results.

Ostriches survive on a variety of foods, from insects, rodents to grass. However, it is essential that they are properly fed especially if they are being bred for commercial purposes.

A good feed for any commercial farm raising ostriches should consist of alfalfa, maize, dehulled soya, major and minor minerals, vitamins as well as amino acids and yeast. This feed is what makes the ostrich produce good meat in excess of 35 kilograms.

16. Write a Marketing Plan Packed with ideas & Strategies

While starting an ostrich farm might look very easy, turning it into something that will generate revenue and bring in profit for your business is another kettle of fish. To ensure that you are able to meet with your revenue goals and targets, it will require that you make out a plan on how you intend to market your products and services.

What you might need to do when it comes to this stage of your business is to ensure that you liaise or visit other ostrich farms in your location or far from you to garner information on how they generate the needed revenue for their business.

Due to the seriousness of marketing, you would need to conduct a market research that would help you determine just how well you know your target market and what strategies would be more effective on them. The market research will also enable you to easily know who your target market are, what they expect from you as a business and how well you are likely to penetrate the market and get a huge share for your business.

You might be required to meet with some clients personally to formally market your business to them in a bid to get a long term contract from them.

If it comes to this, you must ensure that you have done a thorough assignment so that you could make them see reasons why you are better than your competitors. Some of the platforms that you can therefore use to market and grow your ostrich farm business are;

• Ensure that your ostrich farm business is formally introduced to several big chain hotels and restaurants, grocery stores and meat marts, other ostrich farmers and any other stakeholders in the industry..
• Ensure that you place adverts in newspapers, agriculture, food and lifestyle magazines as well as on radio and television stations.
• Ensure that your ostrich farm business is listed in farmers’ guide, yellow pages as well as online directories.
• Attend livestock farmers seminars and conventions in order to remain aware of industry trends while also using the chance to market your business.
• Work with other farmers by forming a cooperative in order to be able to market your produce to the larger markets.
• Create cooking instructions as well as recipes for your ostrich meat and conduct presentations for customers.

17. Develop Strategies to Boost Brand Awareness and Create a Corporate Identity

Boosting the awareness of your brand is a must if you intend to generate awareness about your business and also increase revenue for your company.

Every entrepreneur who goes into business does so with the aim of ensuring that the business has the desired awareness that will sustain it and cause it to exist for a long time. Every business engages in boosting its brand, from new businesses to already existing businesses either big or small.

Publicity takes several ways and almost any method – conventional and unconventional – can be used. Any enterprising entrepreneur that intends for his business to remain for a long time has to invest in promotions and advertisement in order to boost the brand of the business.

While it might be a bit overwhelming to craft strategies that would effectively promote and boost your brand especially if you intend to concentrate on your farming business, then you might need to engage the services of a promotions and advertising consultant in your area who has a deep knowledge of the business you are going into and who understands the local environment as well as the national environment and its target market so that he or she will help you draft the right promotions and advertising strategies for your business.

There are several strategies that you can use and it is best you know which strategies are going to be more effective so that you could set aside a budget for it instead of engaging in a trial and error method. Below therefore are the platforms that you can leverage on in order to boost your brand while promoting and advertising your business;

• Ensure that you make use of your website as well as social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram to increase awareness and promote your business vigorously
• Place adverts in local and national newspapers plus food and agricultural magazines as well as on radio and television stations
• Distribute handbills and paste fliers in certain strategic locations all around the city
• Place and position billboards in strategic locations all around the area where your ostrich farm will be located
• Write guest articles for popular food and agricultural related blogs and websites that will educate and inform the audience and use this to generate awareness for your brand
• Ensure that you encourage your loyal customers to help you spread the word about your business

Related Posts:

• How to Start an Oyster Farming Business
• How to Start a Crawfish Farming Business
• How to Start a Quail Farming Business
• How to Start a Turtle Farming Business
• How to Start a Grasscutter Farming Business

You have no items in your cart

Top Sellers

20% Off First Order

Ostrich Farming 101: A Quick Guide to Starting an Ostrich Farm

Successful ostrich farming requires a combination of proper management practices, adequate facilities, and attention to the birds' specific needs. Here is a list of some key ostrich farming techniques that contribute to a successful operation.

1. Create Flock Management Systems

Regular monitoring.

Keep a close eye on the health, behavior, and performance of the ostrich flock. Detect and address any signs of illness or distress promptly.

Record-keeping

Maintain detailed records of each bird's weight, growth rate, egg production, and any medical treatments. This data aids in identifying trends and making informed management decisions.

2. Establish Nutrition and Feeding Protocols

Balanced diet.

Consider our contract farming program (contact us today to find out more) or consult with a poultry nutritionist to develop a balanced diet that meets the specific nutritional needs of ostriches at different life stages.

Consider offering a variety of feed ingredients, including grains, protein sources, vitamins, and minerals, to ensure optimal health and growth.

3. Develop Habitat and Housing

Spacious enclosures.

Ostriches need ample space to roam and express their natural behaviors. We suggest providing large, well-fenced enclosures to prevent stress and aggressive behaviors.

Offer suitable shelter to protect the birds from extreme weather conditions and predators. Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory issues.

4. Generate A Breeding Program

Genetic diversity.

Plan breeding strategies to avoid close inbreeding and maintain a diverse genetic pool.

Selection Criteria

Select breeding birds based on desirable traits, such as growth rate, egg production, and health. Cull birds that don't meet the desired criteria.

5. Understand Incubation and Hatching

Proper incubator setup.

It is imperative to maintain stable temperature, humidity, and ventilation in the incubator to ensure successful hatching.

Regularly candle eggs to check for fertility and monitor embryo development. After day 14 in the incubator is when you can begin to see an embryo forming.

6. Consider Healthcare and Veterinary Support

Vaccinations.

Determine if you choose to vaccinate the animals, and if so at what age. Consult with your qualified veterinarian to establish an applicable vaccination schedule to protect against common diseases. At Superior Ostrich, we have chosen to stay away from vaccinations with our birds. 

Regular Check-ups

Schedule routine health checks to detect and treat health issues early.

7. Think About Socialization and Handling

Gentle handling.

We suggest getting your ostrich chicks accustomed to human presence from an early age to minimize stress and facilitate easier handling as adults.

8. Discover Parasite Control

Regular inspections.

Regularly inspect birds for signs of external parasites like mites and ticks.

Develop a worm prevention or deworming program to control internal parasites that could affect the birds' health.

9. Establish Egg Collection and Management Methods

Daily collection.

Eggs should be collected daily to prevent breakage and contamination.

Egg Storage

Store eggs properly at a suitable temperature and humidity to maintain their viability.

10. Consider  Environmental Factors

Sustainability.

Adopt environmentally friendly practices to reduce the farm's ecological footprint.

Waste Management

Implement proper waste management techniques to minimize environmental impact.

11. Undergo Education and Training

Continuous learning.

Stay informed about advancements in ostrich farming through workshops, seminars, and educational resources.

Staff Training

Ensure that farm staff is well-trained in ostrich care and management practices.

12. Familiarize with Compliance and Regulations

Legal requirements.

Familiarize yourself with local and national regulations governing ostrich farming, including zoning, permits, and animal welfare standards.

Ensure the farm complies with all necessary permits and licenses.

By diligently applying these ostrich farming techniques, we hope to help curious farmers understand how to ensure the health, welfare, and productivity of ostriches on their farm, while building a successful and sustainable business.

• ostrich farm
• ostrich farming
• ostrich farms
• Facebook Share on Facebook
• Twitter Share on Twitter
• Pinterest Pin it

Sign up and save

Sign up for our email list to receive a one-time code for 10% off your next order.

How to Start an Ostrich Farm: Step-by-Step Guide to Establishing a Profitable Ostrich Farming Business

Have you ever considered starting an ostrich farm? Ostriches are fascinating animals that have become increasingly popular in the farming industry due to their large size, fast growth rates, and high-quality meat and eggs. Establishing a profitable ostrich farming business requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. In this step-by-step guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to start your own ostrich farm.

Why Start an Ostrich Farm?

There are many reasons why starting an ostrich farm could be a profitable venture. The demand for ostrich meat and eggs has been steadily increasing in recent years due to their low-fat content, high protein, and exotic nature . Additionally, ostriches are hardy animals that can adapt to a variety of climates and require minimal maintenance compared to other livestock.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting an Ostrich Farm

Starting an ostrich farm requires careful planning and preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you establish your own profitable ostrich farming business:

• Research and Planning
• Secure Land and Facilities

Purchase Ostrich Chicks

• Feeding, Housing, and Health Care
• Marketing and Selling Ostrich Products

Each of these steps requires careful consideration and attention to detail to ensure the success of your ostrich farming business. By following this guide, you can establish a profitable ostrich farm and join the growing market for ostrich meat and eggs.

Step 1: Research and Planning

Starting an ostrich farm requires a considerable amount of planning, research, and preparation. Before investing your time and money into this venture, it is essential to research the market and develop a solid business plan to ensure that your farm is profitable.

Research the Market

Conducting market research is crucial in determining the demand for ostrich products in your area. You should identify potential buyers, such as restaurants, supermarkets, and specialty stores, and find out their preferences and requirements. Additionally, you should research the prices of ostrich meat, eggs, feathers, and leather to determine the profitability of your farm.

It is also important to research the competition in your area. Find out how many ostrich farms are already established, what they offer, and how they market their products. This information will help you identify gaps in the market and develop a unique selling proposition for your farm.

Develop a Business Plan

Once you have conducted market research, you should use the information gathered to develop a comprehensive business plan for your ostrich farm. Your business plan should include:

• A description of your farm and its products
• An analysis of the market and competition
• Your marketing and sales strategies
• Your financial projections, including startup costs, operating expenses, and revenue projections
• Your management and operational plans

Your business plan should be detailed and realistic , accounting for all possible expenses and risks. It should also include contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances, such as disease outbreaks or market fluctuations.

By conducting thorough market research and developing a comprehensive business plan, you will be better equipped to start and run a profitable ostrich farm.

Step 2: Secure Land and Facilities

After conducting market research and developing a business plan, the next step in starting an ostrich farm is to secure suitable land and facilities. This step is crucial as it will determine the success of your ostrich farming business.

Find Suitable Land

When looking for land to establish your ostrich farm, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Size of land: Ostriches require a lot of space to roam around and exercise. The minimum recommended size of land for an ostrich farm is 5 acres, but ideally, you should aim for at least 10 acres.
• Location: Choose a location that is easily accessible and close to major roads. This will make it easier for you to transport your ostriches and products to the market.
• Climate: Ostriches thrive in dry and warm climates, so choose a location with a semi-arid climate.
• Water source: Ostriches require a lot of water, so make sure the land has access to a reliable source of water.

Once you find suitable land, you will need to prepare it for ostrich farming. This may involve clearing the land, constructing fences, and installing water and electricity infrastructure.

Build or Renovate Facilities

After securing land, the next step is to build or renovate facilities for your ostrich farm. Facilities may include:

• Shelters: Ostriches require shelter from extreme weather conditions such as rain, wind, and sun. You can build simple shelters using wood or steel.
• Feeders and waterers: Ostriches require a constant supply of food and water. You can purchase or build feeders and waterers.
• Nesting areas: Ostriches require nesting areas to lay their eggs. You can build simple nesting areas using hay or straw.
• Processing facilities: If you plan to process your ostriches for meat or leather, you will need processing facilities such as a slaughterhouse and tannery.

When building or renovating facilities, it is important to ensure they meet the necessary regulations and standards for ostrich farming.

Step 3: Acquire Ostriches

Once you have established your ostrich farm, the next step is to acquire ostriches. There are a few options to consider when purchasing ostrich chicks.

The first option is to purchase ostrich chicks from a reputable breeder. When choosing a breeder, it is important to ensure that they are experienced and knowledgeable in ostrich farming. They should also be able to provide you with healthy and well-bred ostrich chicks.

You can purchase ostrich chicks at different ages, but it is recommended that you start with day-old chicks. This will allow you to raise and train the ostriches from a young age, which will make them easier to handle and manage as they grow older.

Raise and Care for Ostriches

Once you have acquired your ostrich chicks, it is important to provide them with proper care and nutrition. Ostriches require a specialized diet that is high in protein and low in fat. They also require plenty of water and access to a dust bath to help keep their feathers clean.

It is important to provide your ostriches with adequate space to move around and exercise. Ostriches are active birds and require plenty of room to run and stretch their legs. A general rule of thumb is to provide at least 100 square feet of space per ostrich.

Regular veterinary check-ups are also important to ensure the health and well-being of your ostriches. It is recommended that you establish a relationship with a veterinarian who has experience in treating ostriches.

Acquiring and raising ostriches can be a rewarding and profitable venture. By purchasing healthy ostrich chicks from a reputable breeder and providing them with proper care and nutrition, you can raise healthy and productive ostriches that will help establish your ostrich farming business.

Step 4: Market and Sell Ostrich Products

Now that you have successfully raised your ostriches and have a steady supply of ostrich products, it is time to start marketing and selling them. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Identify Potential Customers

One of the first things you need to do is identify your potential customers. Ostrich products are popular among health-conscious consumers who are looking for leaner meat options. Some potential customers include:

• Restaurants and cafes that offer healthy menu options
• Grocery stores that specialize in organic and natural products
• Online retailers that sell specialty meats
• Fitness enthusiasts who are looking for high-protein, low-fat meats

Once you have identified your potential customers, you can start reaching out to them and promoting your products.

Price Your Products Competitively

When it comes to pricing your ostrich products, it is important to be competitive. Do some research and find out what other ostrich farmers are charging for their products. You should also consider the cost of production and the quality of your products.

Remember that consumers are willing to pay more for high-quality, organic, and sustainably-raised products. Make sure to highlight the benefits of your ostrich products, such as their low-fat content, high protein content, and unique flavor.

Make sure to also offer discounts for bulk orders and repeat customers. This will help you attract and retain customers in the long run.

By identifying your potential customers and pricing your products competitively, you can successfully market and sell your ostrich products and establish a profitable ostrich farming business.

Starting an ostrich farm can be a profitable venture if done correctly. It requires a lot of planning, research, and hard work to establish a successful ostrich farming business . However, with the right resources and knowledge, you can start and run a profitable ostrich farm.

Key Takeaways

• Before starting an ostrich farm, research the market demand for ostrich products and identify potential buyers.
• Plan your ostrich farm layout and facilities to ensure the comfort and safety of your birds.
• Choose healthy ostrich chicks from reputable breeders and provide them with proper care and nutrition.
• Implement effective disease prevention and biosecurity measures to protect your ostriches from illnesses.
• Develop a marketing strategy to sell your ostrich products and build relationships with potential buyers.

Final Thoughts

Starting an ostrich farm can be a fulfilling and lucrative business venture. It requires dedication, hard work, and patience, but the rewards can be significant. Remember to always prioritize the health and welfare of your ostriches and stay informed about industry trends and best practices.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Farm Insurance
• Privacy Policy
• Animal Farm
• Farm Equipment
• Farm Education
• Gardening Tips

Feather your Success with an Ostrich Farm Business Plan!

Table of Contents

Looking to start an ostrich farm? Our comprehensive ostrich farm business plan offers a step-by-step guide to help you establish and manage your own successful ostrich farming venture. Learn about the industry, understand the market trends, and get valuable insights on breeding, feeding, and marketing strategies. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned farmer, our business plan will provide you with all the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in the ostrich farming industry.

An ostrich farm business plan is a comprehensive blueprint that outlines the strategy and operations for establishing and managing a successful ostrich farming venture. With their majestic appearance and unique characteristics, ostriches have captured the fascination of people around the world. Moreover, the demand for ostrich products, such as meat, eggs, feathers, and leather, continues to rise steadily in various global markets. Therefore, embarking on an ostrich farming business presents a lucrative opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the growing interest in these magnificent birds. To ensure the success of your venture, a well-crafted business plan is essential, as it provides a roadmap for achieving your goals and helps you navigate potential challenges along the way.

Introduction

The ostrich farming industry has gained significant attention in recent years due to the increasing demand for ostrich products such as meat, eggs, and feathers. This article will present a comprehensive ostrich farm business plan that outlines the necessary steps and considerations for starting and running a successful ostrich farm.

Market Research

Prior to establishing an ostrich farm, it is crucial to conduct thorough market research. This includes analyzing the current demand and supply of ostrich products, identifying potential customers, and assessing the competition. By understanding the market dynamics, you can develop effective marketing strategies and target the right audience.

Business Structure and Legal Considerations

Choosing the appropriate business structure is essential for any venture. In the case of an ostrich farm, options may include sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). It is also important to comply with all legal requirements and obtain necessary permits and licenses.

Location and Facilities

Selecting the right location for your ostrich farm is crucial for its success. Ostriches require large open spaces and a suitable climate. Additionally, you will need to construct appropriate facilities such as shelters, feeding areas, breeding enclosures, and egg collection units. These facilities should be designed to ensure the well-being and safety of the ostriches.

Ostrich Breeding and Management

Breeding and managing ostriches require specialized knowledge and expertise. It is essential to understand the reproductive behavior of ostriches, their diet requirements, and overall health management. Additionally, you may need to hire skilled personnel or consult with experts in the field to ensure the proper care and breeding of your ostriches.

Feed and Nutrition

An adequate and balanced diet is crucial for the growth and health of ostriches. Ostriches primarily feed on a diet consisting of grains and grass. It is important to consult with veterinarians or animal nutritionists to develop a proper feeding plan and ensure that your ostriches receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and production.

Marketing and Sales Strategies

Developing effective marketing and sales strategies is vital for the profitability of your ostrich farm. This may include creating a strong online presence, participating in trade shows and exhibitions, establishing partnerships with local restaurants and retailers, and leveraging social media platforms for advertising and customer engagement.

Risk Management

Running an ostrich farm involves various risks, including diseases, predator attacks, and market fluctuations. Implementing appropriate risk management strategies is essential to mitigate these risks. This may involve purchasing insurance coverage, implementing biosecurity measures, and diversifying your product offerings to minimize potential losses.

Financial Projections

Developing comprehensive financial projections is crucial to understanding the potential profitability and sustainability of your ostrich farm. This includes estimating the initial investment required, ongoing operational costs, revenue projections, and potential return on investment. Seeking guidance from financial experts or consultants can help ensure accurate and realistic financial forecasts.

Starting and operating an ostrich farm requires careful planning, research, and specialized knowledge. By following a well-structured business plan and considering all the necessary factors, you can increase the chances of success in this unique and rewarding industry. Remember, dedication, perseverance, and continuous learning are key to running a successful ostrich farm business.

Executive Summary:

The ostrich farm business plan aims to establish a highly profitable venture in the growing market for ostrich products. With a focus on providing high-quality meat, eggs, feathers, and by-products, our farm seeks to meet the increasing demand for these unique and sustainable products. By implementing a comprehensive marketing and sales strategy, efficient operational practices, and effective risk management measures, we are confident in our ability to achieve significant success and profitability in this industry.

Introduction:

The ostrich farm business plan is designed to capitalize on the rising demand for ostrich products worldwide. With its low-fat, high-protein meat, versatile feathers, and valuable by-products, the ostrich industry presents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. This business plan aims to tap into this market by providing a comprehensive guide to establishing and operating an ostrich farm successfully. By leveraging the growing popularity of ostrich products and implementing strategic marketing and operational practices, we aim to position our farm as a leading provider in the industry.

Market Analysis:

The market analysis section of our business plan examines the target market for ostrich products, including meat, eggs, feathers, and by-products. We explore key demographics, purchasing trends, and the competitive landscape to identify opportunities for growth and expansion. With a focus on both domestic and international markets, we aim to meet the increasing demand for ostrich products and establish long-term partnerships with distributors and retailers.

Demographics:

Our target demographics include health-conscious individuals, gourmet food enthusiasts, and consumers looking for sustainable and ethically sourced products. By understanding the preferences and needs of these demographics, we can tailor our marketing and product offerings to effectively reach and attract our target customers.

Purchasing Trends:

The market for ostrich products is experiencing significant growth due to increasing consumer awareness of their nutritional value and sustainability. Consumers are seeking healthier, leaner meat options, and ostrich meat perfectly fits this demand. Additionally, the versatility of ostrich feathers in fashion and home decor industries contributes to the growing demand for these products.

Competitive Landscape:

While the ostrich farming industry is relatively niche, there is a growing number of farms and businesses entering the market. However, we believe that our commitment to superior quality, sustainable production methods, and strategic marketing will differentiate us from competitors. By offering a wide range of products and services, we aim to establish a strong presence in the market and become a trusted supplier of ostrich products.

Products and Services:

Our ostrich farm will offer a diverse range of products and services to cater to various customer needs. These include ostrich meat, eggs, feathers, and by-products such as oils and leather. Our products stand out due to their exceptional nutritional value, superior quality, and environmentally friendly production methods.

Ostrich Meat:

Ostrich meat is low in fat, high in protein, and rich in essential nutrients. It is a healthy alternative to traditional meats and appeals to health-conscious consumers. We will offer a range of cuts and processed products to meet different culinary preferences and market demands.

Ostrich Eggs:

Ostrich eggs are not only larger than chicken eggs but also boast a unique flavor and texture. They are highly sought after by gourmet chefs and individuals looking for a distinct dining experience. We will supply fresh ostrich eggs to local restaurants, specialty stores, and individual customers.

Ostrich Feathers:

Ostrich feathers are prized for their softness, durability, and versatility. They are used in fashion, home decor, and craft industries. We will provide high-quality ostrich feathers to designers, manufacturers, and retailers, catering to their specific requirements.

Ostrich By-products:

There are various by-products obtained from ostriches, such as oils, leather, and bones. These by-products have numerous applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries. We will explore partnerships with companies in these sectors to maximize the value of our ostrich farming operations.

Marketing and Sales Strategy:

Our marketing and sales strategy revolves around creating brand awareness, establishing strong distribution channels, and building relationships with potential customers. We will employ a combination of online and offline marketing tactics to reach our target market effectively.

Online Marketing:

We will develop a user-friendly website that showcases our products, highlights their benefits, and provides educational content about ostrich farming. Additionally, we will leverage social media platforms, search engine optimization, and online advertising to increase our online visibility and attract potential customers.

Offline Marketing:

We will participate in industry events, trade shows, and exhibitions to showcase our products and build connections with distributors and retailers. Additionally, we will explore partnerships with local restaurants, specialty stores, and gourmet food suppliers to expand our customer base.

Distribution Channels:

We will establish strategic partnerships with distributors, retailers, and wholesalers to ensure a wide distribution network for our products. By collaborating with established players in the industry, we can tap into their existing customer base and expand our reach in the market.

Operational Plan:

The operational plan outlines the day-to-day activities and processes involved in running the ostrich farm efficiently. It includes facility requirements, farming practices, animal husbandry techniques, staffing needs, and technology utilization.

Facility Requirements:

Our farm will require adequate land, fencing, shelters, and water supply to accommodate a healthy and comfortable environment for ostriches. We will ensure that the facilities comply with industry standards and regulations to maintain the welfare of the birds.

Farming Practices:

We will implement sustainable farming practices, including organic feed, proper waste management, and responsible land use. These practices not only contribute to the overall health and quality of our products but also align with consumer demands for environmentally friendly production methods.

Animal Husbandry Techniques:

We will prioritize the well-being of our ostriches, employing best practices for their care, feeding, and breeding. This includes regular veterinary check-ups, vaccination programs, and appropriate handling techniques to minimize stress and ensure optimal growth and productivity.

Staffing Needs:

We will hire skilled and experienced staff members who have expertise in ostrich farming and animal care. Our team will consist of farm managers, veterinarians, animal handlers, and administrative personnel to ensure the smooth operation of the farm.

Technology Utilization:

We will leverage technology to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance data management. This includes implementing automated feeding systems, monitoring devices, and record-keeping software to track the health, growth, and performance of our ostriches.

Financial Projection:

The financial projection provides an analysis of the expected revenues, costs, and profitability of the ostrich farm over a defined period. It takes into account factors such as market demand, pricing fluctuations, production costs, and sales volume.

Revenue Forecast:

We anticipate steady revenue growth as we establish our presence in the market and expand our customer base. This will be achieved through effective marketing strategies, strong distribution channels, and a diverse product range. We will regularly review and adjust our pricing strategies to remain competitive while ensuring profitability.

Cost Analysis:

We will conduct a thorough analysis of production costs, including feed, labor, veterinary care, facility maintenance, and marketing expenses. By efficiently managing these costs and exploring cost-saving measures, we aim to optimize our profit margins and achieve long-term financial sustainability.

Profitability Projection:

Based on our revenue forecast and cost analysis, we project steady profitability over the defined period. Our ability to meet market demand, maintain superior product quality, and effectively manage operational costs will be key factors contributing to our success.

Risk Management and Contingency Plan:

The risk management and contingency plan assesses potential risks and challenges that the ostrich farm may face and outlines strategies to mitigate them. It also includes contingency plans for various scenarios, such as disease outbreaks, market fluctuations, or adverse weather conditions, to ensure business continuity.

Risk Assessment:

We will conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential threats to our business, including disease outbreaks, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory changes. By proactively identifying these risks, we can implement strategies to minimize their impact and ensure the smooth operation of our farm.

Risk Mitigation Strategies:

We will implement various risk mitigation strategies, such as adhering to strict biosecurity measures, diversifying our supplier base, and staying updated on industry regulations. Additionally, we will maintain contingency funds to address unforeseen challenges and maintain financial stability during difficult times.

Contingency Plans:

We will develop contingency plans for various scenarios, including disease outbreaks, market fluctuations, and adverse weather conditions. These plans will outline steps to be taken to minimize disruptions, such as implementing quarantine measures, adjusting production levels, or exploring alternate revenue streams.

In conclusion, the ostrich farm business plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to establish and operate a successful venture in the growing market for ostrich products. By leveraging market demand, implementing effective marketing and operational practices, and ensuring proactive risk management, we are confident in our ability to achieve significant success and profitability in this industry.

In my professional opinion, the Ostrich Farm Business Plan presents a unique and promising opportunity in the agricultural industry. The following points outline the strengths and potential of this venture:

Lucrative Market Potential:

With the increasing global demand for exotic meats, ostrich farming provides a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. Ostrich meat is not only lean and healthy but also highly sought after due to its unique taste and nutritional benefits. Additionally, ostrich feathers, eggs, and leather products have a niche market, further diversifying revenue streams.

High Growth Potential:

Ostrich farming is a rapidly growing industry due to its low operational costs, high reproductive rates, and relatively short time to market. With proper planning and execution, the business has the potential to scale up quickly, allowing for increased profitability and market share.

Strong Competitive Advantage:

The Ostrich Farm Business Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to establish a strong competitive advantage in the market. By leveraging advanced breeding techniques, implementing efficient feed management systems, and prioritizing animal welfare, the business aims to produce high-quality ostrich products that surpass competitors’ offerings. This focus on quality and ethical practices will attract discerning customers and enhance brand reputation.

Diversification and Sustainability:

The plan’s emphasis on diversification through value-added products such as feathers and leather ensures long-term sustainability and reduced dependence on a single revenue stream. By capitalizing on every aspect of the ostrich, the business can maximize profitability and mitigate market risks associated with fluctuating meat prices.

Environmental Stewardship:

The Ostrich Farm Business Plan demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship by incorporating sustainable farming practices. The plan outlines strategies for efficient water and waste management, as well as the use of renewable energy sources. These practices not only reduce the farm’s ecological footprint but also resonate with environmentally conscious consumers, providing a competitive advantage in the market.

In conclusion, the Ostrich Farm Business Plan presents a promising opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the agricultural industry. With its strong market potential, high growth prospects, competitive advantage, diversification strategy, and commitment to sustainability, this venture has the potential to be a highly successful and profitable business.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog and learn more about the exciting world of ostrich farming. We hope that the information provided has been both informative and inspiring, giving you valuable insights into the potential of starting an ostrich farm business.

As you have discovered throughout this article, ostrich farming can be a highly lucrative and rewarding venture. With its high demand for meat, eggs, feathers, and other by-products, the ostrich industry offers various avenues for profitability. By carefully planning and executing a comprehensive business plan, you can position yourself for success in this growing market.

It is essential to approach your ostrich farm business with a professional mindset and tone. Conduct thorough market research to understand the current trends, competition, and target audience. This will enable you to develop a solid marketing strategy and differentiate yourself from other players in the industry. Additionally, ensure that you establish strong relationships with suppliers, veterinarians, and other industry professionals to maintain the health and well-being of your ostriches.

Furthermore, consider investing in advanced technologies and equipment to enhance efficiency and productivity on your farm. This may include automated feeding systems, temperature-controlled environments, and state-of-the-art breeding programs. By incorporating these modern practices, you can optimize your operations and maximize your profits.

In conclusion, starting an ostrich farm business can be a highly promising venture for individuals who are passionate about agriculture and seeking a unique opportunity in the livestock industry. With careful planning, diligent execution, and a commitment to professionalism, you can pave the way for a successful and sustainable ostrich farm business. We encourage you to take the necessary steps to turn your dream into a reality and embark on this exciting journey.

Thank you once again for visiting our blog, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors as you explore the vast potential of the ostrich farming industry.

Video Ostrich Farm Business Plan

Visit Video

When it comes to starting an ostrich farm business, there are several questions that people often ask. Here are some of the most common queries about ostrich farm business plans along with their corresponding answers:

1. What should be included in an ostrich farm business plan?

Creating a comprehensive business plan for your ostrich farm is crucial for its success. Some key elements to include are:

• Executive summary
• Company description
• Market analysis
• Organization and management structure
• Product line and services
• Marketing and sales strategies
• Financial projections and funding requirements
• Risk assessment and contingency plans

2. How do I determine the market demand for ostrich products?

Researching the market demand for ostrich products is essential before starting your farm. You can conduct surveys, analyze industry reports, and study consumer trends. Additionally, networking with potential buyers, such as restaurants and specialty food stores, can give you insights into the demand for ostrich meat, eggs, feathers, and leather.

3. How much land is required to start an ostrich farm?

The amount of land needed for an ostrich farm depends on various factors, including the number of ostriches you plan to raise and the facilities you wish to establish. As a general guideline, each adult ostrich requires around 1000 square meters of grazing land. Adequate space for breeding, feeding, and shelter should also be allocated within the farm.

4. What are the startup costs involved in an ostrich farm business?

The startup costs for an ostrich farm can vary based on factors such as land acquisition, construction of facilities, purchasing ostriches, and operational expenses. On average, starting an ostrich farm can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on the scale of the operation and location.

5. Are there any legal requirements or permits needed?

Yes, starting an ostrich farm typically involves obtaining various licenses and permits. These may include animal husbandry permits, zoning permits, environmental permits, and business registration. It is crucial to research and comply with all local, state, and federal regulations to ensure legal compliance.

6. What are some potential challenges in running an ostrich farm business?

Running an ostrich farm can come with its own set of challenges. Some common hurdles include disease management, securing a reliable market for ostrich products, fluctuating commodity prices, and ensuring proper nutrition for the ostriches. It is important to be prepared for these challenges and have contingency plans in place.

7. How long does it take for ostriches to reach maturity?

Ostriches typically reach sexual maturity at around 2 to 3 years of age. However, their full growth and marketable size is usually achieved by the age of 12 to 14 months. This timeline may vary slightly depending on the breed and feeding practices.

By considering these common questions and addressing them in your ostrich farm business plan, you can lay a strong foundation for your venture and increase your chances of success.

Recommended For You

Feather Your Future: Launching a Thriving Chicken Farm Business

Mooving in the Right Direction: Crafting a Winning Cattle Farm Business Plan

Berry Bliss: Kickstarting Your Flourishing Berry Farm Business!

Bee-lieve in Success: Launch Your Buzz-worthy Bee Farm Business

Planting Success: Crafting a Stellar Farm Start Up Plan

Power Up Profits: Launch Your Solar Farm Business & Shine

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to Start an Ostrich Farm

• Small Business
• Setting Up a New Business
• Setting Up a New Business Basics
• ')" data-event="social share" data-info="Pinterest" aria-label="Share on Pinterest">
• ')" data-event="social share" data-info="Reddit" aria-label="Share on Reddit">
• ')" data-event="social share" data-info="Flipboard" aria-label="Share on Flipboard">

How to Raise Escargot for Profit

Information about sorghum, how to raise hogs for profit on a small farm.

• Raising Koi Fish for Profit
• How Do I Farm European Nightcrawlers?

Cows and corn are often the first images that come to mind when thinking about farms, but many non-traditional types of farms also exist. Ostrich farming is one type of agriculture that can have many advantages. According to Mother Earth News, ostriches produce meat and consume resources at a ratio that is much more profitable than beef cattle. A ostrich farm requires only a small areas of land and can generate revenue in several different ways.

Determine which ostrich products to sell in order to produce revenue from the farm. Ostrich meat and ostrich hide are two common sources of revenue. The eggs and feathers of ostriches can also be sold and do not require the slaughter of the bird.

Locate an area of land that can be used for the ostrich farm. Ostriches require between one and three acres of land in order to run and remain healthy. Build a simple shelter to protect the birds from harsh weather, and construct a fence to prevent the ostriches from escaping.

Provide a sufficient supply of food and water for the ostrich farm. Large birds can drink several gallons of water each day. Ensure that the water is kept fresh. Purchase feed that is specially formulated for ostrich nutrition. Alternately, plant crops and grasses for the ostriches to eat.

Choose a type of ostrich to raise. Red neck, blue neck and African black ostriches are the three general types of birds. Red neck and blue neck ostriches are often large and aggressive, while African black birds are smaller and easier to manage. The African black ostrich is often recommended for first-time farm operators.

Purchase ostriches for the farm. Select from unhatched eggs, young chicks or adult ostriches. Unhatched eggs and young chicks are relatively inexpensive but require a significant amount of time and expertise to raise properly. Adult ostriches can begin producing new eggs quickly yet are more expensive to purchase initially.

• Michigan.gov: State License Search - Ostrich (Poultry) Farm
• Before opening an ostrich farm, check with the state agriculture or small business office to determine if a license is required. Contact a veterinarian to obtain an interstate health certificate before transporting animals or live eggs.

Benjamin Aries has been involved in digital media for much of his life and began writing professionally in 2009. He has lived in several different states and countries, and currently writes while exploring different parts of the world. Aries specializes in technical subjects. He attended Florida State University.

Related Articles

How to start a freshwater shrimp business, starting a chicken egg laying business, raising elk for profit in texas, how to start a business in raising bison to sell, how to raise sheep on a small acreage for profit, cattle business ideas, how to grow nightcrawlers for profit, how to raise parrots for profit, how to earn money on small acreage, most popular.

• 1 How to Start a Freshwater Shrimp Business
• 2 Starting a Chicken Egg Laying Business
• 3 Raising Elk for Profit in Texas
• 4 How to Start a Business in Raising Bison to Sell

Sample Ostrich Farming Business Plan

Ostrich farming business plan sample.

Ostrich farming business particularly focuses on the growing and selling of ostrich and ostrich related products.

If you are interested in starting an ostrich farming business, you must pay special attention to the location of your farm, since ostriches are particularly reared in areas with arid conditions.

GUIDE: SAMPLE POULTRY FARMING BUSINESS PLAN

Here is a sample business plan for starting an ostrich farm and a free feasibility study you can use .

BUSINESS NAME:  Lilly Bennett and Son Ostrich Farms Ltd.

Table of Content

• Executive Summary
• Our Products and Services
• Mission Statement
• Vision Statement
• Business Structure
• Market Analysis
• Sales Forecast
• Sales and Marketing Strategy
• Financial Plan

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Lilly Bennett and Son Ostrich Farms Ltd is an ostrich farming business that is duly registered and licensed to operate in Alabama, United States. The business will be particularly focused on offering a number of ostrich related products and services which include: ostrich meat, ostrich eggs, ostrich hide, ostrich eyes, ostrich feet, young chicks, ostrich feathers, adult Ostriches.

The business will be owned and managed by Lillian Bennett and her son; both of whom are very experienced in the industry. To start up the business, a total of $250,000 will be needed. This startup capital will cover all the startup expenses as well the first two (2) months’ salary of employees.

OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Lilly Bennett and Son Ostrich Farms Ltd is an ostrich farm that is intended to provide its products and services to customers in the United States. We will particularly be focused on offering our products and services in Alabama, United States.

We are prepared to offer all the various kinds of ostrich related products to our customers all over the United States. In due time, we will expand into the global market, offering our products and services to customers all around the globe.

The following are some of the products and services that we will be offering:

• Ostrich meat
• Ostrich eggs
• Ostrich hide
• Ostrich eyes
• Ostrich feet
• Young chicks
• Ostrich feathers
• Adult Ostriches
• Consultancy and Training Services

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is a very simple one: we want to make sure we become a reputable ostrich farming brand that will be a model to not only ostrich farming business startups, but to all existing ostrich farming businesses in the United States.

VISION STATEMENT

Our vision at Lilly Bennett and Son Ostrich Farms Ltd is to become the number one ostrich farm in the United States, renowned for producing quality ostriches and ostrich products which are safe to consume. We want to make sure we are well-reputed and renowned in the industry. We will accomplish our business vision by making sure we do not go outside the laws of Alabama, and the United States.

BUSINESS STRUCTURE

We desire to build our ostrich farming business into a very reputable one that is up to the standards in the industry.

In view of this, we have come up with key decisions as regards our customers, and our business set-up.

We will make sure we offer a variety of ostrich products to our customers, just so we ensure we completely take advantage of all the various niches.

We will hire only experienced hands to make up our team. The recruitment procedures will be very stringent just to make sure we get only experienced, competent, and innovative minds into our business. The following are the key positions that will make up our business structure:

• Farm Manager
• Purchasing and inventory Manager
• Livestock supervisor
• Store Manager
• Accountant / Cashier
• Marketing Team
• Delivery Drivers
• Security Personnel
• Receptionists

MARKET ANALYSIS Market Trend

There is a growing trend (albeit slow) for the consumption of ostrich meat and ostrich products. People have started consuming more of ostrich meat due to the fact that it is relatively cheap and healthier, and it has more protein compared to the regular meat.

Ostrich meat is known to contain more protein and Iron. At the same time, it contains less cholesterol, calories, and fat. This has become a key marketing strategy used by entrepreneurs in the ostrich farming business towards marketing ostrich meat and products.

Target Market

The following are the various groups that make up our target market:

• Hotels and Restaurants
• Sports People
• Health Nuts
• Research Institutes

SALES FORECAST

Below is the sales projection for Lilly Bennett and Son Ostrich Farms Ltd. This sales projection is for the first three years after startup. The Sales projection is only an estimate, and it is based upon the statistical data available in the industry, as well as other factors.

Year One                    $280,000 Year Two                   $550,000 Year Three                 $900,000

SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

It is a very crucial thing in the industry to always promote your brand. This is largely due to the fact that a lot of people are not aware of the benefits of ostrich products. We do realise that it is by promoting our brand and marketing our products that we will be able to effectively communicate our business to our customers.

We have therefore set out various strategies to promote our ostrich farming business:

• We will open our ostrich farm in a grand style so as to spark up interest in the region.
• We will send out our business brochure and fliers to the various groups that make up our target market.
• We will list our business in yellow pages.
• We will launch a website, as well as place ads on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
• We will make sure to always use, and encourage, word of mouth in promoting our brand.

FINANCIAL PLAN Source of startup Capital

We have been able to come up with an estimate of $250,000 as the startup budget for our ostrich farming business.

The owners, Lillian Bennett and her son, have been able to generate as much as $100,000 from their savings, and investments.

In order to complete the startup capital, they have also intended to obtain a soft loan from their banks.

This is an ostrich farming business plan sample bearing the business name, ‘Lilly Bennett and Son Ostrich Farms Ltd’. The ostrich farm will be located in Alabama, United States. It will be completely focused on offering ostrich meat, and ostrich related products to customers all over the United States. Part of the startup budget will be generated from the owners’ savings and investments, while the other part will be obtained as soft loan from the bank.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

BUSINESSPLANFOR

How to start an ostrich farming business tips guide.

Ostrich farming has existed for decades, but people did not start paying much attention to it until very recently. Because ostriches are not as easy to find as other animals, ostrich farmers make more profit than other ranchers.

Ostrich eggs can cost up to $500, while live ostrich eggs can sell for up to $5,000. Yes, that’s how lucrative ostrich farming can be.

Starting Your Ostrich Farm Business

Obtain a license:.

First, you must register your business and obtain the necessary license to start an ostrich farm. You must also write your business plan for ostrich farming and study all the rules and regulations of ostrich farming in your state, including the rules and regulations for export.

Hey! Ostriches run very fast. They love to run, so first you have to provide them with a large area of land to raise them and also fence them in to prevent them from running away.

In addition, ostriches can reach up to 9 feet tall, so if you want to build a shelter for them, you must take into account their height. Another thing to consider is water, because ostriches drink a lot of water. You can choose a spot near a stream or build an artificial pond to allow access to an adequate water supply.

Due to the enormous initial costs, it is advisable that anyone who wants to dedicate themselves to the breeding of ostriches should start working on a smaller scale. You should start with at least one male ostrich and one female ostrich. Due to the high level of ostrich production, you will have your hands full in no time. So you shouldn’t be afraid to start small.

You can feed your ostriches with fruits, tubers, grains, leaves and even small animals. You can also buy food specially formulated for them to promote growth and productivity.

Health care:

Although ostriches have a very strong immune system and are less likely to get sick, it wouldn’t hurt to have a veterinarian take care of your health and make sure you include these costs on your income statement.

Networking:

Ostrich farming is a unique business and not as popular as other livestock operations, and as a beginner, you may sometimes find yourself in a state of confusion.

This is why it takes a lot of networking to run a successful ostrich breeding business. You should consider joining forums on the Internet, watching videos on YouTube, and joining ostrich farmer groups or unions, if you can find one in your area. There is no limit to what you can learn from other experienced ostrich farmers.

Benefits of ostrich farming

I’d like to start by telling you some of the benefits you could get from raising ostriches before I tell you how to start an ostrich-breeding business. Some of the benefits of raising ostriches include:

• Profitability: I’ve already mentioned that an ostrich egg can sell for up to $500. Now imagine that you sell only 10 of them in a month and that’s a very conservative estimate considering the growing popularity of ostrich farming. Also, a live ostrich sells for up to $5,000 for one, which is a lot of money.
• High Return on Investment: You would also recover your investment in ostrich farming faster than in pig or cattle farming. A single ostrich can produce up to 40 eggs per year and within 14 months, chicks can grow to market size.
• Meat production: Many people do not know that an ostrich produces more meat than cows. A single ostrich can produce up to 1,800 kilograms of meat, while a cow only produces 250 kilograms of meat.
• Leather: An ostrich can also produce up to 50 square meters of leather that can be sold for profit apart from the meat.
• Feathers: Ostrich feathers are also in high demand by designers, decorators and manufacturers of furniture and decorations, as well as artists. Up to 36 kilograms of feathers can be obtained from an ostrich.
• Easy to raise: You would think that with the amount of profit they produce, they would be very difficult to raise, but that is far from the case, since ostrich breeding is as easy as it is lucrative. All you need is an adequate space, enough food and medical attention and you are ready to go.

Ostrich marketing

This information is very important for anyone wishing to venture into the ostrich breeding business. You must understand how your ostrich business can give you some money. Ostriches have multiple uses and this means multiple sources of income for you. Some of the ways you can make money from raising ostriches include:

• Selling the meat: Ostrich meat is a healthier choice for pork, beef or even fish and contains fewer calories and fat, making it very desirable for consumption. In addition to being healthy, they are also tasty and can be sold for up to $12 per kilogram.
• Selling the Leather: An ostrich skin is also a very hot selling item due to the quality of the leather that can be derived from its skin. Materials made from ostrich leather sell more expensively than those made from cowhide and ostrich leather competes only with crocodile and snake leather.
• Selling the feathers: No part of an ostrich should be destroyed because even the feather is useful. Ostrich feathers are used for decoration and furniture and are popular in the market.
• Selling the Eggs: Have you ever seen an ostrich egg? It is the largest egg in the world and can weigh up to 1 pound. These eggs could sell for $500 and a single ostrich can lay up to 40 of these eggs a year.
• Selling live ostriches: As ostrich farming gains popularity, there is a great demand for live ostriches for people who want to start their own ostrich farms. There is also a demand for live ostriches in the international market.
• ← How to Start a Cotton Farming Business Tips Guide
• How to Start an Oil Palm Plantation Business Tips Guide →

How to create a financial forecast for an ostrich farm?

Creating a financial forecast for your ostrich farm, and ensuring it stays up to date, is the only way to maintain visibility on future cash flows. 

This might sound complex, but with the right guidance and tools, creating an accurate financial forecast for your ostrich farm is not that hard.

In this guide, we'll cover everything from the main goal of a financial projection, the data you need as input, to the tables that compose it, and the tools that can help you build a forecast efficiently.

Without further ado, let us begin!

In this guide:

Why create and maintain a financial forecast for an ostrich farm?

What information is used as input to build an ostrich farm financial forecast, the sales forecast for an ostrich farm, the operating expenses for an ostrich farm.

• What investments are needed for an ostrich farm?

The financing plan of your ostrich farm

What tables compose the financial plan for an ostrich farm.

• Which tool should you use to create and maintain your ostrich farm's financial projections?
• Financial forecast template for an ostrich farm

Creating and maintaining an up-to-date financial forecast is the only way to steer the development of your ostrich farm and ensure that it can be financially viable in the years to come.

A financial plan for an ostrich farm enables you to look at your business in detail - from income to operating costs and investments - to evaluate its expected profitability and future cash flows.

This gives you the visibility needed to plan future investments and expansion with confidence. 

And, when your trading environment gets tougher, having an up to date ostrich farm forecast enables you to detect potential upcoming financing shortfalls in advance, enabling you to make adjustments or secure financing before you run out of cash.

It’s also important to remember that your ostrich farm's financial forecast will be essential when looking for financing. You can be 100% certain that banks and investors will ask to see your numbers, so make sure they’re set out accurately and attractively.

Need a solid financial forecast?

The Business Plan Shop does the maths for you. Simply enter your revenues, costs and investments. Click save and our online tool builds a three-way forecast for you instantly.

A ostrich farm's financial forecast is only as good as the inputs used to build it.  

If you are creating (or updating) the forecast of an existing ostrich farm, then you mostly need your accounting information, key historical operating non-financial data, and your team’s input on what to expect for the coming years.

If you are building financial projections for an ostrich farm startup, you will need to have done your research and have a clear picture of your competitive environment and go-to-market strategy so that you can forecast sales accurately.

For a new venture, you will also need a precise list of the resources needed to keep the ostrich farm running on a day-to-day basis and a list of the equipment and expenditures required to start the business (more on that later). 

Let's now take a closer look at the elements that make up your ostrich farm's financial forecast.

The sales forecast, also called topline projection, is normally where you will start when building your ostrich farm financial forecast.

Creating a coherent sales projection boils down to estimating two key drivers:

• The average price 
• The number of monthly transactions

To do this, you will need to rely on historical data (for an existing business), market research data (for both new and existing ostrich farms), and consider the elements below:

• The average price of ostrich meat may be affected by the demand for exotic meats in your local market. If there is a high demand for unique and exotic meats, you may be able to sell your ostrich meat at a higher price.
• The number of monthly transactions may be influenced by seasonal variations in demand for ostrich products. For example, during holiday seasons or special events, there may be an increase in demand for ostrich feathers or eggs, resulting in a higher number of transactions.
• The average price of ostrich eggs may be impacted by the availability of other alternative sources of protein in your local market. If there is a shortage of other protein sources, the demand for ostrich eggs may increase, leading to a higher price for your products.
• The number of monthly transactions may be affected by the reputation and customer satisfaction of your farm. If you consistently provide high-quality ostrich products and excellent customer service, you may attract more customers and have a higher number of transactions.
• The average price of live ostriches may be influenced by the cost of feed and other inputs for raising the birds. If the cost of feed increases, you may need to adjust your prices to cover the additional expenses, resulting in a higher average price for your ostriches.

After the sales forecast comes the operating expenses budget, which we will now look into in more detail.

Need inspiration for your business plan?

The Business Plan Shop has dozens of business plan templates that you can use to get a clear idea of what a complete business plan looks like.

Once you know what level of sales you can expect, you can start budgeting the expenses required to operate your ostrich farm on a daily basis.

Expenses normally vary based on how much revenue you anticipate (which is why, from experience, it is always better to start your forecast with the topline projection), and where your business is based. 

Operating expenses for an ostrich farm will include some of the following items:

• Staff costs: This includes salaries, wages, and benefits for your farm workers who will be responsible for caring for and feeding the ostriches.
• Feed and supplements: Ostriches require a specialized diet to ensure their health and growth. You will need to budget for purchasing feed and supplements such as grains, vegetables, and minerals.
• Veterinary expenses: As with any livestock, ostriches may require medical attention. You should budget for routine check-ups, vaccinations, and any unexpected medical issues that may arise.
• Facility maintenance: Keeping your ostrich farm in good condition is important for the health and well-being of your birds. This may include repairs, cleaning, and general upkeep of buildings, fences, and equipment.
• Utility bills: Your ostrich farm will require electricity and water for various operations. Make sure to budget for these monthly expenses.
• Transportation costs: You will need to transport your ostriches for various reasons, such as buying new birds, taking them to the vet, or delivering them to customers. This may include fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and insurance for your transportation vehicles.
• Marketing and advertising: To attract customers and promote your ostrich products, you may need to invest in marketing and advertising strategies. This could include creating a website, attending trade shows, or running social media campaigns.
• Accountancy fees: Keeping track of your finances is crucial for the success of your ostrich farm. You may need to hire an accountant to help you manage your finances and ensure compliance with tax laws.
• Insurance costs: As with any business, it is important to have insurance to protect your ostrich farm from potential risks such as natural disasters, liability claims, or property damage.
• Software licenses: To keep track of your inventory, sales, and finances, you may need to invest in software licenses for specialized farm management programs.
• Banking fees: You will need to have a business bank account to manage your finances and make payments. Make sure to budget for any potential banking fees, such as transaction fees or account maintenance fees.
• Employee training: It is important to provide proper training for your staff to ensure they are knowledgeable about caring for ostriches and following safety protocols.
• Legal fees: You may need to consult with a lawyer to ensure your ostrich farm is compliant with all laws and regulations, such as obtaining necessary permits and licenses.
• Office supplies: Running an ostrich farm also requires some administrative work. You may need to purchase office supplies such as paper, pens, and printer ink.
• Safety equipment: Ostriches can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. It is important to invest in safety equipment for your staff, such as gloves, boots, and protective gear.

This list will need to be tailored to the specificities of your ostrich farm, but should offer a good starting point for your budget.

What investments are needed to start or grow an ostrich farm?

Your ostrich farm financial forecast will also need to include the capital expenditures (aka investments in plain English) and initial working capital items required for the creation or development of your business.

For an ostrich farm, these could include:

• Ostrich Enclosures: These are essential fixed assets for an ostrich farm as they provide shelter and protection for the birds. The cost of enclosures will vary depending on the size and materials used, but they are a necessary investment for the safety and well-being of your ostriches.
• Breeding Stock: As the main source of income for an ostrich farm, it is crucial to invest in high-quality breeding stock. This includes purchasing adult ostriches for breeding purposes as well as buying eggs or chicks to raise and sell.
• Feeding and Watering Equipment: Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for the health of ostriches, so investing in feeding and watering equipment is a must. This can include feeders, troughs, and water tanks, all of which should be durable and easy to clean.
• Transportation Vehicles: Ostriches can weigh up to 300 pounds, so it is necessary to have a reliable means of transportation for moving them around the farm. This can include trucks, trailers, or even specialized ostrich transport vehicles.
• Incubators: If you plan on hatching your own chicks, you will need to invest in incubators. These can range from small, manual incubators to larger, fully automated ones, and the cost will depend on the size and features you require.

Again, this list will need to be adjusted according to the size and ambitions of your ostrich farm.

Need a convincing business plan?

The Business Plan Shop makes it easy to create a financial forecast to assess the potential profitability of your projects, and write a business plan that’ll wow investors.

The next step in the creation of your financial forecast for your ostrich farm is to think about how you might finance your business.

You will have to assess how much capital will come from shareholders (equity) and how much can be secured through banks.

Bank loans will have to be modelled so that you can separate the interest expenses from the repayments of principal, and include all this data in your forecast.

Issuing share capital and obtaining a bank loan are two of the most common ways that entrepreneurs finance their businesses.

Now let's have a look at the main output tables of your ostrich farm's financial forecast.

The projected profit & loss statement

The projected profit & loss shows how profitable your ostrich farm is likely to be in the years to come.

For your ostrich farm to be financially viable, your projected P&L should ideally show:

• Sales growing above inflation (the higher the better)
• Profit margins which are stable or expanding (the higher the better) 
• A net profit at the end of each financial year (the higher the better)

This is for established ostrich farms, there is some leniency for startups which will have numbers that will look a bit different than existing businesses.

The projected balance sheet

Your ostrich farm's forecasted balance sheet enables you to assess your financial structure and working capital requirements.

It is composed of three types of elements: assets, liabilities and equity:

• Assets: represent what the business owns and uses to produce cash flows. It includes resources such as cash, equipment, and accounts receivable (money owed by clients).
• Liabilities: represent funds advanced to the business by lenders and other creditors. It includes items such as accounts payable (money owed to suppliers), taxes due and loans.
• Equity: is the combination of what has been invested by the business owners and the cumulative profits and losses generated by the business to date (which are called retained earnings). Equity is a proxy for the value of the owner's stake in the business.

The projected cash flow statement

A projected cash flow statement for an ostrich farm is used to show how much cash the business is generating or consuming.

The cash flow forecast is usually organised by nature to show three key metrics:

• The operating cash flow: do the core business activities generate or consume cash?
• The investing cash flow: how much is the business investing in long-term assets (this is usually compared to the level of fixed assets on the balance sheet to assess whether the business is regularly maintaining and renewing its equipment)?
• The financing cash flow: is the business raising new financing or repaying financiers (debt repayment, dividends)?

Cash is king and keeping an eye on future cash flows is imperative for running a successful business. Therefore, you should pay close attention to your ostrich farm's cash flow forecast.

If you are trying to secure financing, note that it is customary to provide both yearly and monthly cash flow forecasts in a financial plan - so that the reader can analyze seasonal variation and ensure the ostrich farm is appropriately capitalised.

Which tool should you use to create your ostrich farm's financial forecast?

Using the right tool or solution will make the creation of your ostrich farm's financial forecast much easier than it sounds. Let’s explore the main options.

Using online financial forecasting software to build your ostrich farm's projections

The modern and easiest way is to use professional online financial forecasting software such as the one we offer at The Business Plan Shop.

There are several advantages to using specialised software:

• You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
• You have access to complete financial forecast templates
• You get a complete financial forecast ready to be sent to your bank or investors
• You can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast, and recalibrate your forecast as the year goes by
• You can create scenarios to stress test your forecast's main assumptions
• You can easily update your forecast as time goes by to maintain visibility on future cash flows
• You have a friendly support team on standby to assist you when you are stuck
• It’s cost-efficient and much cheaper than using an accountant or consultant (see below)

If you are interested in this type of solution, you can try our forecasting software for free by signing up here .

Calling in a financial consultant or chartered accountant

Enlisting the help of a consultant or accountant is also a good way to obtain a professional ostrich farm financial forecast.

The downside of this solution is its cost. From experience, obtaining a simple financial forecast over three years (including a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement) is likely to cost a minimum of £700 or $1,000.

The indicative cost above, is for a small business, and a forecast is done as a one-shot exercise. Using a consultant or accountant to track your actuals vs. forecast and to keep your financial projections up to date on a monthly or quarterly basis will cost a lot more.

If you opt for this solution, make sure your accountant has in-depth knowledge of your industry, so that they may challenge your figures and offer insights (as opposed to just taking your assumptions at face value to create the forecast).

Why not use a spreadsheet such as Excel or Google Sheets to build your ostrich farm's financial forecast?

Creating an accurate and error-free ostrich farm financial forecast on Excel (or any spreadsheet) is very technical and requires both a strong grasp of accounting principles and solid skills in financial modelling.

Most entrepreneurs lack the expertise required to create an accurate financial forecast using spreadsheet software like Excel or Google Sheets. As a result, it is unlikely anyone will trust your numbers.

The second reason is that it is inefficient. Building forecasts on spreadsheets was the only option in the 1990s and early 2000s, nowadays technology has advanced and software can do it much faster and much more accurately. 

This is why professional forecasters all use software. With the rise of AI, software is also becoming smarter at helping us detect mistakes in our forecasts and helping us analyse the numbers to make better decisions.

Finally, like everything with spreadsheets, tracking actuals vs. forecasts and updating your forecast as the year progresses is manual, tedious, error-prone, and time-consuming. Whereas financial forecasting software like The Business Plan Shop is built for this.

Use our financial forecast templates for inspiration

The Business Plan Shop has dozens of financial forecast examples available.

Our templates contain both a financial forecast and a written business plan which presents, in detail, the company, the team, the strategy, and the medium-term objectives.

Our templates are a great source of inspiration, whether you just want to see what a complete business plan looks like, or are looking for concrete examples of how you should model financial elements in your own forecast.

• A financial forecast shows expected growth, profitability, and cash generation metrics for your ostrich farm.
• Tracking actuals vs. forecast and having an up-to-date financial forecast is key to maintaining visibility on your future cash flows.
• Using financial forecasting software is the modern way of creating and maintaining financial projections.

We hope that this guide helped you gain a clearer perspective on the steps needed to create the financial forecast for an ostrich farm. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

Also on The Business Plan Shop

• Financial forecast example

Know someone who runs an ostrich farm? Share our business guide with them!

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

Create a convincing business plan

Assess the profitability of your business idea and create a persuasive business plan to pitch to investors

500,000+ entrepreneurs have already tried our solution - why not join them?

Not ready to try our on-line tool ? Learn more about our solution here

Need some inspiration for your business plan?

Subscribe to The Business Plan Shop and gain access to our business plan template library.

Need a professional business plan? Discover our solution

Write your business plan with ease!

It's easy to create a professional business plan with The Business Plan Shop

Want to find out more before you try? Learn more about our solution here

• Website Design & Development Services
• Startup Branding
• Paid Marketing
• Organic Marketing
• Market Research
• Business Plans
• Pitch Decks
• Financial Forecast
• Industry Market Research Reports
• Social Media & Website Guides
• Case Studies
• Services Marketing Website Design & Development Services Startup Branding Paid Marketing Organic Marketing Consulting Market Research Business Plans Pitch Decks Financial Forecast
• About Resources Articles Templates Industry Market Research Reports Social Media & Website Guides Case Studies Team

Ostrich Farming Business Plan Template

Explore Options to Get a Business Plan.

Are you interested in starting your own Ostrich Farming Business?

Introduction

Global market size, target market, business model, competitive landscape, legal and regulatory requirements, financing options, marketing and sales strategies, operations and logistics, human resources & management, why write a business plan.

• Business Plans can help to articulate and flesh out the business’s goals and objectives. This can be beneficial not only for the business owner, but also for potential investors or partners
• Business Plans can serve as a roadmap for the business, helping to keep it on track and on target. This is especially important for businesses that are growing and evolving, as it can be easy to get sidetracked without a clear plan in place.
• Business plans can be a valuable tool for communicating the business’s vision to employees, customers, and other key stakeholders.
• Business plans are one of the most affordable and straightforward ways of ensuring your business is successful.
• Business plans allow you to understand your competition better to critically analyze your unique business pro

Ostrich farming: a high profitable business

Ostrich farming is much more profitable than raising other traditional farm animals. Ostriches are loving birds, they are quite easy to raise and require little maintenance from farmers. One of the reasons why ostrich farming is a lucrative business is the number of valuables an ostrich has to offer; and very little ever goes to waste.

The origin of ostrich farming

Ostrich ( Struthio camelis ) belongs to a flightless bird family (Ratite), the birds belonging to this family are the largest ones compared to all the other bird species. Ostrich farming originated in the 1860s in South Africa (Hastings, n.d). However, there is contradicting information about their origin as palaeontologists displayed evidences that ostrich farming has its origin in Asian steppes in the Eocene Epoch about 40 to 50 million years ago. In the 18th century, ostriches were on the verge of extinction because their precious feathers were highly demanded. However, in 19th we witnessed an increase in the number of ostriches because at that period the ostrich’s breeding became very popular due to the good profit margin arising from the sale of their feathers .

Characteristics of the species

Ostriches are game animals, they are omnivores and their diet is based on shrubs, succulent plants, seeds and insects . They can live up to 30-70 years . Males and females can be distinguished by the color of their feathers: males have black plumage with some white shades in the final part, while the females have shades of brown and grey . Ostriches start mating at 2-3 years of age and start to lay eggs between April and August.

Five types of subspecies of ostriches are known

JTVCdGFibGUlMjBpZCUzRDIwJTIwJTJGJTVEHowever, the Arabian ostrich became extinct and nowadays only 4 subspecies of ostriches are still existing.

Characteristics that makes ostrich the best bird to farm:

• Highly adaptable

Ostrich can survive under harsh conditions and they hardly need to be in the shade. In addition, their feathers act as a good insulator minimizing the amount of heat coming from direct sun rays (Shanawany, n.d). They can survive without drinking a lot of water being able to maintain their normal body temperature also without a large amount of water intake. The ostriches can either usetheir wings to dispose of heat during hotter seasons or to keep themselves warmer during winter seasons .

• Good predators

Having ostriches acute hearing and eyesight from a distance of about 12 km away farmers do not need to take preventive measures to protect their animals ( Shanawany, n.d; Abbas, 2018 ). They are able to protect themselves from predators by means of a power kick thanks their long legs with two toes on the feet, they are the fastest bird on ground at a speed of 70 km/h (43.5 mph), thanks to their wings that keep them balanced while running (Abbas, 2018) and they can also lay flat on the ground

• Ostrich products
• Meat: The meat is red with lower fat (3.0 g), cholesterol (83 mg) and calories (142 KCal). It is also a good source of iron (3.2 mg) and protein (26.9 %) (Iwuoha, 2013).
• Eggs: The eggs are about 6 inches long, 5 inches wide and weighs 2 kg. The ostriches can lay about 15-45 eggs per season. The ostrich egg is rich in protein, 1 ostrich egg is equivalent to 25 chicken eggs . Ostrich eggs are believed to protect houses from lighting and their shells can also be used as a water vessel, cups and vase. In addition, the eggshells are used in making necklace beads.
• Feathers: The feathers are extremely valuable and durable. Feathers should be harvested when the birds weigh 60 kg of more (Engelbrecht, 2014). The feathers are used to make dusters for cleaning, hat and home decorations.
• Skin (leather): Ostrich leather is of high quality being thick, soft and durable . It is used to makes handbags, carpets, clothing, boots etc.

Ostrich farming is much more profitable than raising other traditional farm animals. Ostriches are loving birds, they are quite easy to raise and require little maintenance from farmers. One of the reasons why ostrich farming is a lucrative business is the number of valuables an ostrich has to offer; and very little ever goes to waste. References Abbas G., 2018. Ostrich farming. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322581843_ostrich_farming Engelbrecht A., 2014. Ostrich Manual. www.elsenburg.com/sites/default/files/ebooks/2015-04-29/Ostrich%20Manual_English%20ed_%202014_content.pdf Hastings M.Y., n.d. A HISTORY OF OSTRICH FARMING - ITS POTENTIAL IN AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE. Retrieved from https://www.doc-developpement-durable.org/file/Elevages/autruches&Emeus/HISTORY%20OF%20OSTRICH%20FARMING%20-%20ITS%20POTENTIAL%20IN%20AUSTRALIAN%20AGRICULTURE.pdf http://www.nafis.go.ke/livestock/poultry-chicken/ostrich/breeds-breeding/ Iwuoha J-P. 2013. Ostrich farming - how this amazing business makes million for a Malian entrepreneur. Retrieved from https://www.smallstarter.com/get-inspired/ostrich-farming-in-africa/ Kale S., 2018. Types of Ostriches. Retrieved from https://birdeden.com/types-of-ostriches Murchie J. 2008.Struthio camelus, the common ostrich. Retrieved from http://tolweb.org/treehouses/?treehouse_id=4734 Shanawany M. M., Recent developments in ostrich farming. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/v6200t/v6200T02.htm Discover the Suite of Apps for Livestock Management The most complete set of tools to improve productivity

Browse Categories

Related articles.

Some tips to successfully introduce breeding stock to your pig farm

How to prepare for calving season and have a successful one

Outdoor pig production, some pros and cons

Sign-up to our newsletter.

Receive periodic news about our event, update and offers.

Using partnerships and corporations to transfer farm assets

• Managing a farm
• Transfer and estate planning
• Utilizing partnerships and corporations to transfer farm assets

Quick facts

• Establishing a business entity, such as a partnership or corporation, can help with the process of transferring a farm business to the next generation.
• In Minnesota, there are two major categories of partnerships: partnerships and limited partnerships. 
• The two corporation entities available to farm businesses are S corporation and C corporation.

Developing any business entity is a complicated process. Seek assistance from a qualified legal expert and accounting assistance if you plan to explore developing a business entity.

Transferring the farm business to the next generation can be a daunting task. However, there are strategies and methods that can help simplify the process.

When operating as a sole proprietorship, it can be challenging to establish a transition plan. There are many individual assets that need to be accounted for such as machinery, equipment, livestock and land. It is difficult and time consuming to transfer separate, individual assets.

One possible solution is to establish a business entity such as a partnership or a corporation to accomplish the business transition. As members and owners of the entity, the parents are issued ownership shares or shares of stock in the entity. These shares can be sold, gifted or passed through an estate to the entering generation, over time, as a method of transferring the business. This does away with the need to transfer separate, individual assets. This also spreads out the parent’s income and thus tax obligations. It allows the entering generation the ability to acquire assets over time thus minimizing their need for large amounts of capital. 

In Minnesota, there are two major categories of partnerships: 1. partnerships and 2. limited partnerships. There are separate entities under each category which function differently.

1. Partnerships

There are two entities: general partnerships and limited liability partnerships.

General partnerships (GP)

Two or more people are required for the GP and are referred to as general partners. All partners are generally liable for all debts and obligations of the GP. There is no liability protection for their personal or partnership assets. Minnesota state law does not require a written partnership agreement. However, such an agreement outlining decision making and job responsibilities might be useful. If the name of the partnership is that of the partners (Henderson Family Partnership), the entity does not have to be registered with the State of Minnesota. The entity is taxed as a partnership, pass-through entity, with income allocated to each partner based on their ownership and included in their personal income tax.

Limited liability partnerships (LLP)

The LLP is similar to the GP with exceptions. All partners are general partners (no limited partners) but their liability exposure is limited to the assets they have placed into the LLP. Their personal assets are protected from liability exposure. The LLP is required to register with the Secretary of State in Minnesota. The LLP is taxed as a partnership, pass-through entity.

2. Limited partnerships

There are three partnership categories: limited partnership (LP), limited liability limited partnership (LLLP), and limited liability company (LLC).

Limited partnership (LP)

Two or more persons are required. There are both general and limited partners. General partners have no liability protection for their business assets but do for their personal assets. The limited partners’ assets in the LP as well as their personal assets have liability protection under the LP. The LP is required to register with the Secretary of State in Minnesota. and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to comply with the Minnesota Corporate Farm Law. The LP is taxed as a partnership, pass-through entity.

Limited liability limited partnership (LLLP)

Two or more people are required. There are both general and limited partners and they have liability protection of both their LLLP assets and their personal assets. The State of Minnesota requires the LLLP be registered with the Secretary of State and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to comply with the Minnesota Corporate Farm Law. The LLLP is taxed as a partnership, pass-through entity.

Limited liability company (LLC)

Requires only one person as a member of the entity. From a tax standpoint, the LLC can be taxed as a partnership pass-through entity or as an S Corporation. In addition, the LLC can afford tax savings via discounting assets and potential savings of self-employment taxes. The LLC provides liability protection much like that of a corporation.

The LLC has both members and managers. Members elect or appoint a board of directors. The State of Minnesota requires that the LLC register with the Secretary of State and the Minnesota Corporate Farm Law of Agriculture to comply with the Minnesota Corporate Farm Law.

The LLC can offer one additional level of liability protection by being registered in one of what are referred to as “protective states”. Although the list changes occasionally, some of the protective states include: Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia and Wyoming. These states have written their LLC statutes to include an additional level of liability protection as long as the LLC members abide by all the statute rules. It is legal to register, for example, your Minnesota farm business in one of these protective states and still operate in Minnesota as you have been. You would need a contact in the state where registered. That contact would establish the entity on your behalf and at year end send you a K-1 form for income and you file your tax return just as you do now. This is a complicated process so seek expert legal help if you decide to develop an LLC in one of the protective states.

Registering with Minnesota Department of Agriculture

For the entities that are required to register with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture  for compliance with the Minnesota Corporate Farm Law, this is an annual requirement and there is a $15 fee required to file the documentations. In addition, land held in trust must also register annually with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for compliance with the Minnesota Corporate Farm Law.

As mentioned, partnerships pay no income taxes. All profit/loss, capital gains and credits are passed through to the partners on a prorated basis, depending upon the percent of ownership. However, the partnership must file a Form 1065 informational tax return, which is due each year by April 15.

Advantages and disadvantages

An advantage over sole proprietorship is that the owners have ownership units or shares. These units or shares can be sold, gifted or passed through an estate as a means of transferring the business over time to the entering generation.

One disadvantage with a partnership, except the LLC, is that the death of a shareholder or willful withdrawal by a partner can seriously disrupt partnership operations. The partnership agreement, if put into place at time of formation of the entity, should clearly describe buy-out provisions or state how the remaining partners are protected, no matter how circumstances change.

Partnership tax laws

Partnership tax laws are similar to individual tax laws. A partnership can generally take over the depreciation schedule of contributed machinery or buildings. A partnership can claim the Section 179 depreciation expense which is passed on pro rata to the partners. Each partner can claim depreciation, which includes his or her portion of the partnership allocation plus any other personal Section 179 depreciation.

Partnership members are self-employed individuals and must pay self-employment tax on their share of earned partnership profits. Partnerships do not receive the favorable tax treatment on fringe benefits (medical, accident and life insurance, housing and meals) as do “C” corporations. However, it generally costs less to form a partnership than a corporation and partnerships can be less formal to operate.

There are two corporation entities available to farm businesses. They are: S corporation and C corporation.

1. S corporation

The S corporation offers a higher level of asset liability protection than a sole proprietorship and some of the partnerships. It must be registered with the Secretary of State in Minnesota. The S corporation is taxed as a pass-through entity with profits allocated to the stock shareholders based upon their ownership percentage. The income then shows up on the shareholders personal income tax. There is no double taxation issue.

Business operating assets can be placed into the S corporation or they can be left out with only the corporate checkbook as part of the corporation operating entity. Placing assets into the corporation is a non-taxable event but getting them out is not. For that reason, it is a general rule of thumb not to place land into the corporation. See your attorney and accountant for advice specific to your situation.

2. C corporation

The C corporation also affords a higher level of asset protection than the sole proprietorship or some of the partnership entities. The C corporation offers longevity to the business because it is technically an entity onto itself with a life of its own. That is, people can enter and leave the C corporation and it continues on without interruption. It also affords many tax advantages regarding deductible expenses.

The C corporation however, can be subject to double taxation. The dividends paid to shareholders are taxed. If the corporation is not growing or acquiring new assets resulting in the corporation retaining earnings, those earnings can be taxed as well. Corporate tax rates are generally higher than other tax rates. Business operating assets can be placed into the C corporation or they can be left out with only the corporate checkbook as part of the corporation operating entity. Placing assets into the corporation is a non-taxable event but getting them out is not. For that reason, it is a general rule of thumb not to place land into the corporation. See your attorney and accountant for advice specific to your situation.

One additional point that applies to both S and C corporations. Shareholders have to maintain an employer-employee relationship with the corporation. If the shareholders maintain personal ownership of what they consider corporate assets, charge corporate business expense against those assets, are audited by the IRS, they may be denied those expense deductions because the assets were owned by the shareholders, not the corporation.

A corporation is established under state law. Each state permits corporations the right to do business. A corporation consists of owners who are called shareholders. The shareholders are the basic decision making group. They elect a board of directors to act for them on most operational decisions. Majority vote governs corporate decisions. Ownership of 51 percent or more of the stock gives you control. Minority shareholders have little if any decision making control unless permitted to do so by the majority shareholders.

Once a corporation is created, it functions much as a self-employed individual might. Corporations must establish their own name and bank accounts. The corporation can become an employer, a lessor or lessee, a buyer or seller, or engage in any other business activity.

Reasons why farms incorporate 

• It is easy to transfer shares. Shareholders can gift, sell or pass through an estate, shares to others as they see fit. A majority shareholder can transfer up to 49 percent of the outstanding shares without losing control of the business.
• A corporation may simplify estate settlement in that it may be easier to value shares than individual farming assets.
• Self-employment (SE) tax can sometimes be reduced with a corporate structure. Instead of paying SE tax on all the Schedule F income as a self-employed individual would, the farmer becomes an employee of the corporation and social security taxes are paid only on wages they receive. See your accountant.
• A portion of meals and lodging furnished to employees of a C corporation are generally deductible to the corporation, but not taxable income to the employee. If lodging is provided on the farm and is a condition of employment, the home’s depreciation, heat, electricity and interest become deductible to the corporation. Remember the employer-employee relationship issue.
• Fringe benefits are deductible by C corporations. Health, accident and up to $50,000 of term life insurance is deductible to the corporation, but not taxable to employees.
• The corporation offers perpetual life, some economic efficiencies regarding capital acquisition, and provides income and social security tax flexibility. It can also provide continuation of a farm business through several generations.

Potential concerns related to the corporation

• Getting into a corporation is generally a tax-free event. Getting out is a taxable event. Don’t start a corporation unless you plan to continue it for many years.
• If the C corporation is profitable but is not growing and acquiring new assets, it can be troubled with retained earnings or excess profits. This can result in a tax obligation.
• Corporations have a different set of rules. Corporate meetings, extra record keeping, corporate income tax returns, reporting requirements, and quarterly tax estimates are part of corporate life. Complying with extra legal and regulatory requirements cost time and money each year.
• Minority shareholders have no power in directing the corporate business and can be easily “frozen out.” A majority shareholder (farming heir) can direct that no dividends be paid. Minority (non-farm heirs), may own shares that generate no income, and hence have no practical value.
• Corporate ownership of a house eliminates the use of the exclusion of gain or a sale of personal residence.
• Corporate ownership sometimes reduces independence and individual pride of ownership.
• It can be very difficult for a retired shareholder to receive any retirement income from an operating corporation. This is especially true if the retiree has no rental property, discontinues working for the corporation, and the corporation pays no dividends.

The farm corporation can be a valuable tool in tax planning and in the transfer process. However, it is a major commitment and a complex task to start a farm corporation. Before starting a corporation, make sure it fits your goals, objectives and business personality.

Self-employment tax on land, buildings and facility rent regarding entities

The US Eight Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that if you are a member of any business entity (such as a partnership or corporation explained above); own land, buildings, or facilities that are outside that entity; and rent those items to the entity; the rental income is exempt for self-employment tax IF the rent is fair and reasonable.

This applies only to those states in the eighth circuit which include Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. With any of these laws, they are subject to change so seek legal advice on this matter.

Discounting business entity assets

An additional strategy that may be useful is the discounting of assets being placed into a business entity, such as any of the partnerships or corporations described earlier.

When you place business assets such as machinery or livestock into the business entity, you can elect to discount those assets. The main reason for discounting assets being placed into the business entity is to reduce the size of an estate in order to get below the federal and perhaps even the state estate applicable exclusion amounts. Doing so will reduce or eliminate any estate tax.

Justification for the discount is based upon lack of marketability of the assets due to a fractional ownership interest.

One disadvantage of discounting is that you have artificially lowered the basis of the assets in the entity. This can be a problem if the entity is discontinued and the assets are sold as a result. This could result in a tax obligation. If the assets are replaced due to use, this is not an issue.

Assets being discounted and placed into an entity should be appraised. If, at a future date, the entity is audited by the IRS, you can document the value of the assets placed into the entity. For machinery and equipment, simply take the depreciation schedule to the local implement or equipment dealer and ask them to put a value on all machinery. Have them put the values in writing on their dealership letterhead along with a signature and date. For livestock you can take a list to a livestock auction facility or someone who deals in livestock and would have a grasp of the values. The values should be put in writing and listed on their letterhead with a signature and date. For land, seek the help of a realtor who deals with ag land. Simply have them do an estimate or appraisal of the land, put it in writing on their letterhead, with a signature and date.

Note:  In late 2016, the Internal Revenue Service and the US Treasury Department enacted 2704 rules which drastically changed discounting rules and during which situations they may apply. If assets are transferred and then sold, discounting will definitely not apply.  If you are contemplating discounting any assets seek legal and accounting assistance to make sure you are in compliance with 2704 rules.

Business entities and maintaining homestead classification

When using a business entity for ag land ownership, caution must be used in order to maintain eligibility for the Minnesota Qualified Small Business Property Qualified Farm Business Property estate exclusion. In addition, utilizing limited liability companies (LLCs) as a business entity have new rules to comply with due to passage of the Minnesota Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of 2015. The law states the land-owning LLC and its members must be the ones farming the land on behalf of the owner LLC. If the owner LLC rents the land to someone else, even another member of the LLC who then farms it personally, homestead classification is lost and therefore the qualified farm property estate exclusion is also lost. New LLCs must have complied with the new law as of August 1, 2015. Existing LLCs must have complied with the new law by January 1, 2018.

Ag land held in any trust, except a revocable living trust, as well as land in limited partnerships, limited liability limited partnerships, S and C corporations and LLCs must file documentation with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture under the Minnesota Corporate Farm Law in order to be eligible for the qualified farm property exclusion. The application must be done annually and there is a filing fee of $15 per application.

For more details on the Minnesota Homestead Classification requirements see maintaining farm land homestead classification and qualification . This is a complex area and there is a lot at stake regarding the qualified farm property estate exclusion so seek legal advice specific to your situation when establishing any entity that owns ag land.

Farm Service Agency (FSA) payments and business entities

Under the current farm bill, there are some restrictions regarding commodity program payments made to individuals versus entities. Entities that limit member’s liability exposure (all entities except the general partnership) are limited to one maximum payment limit regarding FSA commodity program payments.

This is a complicated issue. If you have any questions or concerns related to your situation, check with your FSA office for details of the program.

Caution: This publication is offered as educational information. It does not offer legal advice. If you have questions on this information, contact an attorney.

Gary Hachfeld, former Extension educator; David Bau, Extension educator and C. Robert Holcomb, Extension educator

Reviewed in 2017

© 2024 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

• Report Web Disability-Related Issue |
• Privacy Statement |
• Staff intranet

Discussing Key Resources and Risk Exposure in Your Farm Business Plan

• Margaret Lippsmeyer, Michael Langemeier , and Michael Boehlje
• Center for Commercial Agriculture
• Purdue University

Introduction

Developing a business plan for your farm helps align day-to-day operations with overarching business goals.  In this article, we explore the importance of assessing current business resources and exposure to risk while creating a business plan.  We provide discussion on risks to your business’s key resources, a framework to evaluate the strength of your farm’s resource base, and an outline of how to craft an effective business plan.  These topics link back to our previous articles on integrated risk management (Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje, 2024a) and key resources (Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje, 2024b) where we discussed how macroeconomic factors and other external shocks can influence timing and effectiveness of investments in key business resources.

Assessing Resources

Availability and strength of key resources—including financial, physical, human, organizational, and information technology—should shape your business objectives and determine an effective business plan.  Business objectives and business plans should focus on strengthening your farm’s key resource base.  This resource base acts as a foundation for potential farm expansion, or ability to withstand shocks or stresses in the business environment.  Evaluating key resources is a critical initial step in business planning, ensuring you have accurate benchmarks for your business’s resources.  These benchmarks help to identify which key resources to leverage and which need to be strengthened.

In the next sections we discuss different types of key resources and major risks associated with each.  In addition to this discussion, Figure 1 poses a series of questions which can be used to assess the strength of your farm’s key resources.  These questions are intended to pinpoint potential shortcomings in a farm’s resource base, thereby assisting in the development of a business plan that addresses resources needing improvement.  Figure 2 illustrates risk exposure by resource category.

Figure 1. Assessing Strength of Business Resources

Adapted from Olsen (2007)

Organizational Resources

Organizational resources are the glue which binds together physical, financial, human resources, and information technology, giving direction and meaning to a farming operation.  Organizational resources include business reputation, core values, operational structures, and systems, and play a vital role in differentiating your farm from competitors.  For example, most operations can effectively produce yellow corn, but consistent product quality, reliable logistics, trustworthy relationships with input suppliers and product distributors are ways in which your organizational resources may yield a competitive advantage.

Many risks associated with organizational resources are considered strategic risks.  Strategic risks are caused by external shocks or stresses which create a misalignment between a farm’s business strategy and available resources and capabilities (Lippsmeyer, et al., 2023).  These risks lack off-the-shelf risk mitigation strategies, making them particularly threatening for businesses.  Risks to organizational resources exemplify strategic risk: coming from a variety of sources, are known to cause brand erosion, tarnish reputation, obscure business strategy, and lack effective tools to mitigate these risks.

Adverse weather conditions reducing crop yield is often categorized as a production risk.  However, if as a consequence your operation fails to fulfill a sales contract, the risk becomes a strategic risk, impacting your business’s reputation.  Although distributors may have alternative sources to compensate for your shortfall, your farm’s reliability in meeting contractual obligations could come under scrutiny.  This could adversely affect your future prospects of securing contracts with the same distributor.

Brand erosion and loss of reputation frequently relate to three factors: price, timeliness, and quality.  Balancing a competitive price and product quality is a challenge which impacts a farm’s ability to maintain a positive reputation and retain customers.  Moreover, perceptions of certain farming practices (i.e., production using certain chemicals or hormone treatments), negative publicity, or increases in competition may also contribute to brand erosion and reputation loss.

The clarity of a business strategy is another component of strategic risk.  Business strategy may become compromised due to complexities of relationships between operators, employees, and outside parties; or through attempts to expand to seize economies of scope.  For example, business strategy may become unclear during periods of high employee turnover or when a business expands into new market channels.  Periods high turbulence, when structure, goals, and values become unclear, are when resilience is most necessary.  Operational resilience can serve as a dynamic buffer, enabling quick adaptation to internal and external pressures, and sufficient slack resources to provide leeway while maneuvering through unforeseen challenges (Lippsmeyer and Langemeier, 2023).

Information Technology

Information technology draws parallels between the collection and use of farm data to the concept of ‘surveillance capital’ used to enhance social media platforms (Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje, 2024b).  In the context of production agriculture, information technology provides data-driven insights, helping producers identify operational inefficiencies, and assisting in on farm decision-making.  The effectiveness of this resource is highly dependent on data collection, organization, and ability to accurately analyze the data and draw correct interpretations.

A common risk associated with information technology is data security.  Whether it is financial data collected by a lender, input supplier data, or your farm production data, there are significant concerns about how to protect data from being stolen or accessed without permission.  Strategies to limit data accessibility include user authentication to ensure only authorized users can access your farm records, data encryption for sending sensitive information, and access control limits to restrict who can view, modify, or delete data.  In the age of increasing data collection and use, it is critical to read and fully understand contracts with equipment or information technology companies prior to signing away rights, and subsequently, knowing how to revoke access if necessary.

Risks relating to information technology span beyond data security.  Often even if data collection and storage is done in a secure manner, there remain difficulties or limitations associated with data processing.  This poses potential issues of uninformed or ill-informed farm decisions if incorrect conclusions are drawn from analysis, despite best efforts to use data driven insights.

Financial Resources

Financial resources include cash, investments, equity, and receivables, all of which provide liquidity to fund business expenses and updates to physical resources.  Sufficient financial resources ensure farming operations can pursue new opportunities when they arise and have ability to weather through unexpected periods of high input costs or low market prices.  Risks to financial resources include limited access to debt or equity capital and insufficient liquidity.  Without the availability of financial resources, the ability to grow or seize new opportunities is significantly constrained, if not entirely unfeasible.

Physical Resources

Physical resources include land, machinery, buildings, and inventories.  These assets are characterized by significant initial investment, continual need for maintenance, and a lack of liquidity relative to financial resources.  Assessments of physical resources may vary based on the type of farming operation and the type of resource but generally take into account the resource’s useful life, initial level of investment, quality of maintenance, and salvage value.  For example, maintaining land resources may involve soil testing, use of fertilizers to improve nutrient content, or use of cover crops to prevent erosion.  While other physical resources like planters and combines need much more frequent maintenance and replacement after exhaustion of their useful life.

One of the major risks related to physical resources is inefficient use (i.e., low utilization rates).  Inefficient use of machinery or storage facilities results in higher than necessary production costs.  However, inefficient use may be justified in some scenarios.  While inefficient use of physical resources is undesirable in the long run, for an operation that plans to grow, having some degree of slack may increase flexibility.

Other risks include improper care and overuse of a resource.  These risks are often attributed to poor management or lack of investment due to ownership structure – for example, producers who rent versus own machinery or farm ground are typically more hesitant to make major investments because there is no guarantee they will reap the future benefit from the investment.

Inventories are the final physical resource we will address.  Inventories, particularly stored crops, present unique risks including contamination with aflatoxin, insect infestation, or fire in storage bins from inadequate drying procedures.  Inventories are the most liquid physical resource for farming operations, typically being sold within one year of harvest, and often used to supplement financial resources.

Human Resources

There are two varieties of human resources we will discuss: those internal to an operation and those which are external.  Internal human resources include employees, management, company owners, as well as the relationships, knowledge, and competencies of each.  These resources have extensive operational and industry knowledge which is built through time.  Prior research shows experience displays positive relationships with profitability and financial efficiency (Vanhuyse, Bailey, and Tranter, 2021).  Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje (2024b), discuss the importance of human resources and provide strategies for how to attract and retain quality employees.  Risks relating to internal human resources include talent shortages, insufficient workforce, employee retention, and lack of experience.  Losing employees incurs significant operational costs, both directly (due to insufficient labor availability) and indirectly (due to loss of tacit operational knowledge) (Spender and Grant, 1996).

External human resources include customer relations, interactions with and knowledge of suppliers.  These relationships are more challenging to control due to their indirect connection with a business, yet remain critical for success.  Risks relating to customer relations include losses of long-term customers and related market opportunities.  Often these risks are closely related to product quality, pricing, and timeliness, as well as organizational resources.  If customers perceive you as an unreliable supplier, relationships will deteriorate quickly.  Maintaining consistent product quality, efficient logistics, knowledgeable employees, and quality service are all strategies businesses use to encourage longevity of reliable customer relationships (Claycomb and Martin, 2001).

Supplier risks include untimely deliveries, varying quality of inputs, and excessive or unexpected costs.  These factors have the potential to influence quality or price of a product, potentially reflecting poorly on your business.  Careful and frequent evaluation is necessary to decide which suppliers to continue doing business with, how to set and maintain input standards, and strategies to reward suppliers for desirable behaviors.

Setting Business Objectives

Obtainable business objectives are a critical part of every good farm business plan, so a direct path can be plotted from current performance levels to improved performance where objectives are met.  Objectives may vary by enterprise, but likely revolve around improving quality standards, profitability metrics, and timeliness.

Objectives may include achieving specific quality benchmarks for products, retaining a specific proportion of contract agreements from year to year, ensuring a given percentage of deliveries are completed on time, or having management take part in strategy, business, or leadership improvement workshops.  Objectives relating to information technology include learning to collect and store yield data, or developing systems to analyze the impact of different inputs on crop health.  Objectives for financial resources include achieving specific financial ratio benchmarks, paying off high-interest lines of credit, or saving to invest in a new piece of machinery.  Objectives to enhance and maintain human resources might involve hiring additional staff, offering career development opportunities, or offering incentives for loyal customers.

Developing A Business Plan

Using Figure 1, we encourage you to evaluate each of your farm’s key resources to help pinpoint any weaknesses in your resource base and subsequently identify areas in your operation needing improvement.  Business plans should begin by identifying strengths or weaknesses of current resources, assessing the implications of relative strengths (or weaknesses) in achieving business objectives, and then focus on setting up step by step plans to achieve those objectives.

Once your business plan has been created, considerations also need to be made for the timing of major organizational changes or substantial investments.  Both external shocks (e.g., macroeconomic uncertainties) and available operational slack must be considered to identify optimal timing to improve your resource base (Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje, 2024b).

In order to identify actions effective in making change, regular evaluations with consistent standards must be used to assess resource strength and progress made towards achieving objectives.  Continually assessing strengths and weaknesses of key resources and identifying potential improvements can prevent businesses from developing a ‘needs-based strategy’ which waits for major issues to arise, then scrambles to control damage.

Conclusions

This article has provided a discussion of key resources and risks associated with each.  By considering the strengths and weaknesses of your resource base, combined with the appropriate timing for investments, you will be better equipped to develop an effective business plan.  Using the tools provided in this article, we prompt you to critically assess your farm’s key resources and develop a business plan which progresses from your current resource base to achieving business objectives.

Claycomb, C. and C.L. Martin, C. L. (2001). “Building Customer Relationships: An Inventory of Service Providers' Objectives and Practices.” Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 19 (6). https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000006109

Lippsmeyer, M. and M. Langemeier. (2023). “ Agility and Absorption Capacity .”  farmdoc daily (13):75, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, April 24.

Lippsmeyer, M., M. Langemeier, J. Mintert, and N. Thompson.  (2023). “ Resilience to Strategic Risk .”  farmdoc daily (13):115, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, June 23.

Lippsmeyer, M., M. Langemeier, and M. Boehlje.  (2024a). “ Integrated Risk Management: Developing an Asset-Based Business Strategy .”  farmdoc daily (14):54, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, March 18.

Lippsmeyer, M., M. Langemeier, and M. Boehlje.  (2024b). “ Key Resources Determining the Future of the Farm .”  farmdoc daily (14):60, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, March 27.

Olsen, E. (2007). Assessing Your Business and Its Capabilities. In Strategic Planning for Dummies (pp. 121-140). Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, Inc.

Spender, J., and R. Grand, R. (1996). Knowledge and the Firm: Overview. Strategic Management. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.4250171103

Vanhuyse, F., A. Bailey, and R. Tranter. (2021). "Management Practices and the Financial Performance of Farms." Agricultural Finance Review, 81(3) . https://doi.org/10.1108/AFR-08-2020-0126

Disclaimer: We request all readers, electronic media and others follow our citation guidelines when re-posting articles from farmdoc daily . Guidelines are available here . The farmdoc daily website falls under University of Illinois copyright and intellectual property rights. For a detailed statement, please see the University of Illinois Copyright Information and Policies here .

Related Posts

• Solvency Trends for Illinois Grain Farms: The Distribution of Debt-to-Asset Ratios by Gross Farm Returns
• Market Prices
• farmdoc Team
• Ryan Batts (34)
• Joana Colussi (59)
• Jonathan Coppess (485)
• A. Bryan Endres (40)
• Jason Franken (28)
• All Articles
• Biodiesel Production Profits
• Biodiesel Supply
• Ethanol Outlook
• Ethanol Production Profits
• Gasoline Blending
• Gasoline-Diesel Prices
• Renewable Diesel Boom
• Biodiesel Tax Credit
• RIN Market and Pricing
• SREs and the RFS
• Milestones and Announcements
• USDA Reports
• Grain Miscellaneous
• Ending Stock Models
• New Era Projections
• Growing Season Yield Forecasts
• Late Planting Impacts on Yield
• Trend Yields and Yield Risks
• USDA Acreage and Production Reports
• Joe Janzen (63)
• Maria Kalaitzandonakes (27)
• Michael Langemeier (174)
• Dale Lattz (34)
• Gerald Mashange (8)
• Nick Paulson (569)
• Gary Schnitkey (1048)
• Bruce Sherrick (72)
• Mark White (9)
• Carl Zulauf (646)
• Brad Zwilling (157)
• All Authors
• May 2024 (3)
• April 2024 (20)
• March 2024 (20)
• February 2024 (21)
• January 2024 (21)
• December 2023 (20)
• November 2023 (18)
• October 2023 (21)
• September 2023 (20)
• August 2023 (17)
• July 2023 (21)
• June 2023 (21)
• May 2023 (20)
• April 2023 (20)
• March 2023 (23)
• February 2023 (20)
• January 2023 (16)
• December 2022 (18)
• November 2022 (18)
• October 2022 (13)
• September 2022 (17)
• August 2022 (21)
• July 2022 (13)
• June 2022 (19)
• May 2022 (19)
• April 2022 (18)
• March 2022 (15)
• February 2022 (15)
• January 2022 (13)
• December 2021 (14)
• November 2021 (11)
• October 2021 (10)
• September 2021 (12)
• August 2021 (14)
• July 2021 (12)
• June 2021 (15)
• May 2021 (16)
• April 2021 (20)
• March 2021 (22)
• February 2021 (14)
• January 2021 (17)
• December 2020 (13)
• November 2020 (14)
• October 2020 (16)
• September 2020 (18)
• August 2020 (16)
• July 2020 (22)
• June 2020 (21)
• May 2020 (18)
• April 2020 (21)
• March 2020 (26)
• February 2020 (19)
• January 2020 (21)
• December 2019 (17)
• November 2019 (19)
• October 2019 (23)
• September 2019 (20)
• August 2019 (25)
• July 2019 (20)
• June 2019 (20)
• May 2019 (22)
• April 2019 (23)
• March 2019 (22)
• February 2019 (19)
• January 2019 (21)
• December 2018 (18)
• November 2018 (18)
• October 2018 (20)
• September 2018 (18)
• August 2018 (22)
• July 2018 (21)
• June 2018 (21)
• May 2018 (22)
• April 2018 (21)
• March 2018 (21)
• February 2018 (20)
• January 2018 (20)
• December 2017 (16)
• November 2017 (20)
• October 2017 (22)
• September 2017 (18)
• August 2017 (22)
• July 2017 (20)
• June 2017 (18)
• May 2017 (22)
• April 2017 (19)
• March 2017 (22)
• February 2017 (20)
• January 2017 (20)
• December 2016 (15)
• November 2016 (20)
• October 2016 (20)
• September 2016 (20)
• August 2016 (22)
• July 2016 (20)
• June 2016 (21)
• May 2016 (20)
• April 2016 (20)
• March 2016 (23)
• February 2016 (20)
• January 2016 (19)
• December 2015 (22)
• November 2015 (19)
• October 2015 (22)
• September 2015 (21)
• August 2015 (20)
• July 2015 (19)
• June 2015 (21)
• May 2015 (20)
• April 2015 (21)
• March 2015 (23)
• February 2015 (20)
• January 2015 (19)
• December 2014 (19)
• November 2014 (17)
• October 2014 (23)
• September 2014 (22)
• August 2014 (25)
• July 2014 (21)
• June 2014 (21)
• May 2014 (22)
• April 2014 (22)
• March 2014 (19)
• February 2014 (22)
• January 2014 (21)
• December 2013 (19)
• November 2013 (19)
• October 2013 (23)
• September 2013 (20)
• August 2013 (21)
• July 2013 (21)
• June 2013 (20)
• May 2013 (25)
• April 2013 (22)
• March 2013 (21)
• February 2013 (22)
• January 2013 (21)
• December 2012 (18)
• November 2012 (20)
• October 2012 (23)
• September 2012 (19)
• August 2012 (24)
• July 2012 (22)
• June 2012 (21)
• May 2012 (23)
• April 2012 (20)
• March 2012 (20)
• February 2012 (21)
• January 2012 (19)
• December 2011 (19)
• November 2011 (18)
• October 2011 (18)
• September 2011 (21)
• August 2011 (22)
• July 2011 (21)
• June 2011 (23)
• May 2011 (21)
• April 2011 (26)
• March 2011 (17)
• February 2011 (13)
• Conservation and Other
• Environmental Policy
• Farm Program Analysis and Outlook
• Farm Program Description
• Food Policy
• Gardner Policy Series
• Risk Management
• Energy Markets
• Legal and Regulatory
• Profitability
• Renewable Fuels Standards
• Premiums and Payouts
• Prevented and Delayed Planting
• Land Prices
• Rental Arrangements
• Rental Forms
• Agricultural Credit
• Farm Income
• Financial Management
• Interest Rates
• Profitability Benchmarks
• Costs of Production
• Crop Economics
• Decision Aids
• Livestock Economics
• Machinery Economics
• Precision Conservation Management (PCM)
• Weekly Farm Economics
• Ag Market Insights
• Crop Yields
• Futures and Options Markets
• Grain Outlook
• Livestock Outlook
• Long-Term Outlook
• Marketing Strategies and Basis
• USDA reports
• Weekly Outlook
• Coronavirus (Covid-19) and Ag
• 20th Anniversary Series
• The State of Soybean in Africa
• AgMAS Reports
• Farm Economics Facts & Opinions (FEFO)
• Marketing and Outlook Research Briefs
• Marketing and Outlook Research Reports
• Weekly Outlook (Before 2011)
• Crop Insurance Decision Tool (Sheet)
• Crop Insurance Payment Evaluator
• Crop Insurance Premium Calculator
• ECO/SCO Payment Estimator (Sheet)
• Post Application Coverage Endorsement Tool (Sheet)
• Price Distribution Tool
• Farm Bill What-If Tool
• Balance Sheet & Historical Financial Statements
• Cash Rent with Bonus Worksheet
• Crop Insurance Decision Tool
• Farm Projection Tool
• Land Purchase Analysis
• Planting Decision Model
• Appraisal of Current Financial Position
• Beef Profitability Model
• Biomass Crop Budget Tool – Corn Stover
• Briomass Crop Budget Tool – Miscanthus & Switchgrass
• Capital Budgeting Analysis
• Carbon Calculator
• Cash to Accrual Income Approximation
• Corn & Soybean Basis Tool
• Cost of Feedstuffs Calculator
• Dairy Profitability Model
• Earned Net Worth Allocation
• Enterprise Allocation Module
• Estimation of Deferred Taxes
• Ethanol Dry Mill Plant Simulator
• Farm Rent Evaluator
• Grain Storage Purchase Analysis
• Grain Inventory Management
• Grain Pricing Tool
• Illinois Soil Productivity & Yield Utilities
• Lease vs Purchase Analysis
• Loan Amortization
• Loan Comparison
• Machinery Financing
• MACRS Calculator
• Marketing & Crop Insurance Risk Model
• Monthly Cash Flow Planning
• New Company Simulator
• Personal Financial Statements
• Quick Cash Flow Projections
• Repayment Capacity Analysis
• Revolving Loan Calculator
• Savings Calculator
• Specialty Commodity Breakeven Analysis
• Time Value Tools
• Yield Risk Evaluator
• Farmland LEasing Facts Sheets & Pricing Information
• Illinois Crop Budgets & Historic Returns
• Illinois Farmland Leasing & Rental Forms
• Machinery Cost of Operations Estimates
• Whole Farm & Other Reports
• 2018 Farm Bill What-If Tool (Sheet)
• ARC/PLC Calculator (Online)
• farmdoc daily live Archive
• 5-minute farmdoc Archive
• Illinois Farm Economic Summit
• IFES Archive
• Sponsorship Program
• Friends of farmdoc
• Donation Form
• Digging Deeper
• Connect / Subscribe
• 20th Anniversary
• Department of ACE