goat dairy business plan

Goat Farming Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Agriculture Sector » Livestock Farming

Are you about starting a goat farm? If YES, here is a complete sample goat farming business plan template & feasibility study you can use as a beginner for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a goat farming business . We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample goat farming marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for goat farming businesses. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

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If you are looking to start a goat farm, then you may want to consider it because of the following reasons. Are you considering going into goat farming business?

You really should because of the following facts; Goat meat is in high demand. People love goat meat especially in Africa. So, you won’t have a hard time selling your goats.

Goats also have other uses apart from consumption of the meat. The skin of goats is a very good source of leather which can be used to make bags, shoes and other leather materials. Goat milk is also very nutritious and good for consumption.

It is also used in the cosmetic industry to make body creams. Goat offal is also used in the pharmaceutical industry. Goats are cheaper and easier to feed, making you spend very little on feeding them. Goats can feed on grass and other cheap food items.

You could also manage them quite easily as they require very minimal supervision. Goat droppings are also a very good source of manure for people interested in buying organic manure.

Lastly, you can raise goats on very little capital compared to chicken or poultry farming. Goat farming is very easy and also very profitable but it is important to get enough information before you delve into this business to avoid mistakes and losses. This is a very quick guide on how to start goat farming.

A Sample Goat Farming Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The agricultural industry of which livestock farming or better still goat farming is a subset of is no doubt among the leading industry in most countries of the world; it is the industry that produces food for the populace and raw materials for industries.

Because of the significant role the agriculture sector plays, the government of most countries ensures that they go all the way to subsidize seedlings, fertilizers, and farming implements and machinery for farmers and also encourage entrepreneurs to go into various kind of farming including goat farming.

There are several business opportunities available in the agricultural industry and one good thing about the industry is that there is market for all the produce from the industry. Goat farming is of course a thriving and profitable business because usefulness of goat meat and other by products from goats.

People eat goat meat, drink their milk, and use their fur and skin. With goat milk, cheese can be made, along with other dairy products.

Some farmers use goats for weeding farmland. Other times, the goats are used to keep grasses and other plants from getting too tall. The diet of the domestic goat includes eating grass, leaves, shrubs, root vegetables, and other kinds of plants.

Goats come in different breeds with each breed having its own unique specifications and uses. Some goat breeds known as ‘dairy goats’ are raised mainly for the milk that they produce while some other breeds can grow very big and fat, hence, they are raised for meat purposes.

You must first decide on why you want to raise goats and then select a breed that is most suitable for that purpose. You could also raise both dairy goats and regular goats if you can afford to feed and care for them. The livestock production industry includes companies that mainly provide support services for raising livestock.

Livestock is a term used to describe domestic animals, such as cattle, goats, hogs, horses, poultry and sheep, which have been domestically raised for meat, milk, wool and work. Other services in the livestock production industry include breeding services, pedigree record services and vaccination et al.

The Livestock Farming (Goat Farming) industry is indeed a large industry and pretty much active in countries such as United States of America, Israel, Egypt, China, Germany, Turkey and Nigeria et al. There is no single livestock farming company that has dominate market share in the industry hence smaller goat farming business can successfully make profits.

Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 51,712 registered and licensed livestock farming business responsible for employing about 67,814 and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $5 billion annually. The industry is projected to enjoy 1.4 percent annual growth.

If you are looking towards leveraging on the agriculture industry to generate huge income, then one of your best bet is to start goat farming business. Goat farming business is all about mass – breeding of goats for the sole aim of making profits. In most cases it is referred to as livestock farming business.

One thing is certain about goat farming business, if you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies, you are more likely not going to struggle to sell your goats because there are loads of people out there we eat goat meat, drink goat milk and industries that make use of byproducts   from goats in manufacturing their products.

Over and above there are few barriers to entry into the livestock production industry. Usually, all inputs are readily available. In the nearest future, players in this industry may face the highest costs associated with accessing technology, especially in relation to genetic modification engineering in livestock breeding.

So also, intellectual property rights protecting new inventions and technology may mean that new entrepreneurs coming into the industry will need to pay license fees and this of course will cause increase in the start – up fee for starting a livestock breeding business.

2. Executive Summary

Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd is a registered and licensed livestock farming company that will be based in the outskirt of Dallas, Texas – United States. We have done our detailed market research and feasibility studies and we were able to secure a hundred hectares of land to start our livestock breeding business.

Our livestock breeding business is a going to be standard one hence will be involved in commercial breeding of goats and other livestock. We will be involved in boarding services, breeding services, dairy support services, livestock health services, farrier services, and shearing services et al.

In the nearest future, hopefully within the first five years of officially running Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd, we will start our meat processing plant and also start exporting our products to other parts of the world.

Which is why aside from the fact that we’ve secured the required farming land for breeding goats in commercial level, we have also hired some key employees who are currently undergoing training so as to be able to fit into the ideal picture of the 21 st century livestock breeding workforce that we want to build.

We are in the goat farming business because we want to leverage on the vast opportunities available in the livestock farming industry, to contribute our quota in growing the U.S. economy, in national food (meat) production, raw materials production for industries, to export agriculture produce from the United States to other countries and over and above to make profit.

Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd is well positioned to become one of the leading goat farming business in the United States of America, which is why we have been able to source for the best hands and equipment to run the business.

We have put process and strategies in place that will help us employ best practices when it comes to livestock breeding / goat farming processes and meat processing and packaging as required by the regulating bodies in the United States of America.

Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd is a private registered livestock farming company that is owned by Jonah Livingston and family. The company will be fully and single handedly financed by the owner – Jonah Livingston and his immediate family members at least for a period of time.

Before starting Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd, Jonah Livingstone has worked with some of the leading livestock farms in the United States of America. He has worked in the industry for well over 10 years before resigning to start his own goat farming business.

3. Our Products and Services

Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd is a licensed livestock farming business that is committed to goat farming and meat processing and packaging for both the United States’ market and the global market. We will also produce related raw materials for industries in commercial quantities.

We will also ensure that we operate a standard food processing plant as part of our complimentary business offering. These are the areas we will concentrate on in our livestock farming business. If need arises we will definitely add more related animal breeding services to our list;

• Boarding services
• Breeding services
• Dairy support services
• Livestock health services
• Farrier services
• Sale and export of cotton wool and other dairy products
• Sale of Cattle and milk (Including goats, sheep, grass – cutters, pigs and rabbits et al)
• Sale of processed meat (beef) / can – beef (Processed Diary foods, and can beef et al)
• Shearing services
• Livestock farming related consultancy and advisory services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our Vision is to become one of the leading livestock farming brands not just in Dallas – Texas, but also in the United States of America.
• Our mission is to sell our produce (goats), byproducts and processed meat in commercial quantities both locally, nationally and internationally.
• We want to build a livestock farming business that can favorably compete with other leading livestock farming brands in the United States of America.

Our Business Structure

Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd is a livestock farming company that intend starting small in Dallas – Texas, but hope to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading livestock farms in the industry both in the United States and on a global stage.

We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the picture of the kind of world class business we want to own. This is why we are committed to only hire the best hands in and around Dallas.

At Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd, we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, dedicated, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the management of the farm. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

Below is the business structure of Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd;

• Chief Operating Officer

General Farm Manager

Administrator / Accountant

• Cattle Ranch Manager / Supervisor
• Sales and Marketing Executive
• Field Employees
• Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Operating Officer:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for the planning, management and coordinating all farm activities across the various sections on behalf of the organization
• Supervise other section manager
• Ensure compliance during project executions
• Providing advice on the management of farming activities across all section
• Responsible for carrying out risk assessment
• Using IT systems and software to keep track of people and progress of the growth of crops, fishes, birds and animals
• Responsible for overseeing the accounting, costing and sale of farm produce after harvest
• Represent the organization’s interest at various stakeholders meetings
• Ensures that farming goals desired result are achieved, the most efficient resources (manpower, equipment, tools and chemicals et al) are utilized and different interests involved are satisfied. Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carrying out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Oversee the smooth running of the daily farming activities across the various farming sections.
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the company

Cattle Ranch and Animal Manager / Supervisor

• Responsible for managing the commercial breeding of goats and other livestock.
• Responsible for managing boarding services, breeding services, dairy support services, livestock health services, farrier services, and shearing services et al.
• Work closely with the General Manager to achieve the organizations’ goals and objectives

Sales and Marketing Officer

• Identify, prioritize, and reach out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of new business
• Writing winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with company policy
• Responsible for handling business research, marker surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develop, execute and evaluate new plans for expanding increase sales
• Document all customer contact and information
• Represent the company in strategic meetings
• Help increase sales and growth for the company

Field Workers / Contract Staff

• Responsible for feeding goats and other livestock as instructed by the supervisor
• Responsible for cleaning the cattle ranch
• Change the water in fish ponds as instructed by the supervisor on a regular basis
• Handles farm implements and machines as instructed by the section manager / supervisor
• Assist in handling the breeding of goats
• Carries out task in line with the stated job description
• Assist in transport working tools and equipment from the farm and back to the designated store room
• Handles any other duties as assigned my the line manager

Client Service Executive / Front Desk Officer

• Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients
• Receives parcels / documents for the company
• Distribute mails in the organization

6. SWOT Analysis

Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd do not intend to launch out with trial and error hence the need to conduct a proper SWOT analysis.

We know that if we get it right from the onset, we would have succeeded in creating the foundation that will help us build a standard goat farming business that will favorably compete with leading livestock farms in the United States of America and in the rest part of the world.

As a goat farming business, we look forward to maximizing our strength and opportunities and also to work around our weaknesses and threats. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd;

Our strength as a livestock farming business is the fact that we have healthy relationships with loads of major players (agriculture merchants) in the livestock farming industry; both suppliers and buyers within and outside of the United States.

We have some of the latest livestock farming machines, tools and equipment that will help us breed goats and other livestock in commercial quantities with less stress. Aside from our relationship (network) and equipment, we can confidently boast that we have some the most experienced hands in livestock farming industry in our payroll.

Our weakness could be that we are a new livestock farms in the United States and we may not have the required cash to pump into the publicity of our business. We are aware of this and from our projection will overcome this weakness with time and turn it to a major advantage for the business.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities that are available to us cannot be quantified, we know that there are loads of homeowners, and industries that will source for goats, goat meat, and milk and also industries that will source for the raw materials from our livestock farms both in the United States of America and other parts of the world.

Some of the threats and challenges that you are likely going to face when you start your own livestock farm are global economic downturn that can impact negatively on household spending, bad weather cum natural disasters (draughts, epidemics), unfavorable government policies and the arrival of a competitor (a commercial farm that rear same animals) as our livestock farms within same location.

There is hardly anything you can do as regards this threats and challenges other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for your good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

One of the common trends in the commercial livestock farming line of business is that most players in the industry are no longer concentrating only on farming a particular species of livestock or just livestock / goat farming alone.

They now find it easier to run both livestock farming and crop cultivation. Some even go ahead to include meat processing and packaging business alongside their product offerings; it helps them maximize profits in the agriculture industry.

Despite the fact that commercial goat farming / livestock farming has been in existence since time immemorial, that does not in any way make the industry to be over saturated; commercial goat farmers are exploring new technology to continue to improve goat farming processes and also meat preservation and packaging process.

The fact that there is always a ready market for commercial goat farming makes the business evergreen. As a matter of fact, one of the new trends in livestock farming industry is that with the recent advancement in technology livestock farmers can now improve the various breeds of the animals they are breeding.

As a matter of fact, it is now easier for livestock farmers to comfortably import the kind of breed of domestic animal they want to breed from any country of their choice and also advancement in technology has made it easier to cross – breed different animal.

8. Our Target Market

Naturally, the target market of those who are the end consumer of livestock farm produce and also those who benefits from the business value chain of the agriculture industry is all encompassing; it is far – reaching.

Every household consumes produce from livestock farms be it goat meat, goat milk, and the skin (leather) used for bags, belts and shoes production et al. So also a large chunk of manufacturing companies depends on livestock farms for some of their raw materials. In essence a goat farmer should be able to sell his or her farm produce to as many people as possible.

We will ensure that we position our business to attract consumers of agriculture produce not just in the United States of America alone but also other parts of the world which is why we will be exporting some of our farm produce either in raw form or processed form to other countries of the world.

Our Competitive Advantage

It is easier to find entrepreneur flocking towards an industry that is known to generate consistent income which is why there are more commercial farmers in the United States of America and of course in most parts of the world.

For example, Statistics has it that there were 2.2 million farms in the United States of America, covering an area of 922 million acres. These goes to show that there are appreciable numbers of farmers in the United States of America but that does not mean that there is stiffer competition in the industry.

As a matter of fact, entrepreneurs are encouraged by the government to embrace commercial farming / livestock farming. This is so because part of the success of any nation is her ability to cultivate her own food and also export food to other nations of the world.

Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd is fully aware that there are competitions when it comes to selling livestock and meats all over the globe, which is why we decided to carry out thorough research so as to know how to take advantage of the available market in the United States and in other parts of the world.

We have done our homework and we have been able to highlight some factors that will give us competitive advantage in the marketplace; some of the factors are effective and reliable livestock farming processes that can help us sell our livestock and processed meat at competitive prices, good network and excellent relationship management.

Another competitive advantage that we are bringing to the industry is the fact that we have designed our business in such a way that we will operate an all – round standard commercial livestock farms that will be involved in diverse areas such as animal rearing and meat processing and packaging plant. With this, we will be able to take advantage of all the available opportunities within the industry.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be amongst the best in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our objectives as a standard commercial livestock farms with a meat processing and packaging plant.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd is in the livestock breeding industry for the purpose of maximizing profits hence we have decided to explore all the available opportunities within the industry to achieve our corporate goals and objectives.

In essence we are not going to rely only on the sale of our livestock to generate income for the business. Below are the sources we intend exploring to generate income for Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd;

• Sale of processed meat (beef) / can – beef (Processed Dairy foods, and can beef et al)

10. Sales Forecast

From the survey conducted, we were able to discover that the sales generated by a commercial livestock farm depends on the size of the farm, the network of the farm.

We have perfected or sales and marketing strategies and we are set to hit the ground running and we are quite optimistic that we will meet or even surpass our set sales target of generating enough income / profits from the year of operations and build the business from survival to sustainability.

We have been able to critically examine the agriculture industry cum commercial livestock farm business and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some workable assumptions as well with respect to the nature of commercial livestock farm that we run.

Below are the projections that we were able to come up with for the first three years of running Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd;

• First Year-: $200,000
• Second Year-: $450,000
• Third Year-: $700,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown that can impact negatively on household spending, bad weather cum natural disasters (draughts, epidemics), and unfavorable government policies.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are quite aware that the reason why some commercial livestock farms hardly make good profits is their inability to sell off their livestock to a larger market. In view of that, we decided to set up a standard meat processing and packing plant to help us maximize profits.

Over and above, we have perfected our sale and marketing strategies first by networking with agriculture merchants and companies that rely on raw materials from the livestock farming industry who are likely to refer become our customers.

In summary, Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd will adopt the following strategies in marketing our commercial farm produce;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to stake holders in the agriculture industry, companies that rely on the livestock farming industry for their raw materials, hotels and restaurants and agriculture produce merchant et al.
• Advertise our business and livestock farms in agro – allied and food related magazines and websites
• List our commercial livestock farms on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Attend related agriculture and food expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage in direct marketing
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals)

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Any business that wants to grow beyond the corner of the street or the city they are operating from must be ready and willing to utilize every available means (both conventional and non – conventional means) to advertise and promote the business. We intend growing our business which is why we have perfected plans to build our brand via every available means.

We know that it is important to create strategies that will help us boost our brand awareness and to create a corporate identity for our commercial livestock farming business. Below are the platforms we want to leverage on to boost our commercial livestock farm brand and to promote and advertise our business;

• Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our business
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Dallas – Texas
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations and residence in our target areas by calling them up and informing them of Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd and the farm produce we sell
• List our commercial livestock farms in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our commercial livestock farms in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and trucks are well branded with our company logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Some of the factors that will help you sell your farm produce at the right price that will guarantee that you make profits is dependent on your strategy while some of the factors are beyond your control. For example, if the climatic condition is unfavorable and if there are natural disasters in the location where you have your commercial livestock farm, then it will directly affect the prices of your livestock.

Over and above, if you want to get the right pricing for your livestock, then you should ensure that you choose a good location for your commercial livestock farm, choose a good breed that will guarantee steady and multiple breeding (prolific breeds),

Cut the cost of running your farm to the barest minimum and of course try as much as possible to attract buyers to your farm as against taking your livestock or even your produce to the market to source for buyers; with this, you would have successfully eliminate the cost of transporting the goods to the market and other logistics.

We are quite aware that one of the easiest means of penetrating the market and acquiring loads of customers for all our agriculture produce is to sell them at competitive prices hence we will do all we can to ensure that the prices of our livestock and processed and packaged beef are going to be what other commercial livestock farmers would look towards beating.

One thing is certain; the nature of commercial livestock farming we are involved in makes it possible for farmers to place prices for their livestock / farm products based on their discretion without following the benchmark in the industry.

The truth is that it is one of the means of avoiding running into loss. The easier you sell off your livestock when they are mature the better for your business.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Nicolas Zebedee and Farms Limited will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for farm produces purchase without any stress on their part.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

When it comes to calculating the cost of starting a commercial livestock farm, there are some key factors that should serve as a guide. The most important expense is the construction of the cattle ranch / cages / fencing as the case may be.

For example, the start – up cost for a fish farm is different from the start – up cost for mechanized crop farming, so also the start – up cost for poultry farming is different from the start – up cost of cattle ranch (dairy farm) et al.

As a matter of fact, if you choose to start a mechanized crop farming, then you should be willing to raise huge capital base to start the business. This is so because some cultivation machines / equipment can be pretty expensive. Below are some of the basic areas we will spend our start – up capital in setting up our commercial livestock farm;

• The Total Fee for incorporating the Business (aquaponics commercial farm) in United States of America – $750.
• The budget for key insurance policies, permits and business license – $2,500
• The amount needed to acquire / lease a farm land – $50,000
• The amount required for preparing the farm land (for construction of cattle ranch and cages / fencing et al et al) – $70,000
• The cost for acquiring the required working tools and equipment / machines / fencing et al– $50,000
• The amount required for purchase of the first set of goats and other livestock – $50,000
• The Cost of Launching an official Website – $600
• The amount required for payment of workers for a period of 3 months – $100,000
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $2,000

Going by the report from detailed research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need an average of $350,000 to start a standard commercial livestock farming business in the United States of America.

Generating Funding / Startup Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd

No matter how fantastic your business idea might be, if you don’t have the required money to finance the business, the business might not become a reality. Finance is a very important factor when it comes to starting a business such as greenhouse commercial farming.

No doubt raising startup capital for a business might not come cheap, but it is a task that an entrepreneur must go through.

Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd is a family owned business and it will be financed by the owners of the company – Jonah Livingston and family. These are the areas where we intend sourcing for fund for Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 (Personal savings $80,000 and soft loan from family members $20,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $250,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to sell our farm produce ( livestock and processed beef ) a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Jonah Livingston and Family Farms Ltd will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our organization’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as determined by the management of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing of farm land in Dallas – Texas: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Start – up Capital Generation: Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Building /construction of cages and fence et al: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed working tools, machines and equipment: Completed
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Farm land Treatment, Health and Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with key players in the industry (agriculture farm produce merchants and transporter / haulage): Completed

Goat Farming Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Goat Farming Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Goat Farming business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Goat Farms.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Goat Farming business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm, located outside of Des Moines, Iowa, is a registered and licensed goat farming company. The company operates a 50 acre farm that is home to over 100 goats. The goats are raised in an all-natural environment- no antibiotics, hormones, steroids – and all animals are grass-fed. Pleasant Hill Goat Farm is also fully equipped with the latest technology and equipment used in the goat farming industry.

The farm produces quality goat meats and milk products that we sell to local residents, wholesalers, and retailers. Local residents who want to visit the farm and meet the goats can schedule a tour with us. We also allow residents to reserve the farm for their wedding or other special occasion for a fee.

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm is founded and run by Terry Jones. Terry has been a goat farm operations manager for the past ten years, so he has in-depth knowledge and experience running a business in this industry. Terry will run the general operations and administrative functions of the company and hire other employees to manage the sales and day-to-day operations.

Product Offering

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will be involved in the commercial breeding of goats to provide milk, cheese, and meat.

In addition to the sale of these products, the company will also offer tours of the farm for a small fee. This allows local residents to learn more about the goat farming industry and meet our goats in person. Anyone who is interested in making this serene farm the setting to their special event can reserve the farm for a fee.

Customer Focus

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will target all residents living in Des Moines, Iowa and the surrounding areas. We will also target supermarkets, restaurants, and other retailers who are interested in selling our products to the public.

Management Team

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm’s most valuable asset is the expertise and experience of its founder, Terry Jones. Terry has been a goat farm operations manager for the past ten years, so he has in-depth knowledge and experience running a business in this industry. Terry will run the general operations and administrative functions of the company and hire other employees to manage the sales and day-to-day operations.

Success Factors

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Management: The company’s management team has years of business and marketing experience that allows them to market and serve customers in an improved and sophisticated manner than the competitors.
• Relationships: Having lived in the community for ten years, Terry Jones knows all of the local leaders, media, and other influencers. As such, it will be relatively easy for Pleasant Hill Goat Farm to build brand awareness and an initial customer base.
• Quality products at affordable pricing Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will provide quality products at affordable pricing, as it has high-quality equipment and uses the latest techniques.
• Good Packaging: Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will utilize product-oriented packaging materials that can reduce the damage in the products at the time of supply.
• Attractive Farm Setting: Pleasant Hill Goat Farm offers a uniquely attractive setting that will encourage residents to visit for a tour or schedule a special event at the farm.

Financial Highlights

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm is currently seeking $750,000 to start the company. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the farm land and purchasing the necessary equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff and marketing costs for the farm. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Land and Equipment: $250,000
• Goat Care Supplies: $100,000
• Overhead Costs: $100,000
• Three Months of Overhead Expenses (Payroll, Rent, Utilities): $150,000
• Marketing Costs: $50,000
• Working Capital: $100,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Pleasant Hill Goat Farm.

Company Overview

Who is pleasant hill goat farm.

  The farm produces quality goat meats and milk products that we sell to local residents, wholesalers, and retailers. Local residents who want to visit the farm and meet the goats can schedule a tour with us. We also allow residents to reserve the farm for their wedding or other special occasion for a fee.

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm History

Terry Jones is an entrepreneur with a passion for goat farming. He has worked in the industry for ten years and is eager to start a farm of his own. Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will become a recognized goat farming company, ensuring a continuous supply of goat milk, meat, and cheese Des Moines, Iowa and beyond.

Terry incorporated Pleasant Hill Goat Farm on March 1st, 2023. Terry has selected a farm location and is currently undergoing due diligence to ensure it is up to code to raise goats.

Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:

• Found a farm location
• Developed the company’s name, logo, and website
• Determined supply requirements
• Began recruiting key employees

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm Services

Industry analysis.

Demand for goat meat and goat milk products has increased in recent years. The general public has been looking for alternatives to cow milk, and for many, goat milk makes the best substitution. With an increase in demand, there will be a greater need for goat farms across the U.S. in the near future.

This demand is not expected to slow down anytime soon. For example, the goat milk industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.7% over the next 10 years. This substantial growth shows that goat farms are needed more than ever to keep up with demand. Therefore, this is a great time to establish a new goat farm to provide residents with all their goat meat and dairy needs.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will primarily serve local residents and retailers of goat dairy products and meat within a 30-mile radius of the farm. These businesses typically gross from $5 million to $10 million in annual revenues and source their supplies from within a 30-mile radius of their facilities.

The precise demographics for Des Moines, Iowa are:

Customer Segmentation

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Grocery Stores
• Local Residents

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Oak Tree Farms

Oak Tree Farms is one of the large-scale goat farms in the US, owning an 8,000 ha area. It has well-established relationships with local retailers and has been in business for 32 years. Oak Tree Farms offers good quality goat dairy products and meat. It also has automated equipment and machines, which helps in improving its operations. Moreover, it is also known for delivering large orders at the right time without delay. However, Oak Tree Farms does not care properly for its goats, which has tarnished its reputation in recent years.

Farmer Joe’s Goats

Farmer Joe’s Goats has been operating since 1995 and is a well-known company that provides good quality goat meat with affordable pricing. It primarily targets local companies and retailers and has a large distribution network that can serve customers up to a 500-mile radius. Farmer Joe’s Goats also has a very effective distribution and supply chain network. However, Farmer Joe’s Goats offerings are only limited to goat meat.

Goats USA has been in business for the past ten years and enjoys great success. It is one of the largest goat meat and dairy producers in the region. It easily caters to local residents primarily due to its prime location. It provides multiple goat meat and dairy products, including milk and cheese.

Competitive Advantage

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Quality products at affordable pricing: Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will provide quality products at affordable pricing, as it has high-quality equipment and uses the latest techniques.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Ethically sourced goat meat and dairy products
• Good packaging
• Quality products at affordable pricing
• Providing excellent customer service
• Offering a serene and beautiful rural setting for tours and special events

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Pleasant Hill Goat Farm is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

Social media is one of the most cost-effective and practical marketing methods for improving brand visibility. The company will use social media to develop engaging content, such as sharing pictures of the goats and creating educational content about the goat farm industry.

Website/SEO

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will develop a professional website that showcases pictures of the farm and the goats. It will also invest in SEO so that the company’s website will appear at the top of search engine results.

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Terry Jones has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by living and working in the midwestern farming industry. Since a number of local goat farms have ceased operations, they have committed to Terry that Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will be their goat supplier. They trust his work ethic and commitment to the local community.

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will highlight our location, goats, and products on a major billboard facing the busiest highway in town. The billboard will provide the location of Pleasant Hill Goat Farm and the website URL.

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm’s pricing will be moderate, so customers feel they receive great value when availing of the products. Pricing will be about 50% lower than retail prices to allow wholesalers and retailers to earn their margins.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Pleasant Hill Goat Farm.

Operation Functions:

• Terry Jones will be the Owner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage client relations. Terry, along with Sue, has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Sue Smith – will oversee all administrative aspects of running the goat farm. This will include bookkeeping, tax payments, and payroll of the staff.
• George Baird – Head Farmhand who will oversee the farming staff and day to day operations.
• Ben Brown – Assistant Farmhand who will assist George.
• Frank White – Distribution Manager who will oversee the packaging and distribution of all goat products.

Milestones:

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

• 6/202X – Finalize purchase of farm land
• 7/202X – Purchase farm equipment, supplies and materials
• 8/202X – Finalize contracts for grocery store, chain, and restaurant clients
• 9/202X – Purchase initial set of goats
• 10/202X – Hire and train farm staff
• 11/202X – Pleasant Hill Goat Farm begins farm operations

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

Pleasant Hill Goat Farm’s revenues will come from the sales of goat meat and dairy products to its customers. The major costs for the company will be the cost of land and equipment. The staff will earn competitive salaries allowing Pleasant Hill Goat Farm to hire experienced workers. In the initial years, the company’s marketing spend will be high, as it establishes itself in the market.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Goats: 100
• Average Revenue per Animal: $200
• Number of Products Sold Per Year: 100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, goat farming business plan faqs, what is a goat farming business plan.

A goat farming business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your goat farming business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Goat Farming business plan using our Goat Farming Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Goat Farming Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of goat farming businesses , some examples include: Milk and dairy production, Meat production, Fleece farm, and Miniature goat farm.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Goat Farming Business Plan?

Goat Farming businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Goat Farming Business?

Starting a goat farming business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Goat Farming Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed goat farming business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your goat farming business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your goat farming business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Goat Farming Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your goat farming business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your goat farming business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Goat Farming Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your goat farming business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your goat farming business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

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Small Goat Dairy Business with Plan

Learn how to start a small goat dairy business to support the farm while producing feta goat cheese using a small goat dairy business plan.

Probably every back-to-the-lander has dreamed about making his or her homestead pay its way. These monetary ruminations tend to crop up at two times: while the would-be entrepreneur is either pouring out pounds of expensive feed to contentedly munching, “freeloading” livestock or climbing into the car, probably before daybreak, to commute to a necessary but unrewarding job in the nearest metropolis.

Well, the fact is that some folks actually have broken that “live on the farm, work in the city” cycle and earn respectable incomes from their small homesteads. For example, Gerald and Suzanne Aiello — owners of Belle Terre Farms in the rolling countryside near Orange, Virginia — have figured out a way to make their herd of 40 Nubian dairy goats pay for the farm’s upkeep, provide capital for additional building and development and furnish an income for the couple and their two daughters. The keystone of this successful homestead business is a cheesemaking program — modeled on similar farm-based operations in Europe — through which the Aiellos turn out a tangy feta cheese from raw goat’s milk. The undertaking has the potential of bringing in a net income of $30,000 or more a year.

Of course, Suzanne and Jerry didn’t just drift into this profitable farm business. Rather, their success is the result of what they half-seriously refer to as their five-year plan: a carefully plotted homestead management program in which the Aiellos’ long-range goals for Belle Terre were meshed — after a good bit of planning and research — with the resources at hand (consisting of a small herd of sleek Nubians and the entire family’s willingness to work).

Brainstorming How to Make Money on a Homestead

Like most owners of small-scale dairy herds, the Aiellos were quick to recognize that the market for milk is diminishing — a trend that started in 1964 and doesn’t seem likely to reverse. (In fact, one dairy journal has estimated that the goat’s milk requirements for the entire state of Virginia could be fulfilled by one 120-doe herd!) So, several years ago, instead of trying to sell their surplus milk, Jerry and Suzanne decided to put it to work on their farm by using the liquid as feed to raise veal and pork for sale.

Unfortunately, both of these ventures proved to be so labor-intensive that the family decided the revenue gained was not worth the time required to bring it in. In the veal-raising enterprize, for example, each milking doe could feed two calves a year. A day-old calf cost $120 and was milk-fed for 60 to 80 days. About 80 percent of the calves were sold privately for about $400 apiece, or $3.50 per dressed pound. The remaining animals were peddled at the livestock market where a calf would all too often sell for not much more than the price Jerry and Suzanne had paid for it in the first place.

Obviously, then, the veal operation’s cash flow was poor — and death losses, which amounted to one or two calves a year, were devastating to the small-scale program.

Some sharp-pencil figuring convinced the Belle Terre owners that, even if they increased their herd size and were able to find enough customers who wanted milk-fed veal, the operation’s gross would still not produce much in the way of net profit. It would be an enormous drain on the family’s time. The swine-raising scheme turned out to be pretty much the same story. (“We found that hogs just weren’t compatible with our lifestyle,” Jerry comments.)

Deciding to Start a Cheesemaking Operating

That’s the situation the Aiellos found themselves facing in 1978: They had 55 acres (more than half of which was nurtured-back-to-health pasture), a carefully bred herd of proven milk producers and a growing dissatisfaction with the notion of raising livestock for slaughter.

About that time, Jerry saw an article in Hoard’s Dairyman that described the University of Minnesota’s Farmstead Cheese Program. Simply stated, this program — which was implemented in 1976 — encouraged owners of small- to medium-sized dairy cow herds to set up farm-based cheesemaking operations (such enterprises have been common in Europe for many years) and sell the products retail. The initial cost of establishing a cheese plant was estimated at a steep $30,000 — but the farmers who made the investment found ready customers for their wares. Moreover, the dairy operators were no longer plagued by the triple problems characteristic of small-scale milk producers: finding a market, storing the milk and arranging for its transportation to a processing plant.

The article jolted Jerry.

“Bells went off in my head,” he recalls. “I figured that there wasn’t any reason the program couldn’t be scaled down to goat-size.”

Upon further investigation, the Aiellos decided they had the raw material to establish their own cheesemaking operation: the Nubians, a 17-by-35-foot cinder-block building (then used as a goat barn) that could be turned into the “factory” and a firm conviction that it would be possible to whittle the capital costs down to a manageable sum.

Rules and Regulations of Making Cheese

Jerry’s first job was to find out what steps were required for the operation to comply with Virginia Department of Agriculture dairy regulations.

“The agriculture folks were fantastic,” Jerry said. “They assigned a dairy inspector to work with us and that man realized, from the outset, that we weren’t going to be a large-scale dairy plant. We were just a small operation on a family farm.”

The inspector adapted and interpreted some of the existing regulations to fit Belle Terre’s circumstances. Further along in the project, he even helped the Aiellos design the facility and track down equipment for it. Encouraged by the agriculture department’s receptive attitude, Jerry then tackled his next big task: building a barn to house the goats that were to be evicted from the cheese plant-to-be.

In August of 1978 Jerry started to construct a 50-by-80-foot goat barn. His plan — which included provisions for hay and grain storage, pens for kidding and weaning, feeding troughs and a large lounging area — was designed to allow one-person construction. Two storage sheds, placed at opposing ends of the barn, support a free-span trussed roof. The result is a handsome, functional 125-goat structure built at a materials cost of $7,000.

Once the goats were moved into their new shelter, Jerry was free to begin turning the cinder-block shell into a cheese factory. First, the dirt floor was dug out, drains were set and a concrete slab was poured. Then, to comply with regulations requiring all aspects of the cheesemaking operation to be physically separated (even though the compartments could be under the same roof), Jerry partitioned the building — using six-inch concrete blocks — making a four-station milking parlor, a milk storage room, a cheesemake room and a receiving vestibule.

The vestibule was designed to satisfy the requirement that, in the event the Aiellos someday decide to buy additional milk for cheesemaking, they have a separate room to receive the “imported” liquid. Furthermore, the regulations also specified that none of the rooms in the actual factory could open into each other. As a result, the 10-foot vestibule contains four doors.

“It looks a little weird,” Jerry admits, “but we comply with the rules.”

In addition to keeping the costs down by doing his own construction, Jerry was able to save money by making some wise buys on used equipment. A 150-gallon refrigerated milk storage container was bought, used, from a small dairy for $250 (it would have cost $2,500 new). The double-walled stainless steel cheesemaking vat is actually a second refrigerated storage tank, purchased for $150. Jerry resourcefully replumbed the unit and installed a 5,500-watt element to heat the water that’s circulated between the vat’s walls.

Milk is transferred from the storage area to the cheesemaking room by means of a circulating pump (it was bought used, too) and Tygon tubing (purchased new, at an excruciating $5.00 a foot). In compliance with dairy regulations, the wall opening through which the tubing is inserted can be capped, so the milk storage and cheesemaking rooms are fully separated.

After checking into the cost of new coolers in which to age the cheese (the best deal was $5,000 for an unassembled unit), the Aiellos purchased the body of a refrigerated truck for $700 and paid a mechanic another $100 to set the “box” in working order. Stainless steel sinks, a water heater, drain lines, epoxy paint and wall coverings and other necessities were bought after judicious comparison shopping. In all, the total cost of remodeling and equipping the cinder-block building for cheesemaking came to around $10,000.

How a Dairy Goat Cheesemaking Business Works

The future cheese magnate of Orange, Virginia (with the assistance of his wife, and daughters Amy and Jessica) hand-milks 20 does a day, a chore that requires 1-1/2 hours each morning and evening. The dairy product — collected in stainless steel pails — is poured into the refrigerated storage tank. When the tank is full (at least once a week), Jerry pumps all the milk through the tubing into the cheesemaking room’s vat. He heats it to the desired temperature, adds the rennet and cultures, cuts the curd with special stainless steel knives and drains off the whey. Then, all the Aiellos pitch in and pack the feta into pint-size glass jars, affix attractive blue-and-red “Belle Terre Farmhouse Cheese” labels (which they designed themselves) and store the containers in the cooler for the 60-day aging required by law. The entire process yields about 200 jars per cheese run of crumbly, tangy white feta.

The decision to make feta — rather than another type of cheese — was not lightly arrived at. From the beginning, the Aiellos were determined to use raw goat’s milk.

“We’d originally hoped to produce Gouda,” Jerry said. “But then Suzanne came up with the idea of feta, which is traditionally made in Greece from sheep or goat’s milk.”

Feta turned out to be a good choice because it doesn’t require the expensive cheese press and additional labor (brining, turning, paraffining and so forth) that Gouda needs.

“The feta is a one-day cheese,” Jerry points out. “When we finish packaging it and put it in the cooler, we don’t have to look at it again until we deliver it two months later.”

Small Goat Dairy Business Bottom Line

Since they were unwilling to invest the time required to staff a farm-based retail store, Jerry and Suzanne decided to sell their feta through a wholesaler. For each pint jar, they receive $2.50 or roughly 50¢ for the jar and label and $2.00 for the labor, utilities and other expenses related to producing the milk. Jerry figures that Belle Terre’s feta wholesales for about $2.66 a pound. Therefore, because approximately five pounds of milk will yield one pound of feta, the Aiellos receive about 53¢ per pound for the milk produced by their Nubians (or roughly double the amount the raw liquid might sell for).

After their 60 days of aging, the cheese-filled jars are packed 12 to a case and delivered to a wholesale food broker in Richmond, Virginia. The feta is then shipped to grocery chains for retail sale.

By manufacturing a relatively low-laborcheese , Jerry and Suzanne have been able to minimize production costs. This fact makes it possible for them to wholesale the product at a figure that allows the stores to add their usual markup and still put the feta on supermarket shelves at a price competitive with that of most commercial cow’s milk cheese.

The Aiellos believe that once the Belle Terre operation is in full swing, the feta should net about $3,000 a month, which translates to about $1,000 of annual income per doe. (In contrast, during the veal-raising venture, the Aiellos earned about $300 per milking doe each year.)

A Profitable Small Goat Dairy Business

Careful herd management is an integral part of Belle Terre’s five-year plan. From a foundation of seven registered Nubians, the Aiellos have built up a milking “core” of 20 does. They hope to increase the total to 25 during 1982 and to 30 — the maximum practical number that they can hand-milk — by 1983.

The breeding program is arranged to allow a 305-day annual lactation period during which each doe produces an average of 2,000 pounds of 5 percent butterfat milk. This schedule permits the family to take a break from cheesemaking during December and January (and gives the animals a rest, as well).

Does are bred beginning in September and most of the kids are born from mid-February to mid-April. During the past few years, the couple has carefully upgraded the herd by purchasing quality bucks from the West Coast (they have four now) and they’ve achieved an average of just under three kids per doe during each breeding season.

In 1981, about 60 registered Nubian kids were born. Of these, 15 young does were selected — on the basis of their conformation and milk-producing potential — to be added to the Belle Terre herd. Another 20 or so does were sold for between $250 and $300 apiece.

Of the 20 or 25 buck kids born, seven or eight quality animals, expected to become good breeding stock, were sold for between $300 and $400 each. The other bucks were auctioned at the livestock market (at a loss) for about $25 apiece. Jerry and Suzanne try to market their kids before the animals reach two months of age, in order to avoid running up prohibitive feed and shipping costs.

The Aiellos estimate that each doe brings in $500 each year from kid sales — an amount that just about equals her upkeep!

You can see, then, that the sale of registered stock is an important part of Belle Terre’s income . . . and the Aiellos anticipate grossing as much as $15,000 annually from this facet of their enterprize over the next few years. They emphasize that any homesteader who’s seriously thinking about starting a goat herd should purchase registered animals with an eye toward future income from the sale of offspring.

The Future of Dairy Farming

As mentioned before, Jerry and Suzanne designed their cheese plant to comply with the regulations concerning purchased milk in case they decide to expand their operation and need more raw material than their herd can supply. If the feta sells as well as anticipated, they plan to start buying additional milk in 1982.

The Aiellos are already licensed to buy milk, and — during August 1981, when a MOTHER EARTH NEWS staffer talked with them — they expected to base the price they’ll pay for raw goat’s milk on the liquid’s butterfat content. (The butterfat percentage is a fairly good indicator of the milk’s protein content, and hence of cheese yield.) Jerry estimates a cost of perhaps 25¢ a pound for 5 percent butterfat goat’s milk.

Although it’s likely that many small-scale goat owners would choose to sell milk to Belle Terre rather than invest in their own cheesemaking facilities, the Aiellos would like to see more homesteaders making farm cheese. According to their calculations, it would require a herd of about 20 does to reach the break-even point. At the other end of the spectrum, 30 seems to be the maximum number of does that a family-sized operation can manage without bringing in additional help.

The idea of competition doesn’t bother the Aiellos at all.

“On the contrary, I think it’d be great if four or five farms in Virginia were to start making different varieties of goat’s milk cheese, perhaps under one label, so that there would be an entire product line,” Jerry asserts. “It would help the state’s goat industry immensely.”

If such a venture came to pass, it could lead to cooperative advertising and marketing — both of which can be quite expensive for a single homestead operation.

How to Make a Homestead Business Profitable

At this point, small-farm owners who’ve tried fruitlessly to start homestead businesses are likely wondering exactly why Belle Terre is having the success that’s eluded other enterprises. There seem to be several very good reasons.

“We had a plan for each year and learned what we needed to know before we did anything, Jerry says. “Second, we had no outside labor costs. Third, Suzanne, who is a physical therapist, has continued to work while I ran the farm … her income financed the venture and we could eat. Fourth, we took a business-like approach by establishing our cheesemaking operation to conform with dairy regulations and that helped us gain the support of our banker.”

Finally, the Aiellos aren’t afraid to look into the future and see where they want to be — or to invest time and energy researching their goals. Their five-year plan just may be the key to finding success on 55 rolling acres in Virginia.

Originally titled “A Goat’s Milk Cheesemaking Business” in the January/February 1982 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS.

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Starting a Dairy Goat Farm Business Plan

Make sure you've got the right dairy goat supplies to get started.

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Adding a dairy goat farm business plan to your homestead goals takes careful thought and preparation. In addition to purchasing the necessary livestock, dairy goat supplies must be purchased and the facility readied. Take a look at some ideas that will get you on a successful path to a dairy goat farm.

One of the first questions is why choose goats or sheep for a dairy over the more traditional dairy cow operation? Goat milk is higher in calcium and healthy fat, giving it more nutritional bang per gallon. Goat milk is not as widely accepted in the United States, as cow milk, but the rest of the world has been largely drinking goat milk for hundreds of years. Goat milk is easily digested, even by people with lactose intolerance. The reason for this has to do with the protein structure of the milk compared to cow milk. Goat milk is also lower in cholesterol.

Goat Breeds

All goats share certain characteristics, no matter if they are kept for meat, breeding, milk, fiber or pets. Goats do not like being alone. Plan to have at least two goats. If you only want one goat for milk, keeping a neutered male goat (wether) is a good option. All goats will produce milk after giving birth. Certain breeds of goats are better milk producers. These breeds are often sought out when writing up a dairy goat farming business plan. Good genetics and breeding play a big part in the performance of any breed.

Dairy goat breeds include:

• Nigerian Dwarf

Nigerian Dwarf goats are smaller and yet an excellent producer of high-quality milk. Often a smaller goat breed such as the Nigerian Dwarf is exactly what a family will look for when organizing a dairy goat farming business plan.

Saanen goats originated in Switzerland. They are one of the larger dairy goat breeds. Their milk production is high and the butterfat content is on the lower end of the goat milk spectrum. Saanen goats are all white or cream colored. The Sable goat breed is related to the Saanen and is the name for colored Saanens.

Nubian goats are a well-known dairy goat. Nubians have gentle personalities and rather loud voices. The breed is characterized by its Roman noses and long droopy ears. The milk is rich in butterfat.

The LaMancha is a popular breed of dairy goat . They appear earless but actually do have small ears. This breed is accepted in any color and is a good dairy goat. The appearance makes them easy to identify between the breeds.

Toggenburgs are favored by some dairy farmers because they are believed to have a longer lactation period after kidding.

The Alpine goat has a long and interconnected breed history that also includes some breeding with the Oberhasli and Saanen breeds. For your research into a dairy goat farming business plan, look into the Brittish Alpine, Swiss Alpine, and French Alpine breeding lines.

Goat Care and Maintenance

The daily care is something to be considered when forming a dairy goat farming business plan. Goats will require a dry living area, as wet pasture and goats are not often seen together. At the very least, a large run in shed should be provided and maintained with dry bedding. Fresh water, grain, and grazing or provided hay or forage are necessary each day. Goats are hardy and with consistent care, simple to raise. With good management and observation, you will learn what is normal behavior for the individual animals. Goats who become ill commonly go downhill quickly so it is good to have a baseline, in your mind, of how your normal healthy animal behaves.

Hoof care is required on a regular basis. The timing for retrimming can vary from season to season. Keeping a close eye on the hoof health will prevent other hoof health issues from cropping up. An overgrown hoof can harbor small stones, wet manure, and bacteria, possibly leading to lameness and hoof rot.

It is not hard to learn how to trim goat hooves . The use of a goat milking stand can help bring the goat up closer to your level and keep you from bending over. The trimmers are found in most agriculture supply stores or catalogs. Ask an experienced goat farmer to show you how to trim the hoof. The outer edges of hoof material are trimmed. You should never cut into the center or frog portion of the hoof.

The daily milking of a dairy goat farm

Most importantly, milking must be done. Milking the does has to be done or the animal will be in pain and can develop mastitis. The normal practice is to milk every twelve hours. That’s twice a day, every day, for the eight to ten months of milk production. The first step includes cleaning the teats and stripping some milk out, before beginning to milk. Caring for any dairy animal is a heavy obligation to take on and only for the dedicated farm owner.

The goat dairy facility

In a small family operation, you may be able to avoid having a separate building for housing and milking your goats. With a larger business plan, the milking is often done in a separate structure. With either set-up, cleanliness is the key to success.

The barn will have stalls for the goats. These may be shared as goats do not like to be alone. Birthing stalls are necessary on a dairy farm because you won’t have milk if you don’t have does giving birth. Private birthing stalls allow the does to give birth in a quiet environment and bond with the kids.

Fencing is needed. Rotational grazing practice should be employed so count on at least two or three separate grazing paddocks or pastures. Depending on your flock size you may require more pasture areas. Letting one area lie fallow, allows regrowth and gives the parasites time to die off. Goats are more likely to escape fencing than sheep. Strong fencing that cannot be climbed is a good starting place when planning your fences. Goats can jump, too. Be sure the fence is high enough to prevent goats jumping to freedom.

Dairy goat farm business plan

As you finalize your dairy goat farm business plan, decide where your goat milk will go. Are you planning to sell the raw milk to a local dairy for processing? Maybe you are going to produce cheese and yogurt for sale at the farmer’s market. No matter what direction you choose to go, having the plan details worked out ahead of time is smart. Contact the proposed buyers of your product and start a business relationship. Learn what is expected from a wholesale milk producer. Other products can be sold from your goat farm including, breeding stock, pet quality animals, and meat.

Do you have a dairy goat farming business plan? Are you finding success raising dairy goats? Let us know in the comments below.

5 thoughts on “Starting a Dairy Goat Farm Business Plan”

I am interested in goat farming in Jaharkhand State, India. Please advise me with complete structure plan, management and profitibility.

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I’m interested in dairy farming in Rustenburg (Mabeskraal village) to be pricise. Would like to have your assistance in a sound business plan on all the products that can be made from dairy goats products

I like raising dairy goats and thank for that piece of advice I’m looking forward to being a billionaire through rearing dairy goats.

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Dairy Goat Farm Business Plan: Blueprint to Profits

A Dairy Goat Farm Business Plan outlines the strategy for managing a profitable goat dairy. It covers production, marketing, financials, and operational tactics.

Launching a dairy goat farm necessitates meticulous planning and a clear strategy. The business plan becomes a critical roadmap for entrepreneurs to follow, guiding them through the complexities of establishing and running a successful farm. Key components of the plan include identifying target markets, budgeting for initial costs, such as purchasing goats, and outlining daily operations that involve care, milking, and feeding routines.

To ensure financial viability, the plan also details revenue projections and marketing strategies to attract customers looking for fresh, locally-sourced goat milk and related dairy products. With an increasing demand for alternative dairy options, entrepreneurs can capitalize on this trend by presenting a well-crafted business plan demonstrating knowledge, passion, and a viable economic model for a sustainable dairy goat operation. This preparation is essential for securing funding, whether through loans, investments, or grants, and for establishing the farm’s long-term goals and benchmarks for success.

Table of Contents

Dairy Goat Farm Business Plan

Welcome to the exciting world of dairy goat farming, a rewarding venture for farmers and an increasingly sought-after source of nutrition for consumers. Dairy goats offer a sustainable and efficient way to produce milk , especially in areas where cow’s milk may not be as accessible. As you delve into this business plan, you’ll discover the intricate steps and careful considerations necessary to start and maintain a successful dairy goat farm.

Rising Popularity Of Goat Milk

The demand for goat milk is soaring as people recognize its benefits and versatility . Compared to cow milk, goat milk is not only easier to digest but also respected for its artisanal quality in cheeses and other dairy products.

• Smoother digestion due to smaller fat molecules
• Lower allergenicity making it a choice for sensitive individuals
• Artisanal cheese production enhances local economies

Nutritional Benefits Of Goat Milk

Goat milk isn’t just an alternative to cow’s milk; it’s packed with nutritional advantages that cater to health-conscious consumers. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals , it’s a powerhouse of nourishment.

Moreover, the presence of A2 beta-casein makes goat milk a preferable choice for many . This type of protein reduces stomach discomfort and promotes overall digestive well-being.

Analyzing The Market

Entrepreneurs venturing into the dairy goat farming business must understand their marketplace. A thorough market analysis guides decision-making and strategy. It helps identify opportunities for growth. Optimal market insights ensure a business meets its consumer needs effectively, staying ahead of the curve.

Target Market Segments

Knowing your audience is crucial for a dairy goat farm’s success. Target market segments include homeowners looking for organic dairy, restaurateurs seeking fresh ingredients, and health-conscious consumers. Local cheese makers may also show interest.

• Homeowners: Preference for natural, home-grown products.
• Restaurants: Demand for fresh goat milk and cheese.
• Health-conscious buyers: Find goat milk easily digestible.
• Cheese makers: Search for quality milk for artisan cheeses.

Competitor Assessment

Understanding the competition is key to carving out your niche. Assess nearby dairy farms’ products, services, pricing, and marketing strategies. Look for gaps your farm could fill.

Identify direct competitors, including adjacent goat farms and supermarkets. Examine their strengths and weaknesses. Your farm can succeed by offering unique products or experiences. Or by improving on what’s already available in the market.

Selecting Dairy Goat Breeds

Starting a dairy goat farm begins with choosing the right goats. You want hardy animals with high milk production. They should also adapt well to your climate. Let’s look at the traits that make for successful dairy goats, as well as the top breeds for milk production.

Traits Of Successful Dairy Goats

Dairy goats need specific traits to thrive. Look for these qualities:

• Good Health: They resist common diseases and ailments.
• Fertility: High-breed goats have more kids per birth.
• Gentle Temperament: They should be easy to handle and milk.
• Milking Longevity: A longer milking life means better return on investment.
• Efficiency: They need less food for more milk.

Top Breeds For Milk Production

The Saanen breed leads in milk volume, while Nubians excel in milk fat. Analyze your market to choose the right breed. Higher fat can mean tastier cheese and milk. But more volume can bring more overall product. Your climate also affects breed success. Alpine and Toggenburg goats handle cold well. Saanens and Nubians prefer warmer areas.

Setting Up Your Goat Farm

Embarking on setting up your goat farm heralds an exciting venture into sustainable agriculture. You need the right groundwork to ensure a thriving dairy goat enterprise. This section will delve into the specific requirements such as land and housing infrastructure crucial for your goat farm’s success.

Land Requirements

Choosing the perfect spot is your first step. Goats need space to graze, roam and exercise. An adequate land area reduces the risk of overgrazing and promotes good health. Every five goats require at least one acre. Here’s what the ideal land should have:

• Good drainage to prevent waterlogging
• Sufficient grass for grazing
• Shade from trees or structures for hot days
• Safe fencing to protect from predators

Barn and Housing Infrastructure

Barn And Housing Infrastructure

Goats need a secure place to sleep and take shelter from weather extremes. Here’s a snapshot of what your barn or goat housing should include:

• A dry, draft-free environment for their health and comfort
• Sturdy pens to accommodate different goats’ need
• Separate areas for kidding, milking, and feeding
• Easy access to water and power supply
• Spaces for storing feed and equipment

Building materials should be durable and nontoxic. Adequate ventilation is crucial to maintain air quality. Natural light makes for a pleasant environment and saves energy. Think about future growth when designing the space.

Nutrition And Feeding

For a dairy goat farm to thrive, proper nutrition is crucial. Healthy goats produce more milk. Good feeding practices ensure happy goats and healthy profits. Let’s dive into how to nourish your herd for peak performance.

Developing A Feeding Strategy

A solid feeding strategy matches goat needs with farm goals. It’s about balance and timing. Newborn kids, growing does, and milk-producing mothers all require different diet plans. Here are some steps to develop a strategy:

• Identify the life stage and purpose of each goat.
• Consider the energy and nutrient needs for each group.
• Plan feeding times to suit digestive cycles.
• Mix and match feed types for a balanced diet.
• Regularly assess and adjust plans based on goat health and milk output.

Types Of Feed And Supplements

What goats eat affects their health and your earnings. A variety of feeds and supplements exist:

To wrap it up, diversify your goats’ diet. Include forage like hay, add concentrates for extra energy, sprinkle essential minerals and vitamins, and consider supplements for specific health boosts.

Routine Health Management

Keeping your dairy goats healthy is crucial for a successful farm. A strong health management plan informs everything from milk production to breeding. Let’s dive into the essentials of keeping your herd in top shape with vaccinations, proper vet care, and diligent disease and parasite control.

Vaccinations And Veterinary Care

Regular vaccinations prevent illnesses. They save you from future trouble. Work with a vet to make a schedule. This keeps your goats safe all year. Here are key points:

• Clostridial diseases : Vaccinate to avoid this deadly issue.
• Rabies : It’s rare but don’t take chances. Protect your goats.
• Regular check-ups : Scheduling these maintains general health.

Emergency care is also vital. Ensure access to a vet. Quick help keeps small problems small.

Disease Prevention And Parasite Control

To stop sickness, keep pens clean. Rotate pastures to halt parasites. Use the list below:

• Clean water : Change it daily. Dirty water brings disease.
• Hygienic shelters : Keep them clean to avoid illness.
• Parasite treatment : Regular deworming is a must.

Fecal tests find worms. Treat goats based on test results. This beats parasites.

Reproduction And Breeding

For a successful dairy goat farm, the Reproduction and Breeding plan is key. It decides how the farm grows and thrives. Goats need special care to breed and raise kids. This plan makes sure goats have healthy babies. It also ensures the farm keeps running well. Let’s talk about two crucial parts: Breeding Program, and Kidding and Young Stock Care.

Breeding Program

A well-crafted breeding program sets the stage for a farm’s success. Each goat must be healthy and ready for breeding. Choose the best male and female goats. This ensures strong and healthy kids. Track when goats mate and expect babies. This helps you care for pregnant goats. Use:

• Genetic testing to prevent health issues.
• Health screenings before breeding to make sure goats are healthy.

Keep good records. Write down each goat’s breeding dates and health checks. This helps manage the herd well.

Kidding And Young Stock Care

After goats are born, proper care is crucial. The first few months of a kid’s life set their health for the future. Here’s a quick guide to care for these little ones:

• Feed them right. Kids need good milk right after birth. This first milk is called colostrum.
• Keep them warm and clean. Baby goats need a dry and cozy place to live.
• Vaccinate the kids. This keeps them safe from sicknesses.

Care for young goats is a daily job. They need to eat well and stay healthy to grow big and strong. Use growth charts to track their progress.

Milk Production Cycle

The heart of a dairy goat farm is its milk production cycle . Careful planning and management are crucial for maintaining a steady flow of high-quality milk. Let’s dive into the essentials of the cycle, covering everything from the milking procedures to the strategies for managing milk yield and quality.

Milking Procedures

Successful milking starts with clean, calm, and consistent practices. Goats thrive on routine. Here’s how to ensure the milking procedure is spot on:

• Prepare the goats with a gentle pre-milking routine.
• Sanitize the milking equipment before use.
• Apply the milking machine or hand-milk each goat.
• Post-milking, dip teats in a sanitizing solution to prevent infection.

Each step directly impacts the milk’s quality and the goat’s health.

Managing Milk Yield And Quality

Maintaining high milk yield and quality requires attention to detail:

Continuous monitoring and adjustments ensure optimal milk production .

Product Development And Diversification

Starting a dairy goat farm involves more than just milking goats. Successful businesses grow through innovation . By turning milk into a variety of products, farms can reach new customers. Diversification is key. A wide range of products means more revenue streams. Let’s explore how to transform goat milk into delightful dairy products.

From Milk To Cheese And Yogurt

Transforming milk into cheese and yogurt opens up new markets. Artisanal goat cheeses and probiotic-rich yogurts are in demand. Here’s how to diversify:

• Identify trends in consumer preferences.
• Learn cheese-making techniques .
• Incorporate local flavors and ingredients .
• Ensure consistent quality and taste .
• Create attractive packaging for your products.

Exploring different types of cheese like chèvre or feta, and flavored yogurts can attract more customers.

Innovations In Goat Dairy Products

Goat dairy farms must innovate to stay ahead. Consider these innovations:

Embrace creativity in your product line. Highlight the health benefits . This can set your brand apart in the market.

Sales And Marketing Strategies

Creating a robust business plan for a dairy goat farm is not complete without a solid sales and marketing strategy . It’s the engine that drives the growth of your farm. An effective strategy captures your farm’s unique value proposition and communicates it to your target audience. Let’s explore how to brand your farm and find the best channels to reach potential customers.

Branding Your Farm And Products

For successful sales, your dairy goat farm must stand out. Branding is more than just a logo or a catchy name; it encapsulates your farm’s story, values, and the quality you offer. Build a memorable brand identity that resonates with customers. The brand should reflect the uniqueness of your products, whether it’s the creamy taste of your goat cheese or the ethical way you raise your goats.

• Create a memorable logo
• Choose a color scheme that reflects your farm’s personality
• Develop a tagline that highlights your unique selling proposition

Effective Marketing Channels

Different marketing channels can help spread the word about your dairy goat farm. Choose the right channels to connect with your audience. Online platforms and local markets are both powerful avenues for sales.

Integrate these channels to create a cohesive marketing plan . Share engaging content like behind-the-scenes photos of your farm or delicious goat cheese recipes. Attend local events and consider partnerships with other local businesses. By using multiple channels, you maximize your reach and build a loyal customer base.

Understanding Regulations

Starting a dairy goat farm involves more than caring for animals. It requires a deep understanding of various legal regulations. These rules ensure the safety of the food produced and protect the environment. Knowledge of the laws is a must for a successful farm business.

Food Safety And Dairy Processing Laws

Running a dairy farm means following strict food safety protocols. These laws are in place to keep consumers safe. This includes the pasteurization of milk and the hygiene of the facility. Farmers must meet local, state, and federal standards.

• Pasteurization permits to handle milk products
• Facility inspection approvals for cleanliness
• Regular health checks for the goats providing the milk

Zoning And Environmental Compliance

Farms exist within communities. You must understand zoning laws. These rules determine where a farm can operate.

• Check local zoning regulations to ensure farm location compliance
• Understand waste management laws to protect the environment
• Implement sustainable practices to maintain long-term viability of your farm

Environmental compliance also covers the treatment of waste products and the prevention of land, water, and air pollution. Stay up-to-date with these regulations to protect both your business and nature.

Financial Planning

Starting a dairy goat farm requires a detailed financial plan to ensure success. You’ll need to consider various costs and plan for income and expenses. This section dives into what you need to know about managing your farm’s finances effectively.

Startup Costs And Financing

Embarking on a goat dairy venture isn’t without its costs. Key expenses include purchasing goats, securing land, building shelters, and obtaining equipment. Let’s break down the essentials:

• Goats: These are your primary investment
• Land: Enough space for grazing and living
• Shelters: Protect goats from elements
• Equipment: Milking machines, feeders, and more

Financing options range from personal savings to agricultural loans. Grant programs may also be available. Choose the best fit for your financial situation.

Budgeting And Managing Cash Flow

Regular cash flow is vital for your farm. Start by creating a monthly budget that includes:

• Income estimates from milk sales
• Feeding and healthcare costs for the goats
• Regular maintenance expenses
• Unexpected costs for emergencies

Ensure you monitor your budget and adjust as needed . Keep records of all income and expenditure. This helps you stay on track and sustain your farm’s growth.

Managing cash flow wisely means planning for both the busy and slow seasons. You may need to reserve funds or explore revenue diversification, like offering cheese-making classes. Manage finances smartly for a successful dairy goat business.

Risk Management And Insurance

Entering the dairy goat farm business requires careful planning, especially when it comes to managing risks. No farm is immune to the unexpected, whether it’s weather disasters or fluctuations in market prices. Ensuring that your farm operation has the right insurance coverage is crucial to protecting your assets and securing your livelihood. Below, we dive into the types of insurance coverage to consider and highlight strategies that can help safeguard your farm from financial loss.

Types Of Coverage For Farms

Risk is an inherent part of farming, but with proper insurance, you can protect your dairy goat business. Coverage can vary widely but typically includes:

• Property insurance to protect buildings and equipment.
• Livestock insurance to cover your goats against loss.
• Product liability insurance for products like cheese or milk.
• Crop insurance if you grow feed on-site.
• Business interruption insurance for when unexpected events halt operations.
• Worker’s compensation insurance to protect employees on the farm.

Strategies To Minimize Financial Risk

Adopting strategies to reduce financial risk can lead to greater stability. Consider the following:

• Diversify your product line to avoid reliance on a single income source.
• Invest in quality farm practices to reduce the risk of disease in your herd.
• Build an emergency fund to handle unexpected costs.
• Create a business plan that includes risk evaluation and response strategies.
• Stay informed about market trends to anticipate and react to changes.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are vital for a thriving dairy goat farm business. They ensure the farm remains productive and profitable for years. Let’s delve into some of the best methods to make a dairy goat farm eco-friendly and energy efficient.

Eco-friendly Farming Techniques

Green farming supports the environment and the animals. Here are key practices:

• Organic feed: Goats eat organic feed, free from pesticides.
• Manure management: Use goat manure as fertilizer. It boosts soil health.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): This reduces chemical use on farms. Beneficial insects help control pests.
• Conservation tillage: This preserves soil structure and saves water.

Renewable Energy On The Farm

Clean energy can power a dairy goat farm. Let’s look at options:

• Solar panels: Install solar panels for electricity. They cut energy costs and protect the planet.
• Wind turbines: Farms can use wind power, another clean energy source.
• Biogas digesters: Turn manure into biogas. This can fuel farm equipment.
• Energy-efficient machinery: Use machines that need less power. They save money and energy.

Workforce And Staffing

When starting a dairy goat farm, your workforce and staffing plan is crucial for success. A dedicated team ensures your dairy goats receive the care they need. Let’s dive into crafting the perfect team for your farm.

Hiring Farm Workers

Finding the right people forms the backbone of any business, especially a dairy goat farm. Begin by identifying the roles you need to fill. Consider skills and experience necessary for each position. Post job listings on agricultural job portals and local community boards. Don’t forget to emphasize qualities such as reliability and a love for animals.

• Define clear job descriptions for farm hands, milkers, and animal health technicians.
• Search for candidates with a passion for farming and animal welfare.
• Use interviews to assess compatibility with farm values and team dynamics.

Training And Employee Management

Once you’ve assembled a team, focus on their growth. Offer thorough training programs on goat care, milking procedures, and farm equipment use. Create a positive work environment to inspire your staff to deliver their best. Regular check-ins and performance reviews foster a culture of continuous improvement. Remember, well-trained employees are key to a thriving dairy goat farm.

• Conduct regular training sessions on animal care and farm safety practices.
• Implement a mentorship program where experienced staff guide newcomers.
• Set up a feedback mechanism to hear and act upon employee suggestions and concerns.

Expanding The Business

Goat farming holds an untapped potential for entrepreneurs who seek growth. With the right business plan, expanding your dairy goat farm can lead not only to increased production but also to new market opportunities. In this guide, we’ll explore strategic ways to scale up your operations and venture into new markets to maximize your farm’s success.

Scaling Up Production

When you’re ready to grow your goat farm, consider these key steps:

• Assess your current capacity: Review your farm’s resources, such as land, labor, and equipment.
• Upgrade facilities: Invest in larger barns or milking parlors to handle more goats.
• Improve breeding programs: Select high-yield dairy goats for quality milk production.
• Adopt technology: Use software to manage herd health and productivity.

Scaling up should be a gradual process. Ensure your farm’s infrastructure and workforce are ready for the increase in scope.

Exploring New Markets

To sustain growth, finding new markets is crucial. Here’s how to identify potential markets:

Digital marketing can enhance visibility, while community engagement builds trust and loyalty.

Technology In Dairy Goat Farming

Welcome to the era where technology revolutionizes dairy goat farming. Tech advancements greatly enhance efficiency, animal health, and ultimately, profitability. Farmers now embrace innovative tools to streamline operations. Let’s explore how technology is reshaping this age-old practice.

Automation In Milking And Feeding

The once labor-intensive tasks of milking and feeding are now simpler thanks to automation. Automatic milking systems (AMS) allow goats to be milked with minimal human intervention.

• Reduced labor costs – Fewer staff needed for milking.
• Consistent milking routines – Goats enjoy regular schedules.
• Better milk quality – Machines ensure clean, consistent milking.

Similarly, automated feeding systems tailor nutrition to each goat’s needs. This ensures optimal health and milk production.

Data Management For Herd Performance

Data management systems are pivotal in tracking herd performance. These systems collate and analyze data for informed decision-making.

• Monitor health indicators.
• Track reproductive cycles.
• Assess milk yield and quality.

With these tools, farmers spot trends, identify top performers, and detect issues early. Smart collars and ear tags collect data in real-time, keeping farmers always updated.

Efficient herd management means healthier goats and better products for consumers.

Community Engagement

When starting a dairy goat farm business, weaving into the fabric of the community is key. The key lies in engaging with locals .

Building Relationships With Customers

Trust defines success in the dairy goat business. Form bonds with customers by sharing your farm’s story. Offer tours, host open farm days, and keep communication channels open. Respond to feedback promptly and honestly.

• Share updates through a regular newsletter.
• Feature customer testimonials on your website.
• Give customers a behind-the-scenes look at your operations.

Use social media to celebrate customers. Post pictures and stories of them enjoying your products. Create a loyalty program to reward repeat customers.

Participation In Local Events

Show your presence in the community by joining local events. Set up a booth at farmer’s markets. Get involved in local food shows. Sponsor community events.

• Display your farm products at festivals.
• Donate to charity auctions or school events.
• Collaborate with local businesses for packages or deals.

Teach workshops or give talks about dairy goat farming. This can help people understand your passion. It will draw attention to the quality of your products.

Crisis Management

Running a dairy goat farm means planning for sunny days and storms alike. Crisis management is a critical part of your business plan. Think of it as a lifesaver in rough waters. Preparedness equals peace of mind and can mean the difference between a setback and a catastrophe. Let’s delve into strategies to keep your farm strong, no matter what comes your way.

Preparing For Natural Disasters

Disasters can strike without warning. Keep your goats and business safe with a clear plan. Here’s what to include:

• Emergency Contacts: A list of who to call, including vets and local authorities.
• Evacuation Plan: Know where to take your herd in a pinch.
• Shelter: Sturdy buildings protect from harsh weather. Have backup options ready.
• Supplies: Stock up on food, water, and medical essentials.
• Insurance: Proper coverage is a must. It guards your investment.

Drills: Practice your plans with staff. It helps everyone stay calm and quick.

Dealing With Disease Outbreaks

Disease can spread fast. Keep your herd and profits healthy with these steps:

• Isolate sick goats at the first sign of illness.
• Notify your vet promptly for quick diagnosis and treatment.
• Implement strict biosecurity measures on the farm.
• Maintain accurate health records for all goats.
• Stay informed on common goat diseases and symptoms.
• Train your team on hygiene and care protocols.

Vaccinations: Stay up-to-date on necessary shots to prevent outbreaks.

Conclusion: A Vision For Success

Embarking on a dairy goat farm adventure demands a clear roadmap. This article outlined crucial steps for a thriving enterprise. The finale? A snapshot of the dream every aspiring goat farmer holds dear.

Achieving Business Goals

Success in dairy goat farming relies on setting and meeting specific targets. Employing savvy strategies is essential:

• Smart investment in healthy, high-yield goats
• Efficient farm management practices
• Solid marketing plans to build a loyal customer base
• Financial management for sustainable growth

These strategies steer a dairy goat farm towards profitability and sustainability.

Future Trends In Dairy Goat Farming

Innovations and consumer trends shape agriculture’s future. Stay ahead with these insights:

With these future trends, dairy goat farming can enjoy continued success and innovation.

Related Articles

• How Many Acres for 500 Boer Goats: Optimal Grazing Secrets
• How Many Goats Do You Need to Be Profitable: The Ultimate Guide
• Is Goat Farming a Profitable Business? Unveil the Truth!
• Best Farm Animals for Self Sufficiency: Top Picks!

Frequently Asked Questions For Dairy Goat Farm Business Plan

Is dairy goat farming profitable.

Dairy goat farming can be profitable with effective management, marketing, and operational efficiency. Factors like breed selection, feed costs, and product demand greatly influence profitability.

How Many Acres Do You Need For Dairy Goats?

For dairy goats, a minimum of 0. 2 to 0. 5 acres per goat is recommended to provide adequate forage.

How Do I Start A Small Goat Dairy Farm?

Begin by researching local regulations and acquiring appropriate land. Select suitable goat breeds for dairy production. Invest in quality housing, feeding, and milking equipment. Ensure access to veterinary care. Market your dairy products effectively.

How Many Goats Can 1 Acre Produce?

Typically, one acre can support between 6 to 8 goats, depending on factors such as pasture quality and management practices.

Conclusion : Dairy Goat Farm Business Plan

Starting a dairy goat farm requires thorough planning and dedication. By creating a detailed business plan, you set the stage for success. Remember, your plan is your roadmap—it guides every decision and action. As you embark on this venture, keep your goals realistic and your strategies flexible.

Embrace the journey of bringing your dairy goat farm to life.

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Goat Farming Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Goat Farming Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and goat farmers create business plans to start and grow their goat farms. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a goat farming business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Goat Farming Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your commercial goat farming business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Goat Farm

If you’re looking to start a goat busienss or grow your existing goat farm, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your goat business to improve your chances of success. Your goat farming business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Goat Farms

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a goat farming business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for goat farms.

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How to Write a Business Plan for a Commercial Goat Farm

If you want to start a goat farming business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your goat farming business plan.  

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of commercial goat farming business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a goat farming business that you would like to grow, or are you operating an established goat farming business that you would like to sell?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the goat farming industry.
• Discuss the type of goat farming business you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of goat business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of commercial goat farming businesses:

• Milk and dairy production: Involves raising dairy goats for their goat milk and other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt.
• Meat production: Involves raising and selling goats for their goat meat.
• Fleece farm: Involves raising goats for their fur to be spun into yarn.
• Miniature goat farm: Involves raising goats to be sold as pets.

In addition to explaining the type of goat farming business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, the number of goats sold, and reaching $X amount in revenue, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the goat farming industry. While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the goat farming industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your goat farm business plan:

• How big is the commercial goat farming industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your goat farm? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your goat farm business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of goat farm you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.  

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other goat farms.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This may include other types of meat farms, meat and dairy alternatives, pet stores, or other types of fibers depending on which type of goat farm you decide to operate. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of goat farm are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you make it easier for your customers to acquire your products?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a commercial goat farming business, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of goat farm that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you sell milk, cheese, meat, fibers, or goats?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your goat farm. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your goat farm business located in a rural area with access to a highway, in a suburb near your target customer base, or in your backyard? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your goat farming marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your goat farm, including answering calls, caring for your goats, meeting with customers, billing and collecting payments, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to acquire your Xth customer, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your commercial goat farming business to a new region.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your goat farm’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing goat farms. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a goat farm or successfully running a farm.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.  

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you have 30 goats on your farm, and will each goat produce an average of 3 quarts of milk per day? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.  

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your goat farm, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.  

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and goat farmers don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a goat farming business:

• Cost of farming equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your farm location lease or photos of your farm and goats.

Goat Farming Business Plan Template PDF

You can download our goat farming business plan PDF to help you get started on your own business plan.

Writing a business plan for your goat farm is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the goat farming industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful goat farming business.  

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