If you are passionate about starting a livestock farming business in the UK, then this post is for you. If properly managed and under acceptable methods and conditions conducive to the livestock, you will find that livestock farming is a highly profitable business that can fetch you a good income. In this post, we’ll tell you all you need to know about starting a livestock farming business in the UK
Livestock is one of the most lucrative farming business ideas in the world. Of course, agriculture is one of the major drivers of the economies of different countries of the world, including the UK. Revenues from livestock farming greatly contribute to this.
Starting a livestock farming business in the UK is very easy and fast irrespective of your low budget or lack of knowledge. In this post, we’ll tell you all you need to know about starting a livestock farm in the UK.
What is Livestock Farming
Livestock farming involves keeping and raising domesticated animals in an agricultural setting to provide labor and produce commodities such as meat, eggs, milk, fur, leather, and wool.
What domestic animals can be raised in the UK?
There are a number of domestic animals that be raised in the UK. Some of them include goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle. These animals have high-income generating potential thanks to the products obtained from them.
Is keeping domestic animals expensive?
livestock farming is not really a costly job. however, if engaged in large-scale farming, it could be really expensive. The good news is that you can be sure of having a good income all through the year.
Benefits of Livestock Farming
There are a number of reasons why doing the livestock farming business is particularly interested. Some of them include but are not limited to:
1. High growth rate: They grow and mature quickly, making them efficient to farm.
2. High fertility rate: They breed easily in captivity and can undergo multiple periods of fertility in a single year.
3. Easy to feed: They eat plant-based diets, which makes them inexpensive to feed.
4. Their meats are one of the most sought-after meats in the UK.
5. Everyone is a potential customer. This alone makes the market a huge one. There are restaurants, eateries, and fast food joints that will be more than glad to get someone who’s ready to supply these products.
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How to Start a Livestock Farming Business In the UK
If you are planning to start a livestock farming business in the UK, it is better for you to get enough knowledge around the line of business. This too is part of the preparation for the business you now want to embrace. Although there are different types of domestic animals, the principles and the underlying practice of keeping them are the same. Below is a comprehensive guide to follow to start profitable livestock farming in the UK.
Plan
The most important aspect of starting a new business is planning for the business before even setting out. For instance, knowing why you want to enter into a business venture proves even more important than setting out. With the reason in mind, you will be able to identify what you will have to do to achieve your purpose in the business.
The type of animals you keep will determine the type of products you will get. So, if producing meat and dairy products are what you want, then goats and cattle are the best choice of livestock to raise. Plan and choose what you want before you even start the farm.
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Choose a good Farm Location
Once you are done with the business plan, then you should get land and be down to business. Remember also that the location of your business farm will have an impact on the growth of the business. Getting a farm location is very critical for starting profitable livestock farming. Your desired scale of production will determine the size of the farmland.
A good location site should be a clean and pollution-free area, not too far from the city. You can even start a livestock farm from your compound (if you have enough space). However, if you want to go into livestock enterprise, you will need bigger farmland. Note also that your farm should have access to clean water for the animals, and be easily accessible.
Provide feeding for the Animals
A good quality feed is very important in livestock farming. Quality and good feed will enhance optimal growth of the animals as well as good product yield. Neat quality water should be provided for the animals to drink.
Feeding is very important in livestock farming, so if you are into sheep, cattle, goat, and grass-cutter farming, we’ll advise that you plant grass around your area because it will help to reduce the cost of buying food and other supplements.
Buy Some Basic Livestock Farming Equipment
To properly manage your livestock, you’ll need to get some basic livestock farming equipment. The capability to grow a profitable livestock business depends on your ability to your equipment in order. So, it is important to ensure that all the required equipment is available to run your business.
Some of the essential equipment are;
- Feeders: This is a device you use for supplying feeds to the livestock.
- Waterers: You use this device for supplying water to the animals.
- Ventilation system: Odour vents, perforated walls, etc. can serve this purpose.
- Waste disposal system: This helps for proper disposal of the waste you produce on your livestock farm.
- Manure spreader
- Corral system, and
- Headgate
Register your business
If you are considering going to an enterprise, we advise that you get your farm registered with the local authorities. There are several benefits to this. First, the local authorities will help you advertise your business. In addition, it will also make it easier for you to assess the appropriate structure for your business. You can easily obtain loans if your farm is registered.
Market your products with a good marketing strategy
It is not sufficient to produce high-quality products. In fact, those products might become useful if there is no monetary return. It is thus crucial that you have your marketing strategy for effective marketing of your products. This is one thing you should have spelled out when you were planning to start the business. Know where and when to sell your products for maximum profit.
As already mentioned earlier, there is a ready market for your farm produce. You can sell your products in the local and international markets. You can even take your products to the online platform where you have a huge market there already.
Obtain a Loan
Depending on your business plan and the amount of money required to start your business, you can apply for a loan. Writing down your business plan will help to know you will need to start up your business, including how much you will need to purchase land and other products you might need for your farming business. You can also borrow from trusted people you know.
Provide medication for your livestock
As a commercial poultry farmer, you need to have a veterinary doctor who will care for your animals arises.
Conclusion
The livestock farming business in the UK is really a great and lucrative business idea. All you need is a piece of practical knowledge and you are set the start this business.
