8 Strategies you need to know before starting your Dairy Farming Startup

8 Strategies you need to know before starting your Dairy Farming Startup Whatever your background or experience - whether you are develo...

8 Strategies you need to know before starting your Dairy Farming Startup

Whatever your background or experience - whether you are developing family's dairy farm or working for a summer job - you need a few things from setting up milking cows on your own. There is a need to consider first.

8 Strategies you need to know before starting your Dairy Farming Startup

Penn State University Extension considers these eight tips before starting your dairy farming.

1. Develop a business plan:

Remember, dairy is a business. It is essential to develop a detailed business plan and SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) to determine the resources you have and the success of your farm.

How many cows do you feed? How do you market your milk? Do you apply outside labor? How much money do you need after paying the bills? Business plans need to have cash flow and set reasonable expectations for costs and production costs.

2. Needs of consultant:

Whether you learn dairy from your parents or grandparents as you grow, it is important to consult industry professionals when developing a business plan and management system.

Talk to fellow producers, consult with extension specialists, veterinarians, bankers, and attend field days and workshops along with dairy farms in your area. Ask a lot of questions - those who work in a Dairy may not work on your Dairy.

3. Initiate a crop and feeding program:

Consult a nutritionist to determine what is the best ration for lactating cows, dry cows, and calves and calves. Whether you plan on feeding TMR (total mixed ration), grazing livestock, or a combination of both, dairy cattle need some nutrients to sustain themselves, produce milk, and raise calves. This is what happens.

4. Waste Management:

Dairy produces a lot of manure - or waste. If properly managed, it can become a great resource on the farm. In addition to the direct application of fertilizer to cropland, manure can be composted or digested arbitrarily. These options may provide additional income, but also incur higher startup costs.

Each dairy requires a fertilizer management plan and may require a nutrient management plan depending on the size of your farm. Check with your local extension office or soil and water conservation district - SWCDs can also provide funds to help qualified nutrients or fertilizer management programs.

5. Large Equity:

Dairy farming requires a large investment. Land, buildings, equipment, and cows are expensive and some new farmers have to buy everything they need. Early farmers may consider buying cows first and renting land. These early cows are the equity of your Dairy farm.

6. Biological system:

Dairy firm is dependent on the ability of the cow to live healthy lives, produce milk and have calves. In addition to nutritional and economic aspects, detailed programs are necessary for the health, reproduction, and calf care of the herd. Work with veterinarians, genetics experts, and extension agents to develop a comprehensive agricultural plan.

7. One size is not enough for everyone:

All dairy farms are different and are based on the individual farm owner's approach to farming, resources and marketing needs, and other matters. Some producers may contract with re-establishment heifers, while others may diversify by milking or bottling. It's up to you how you cultivate it.

8. You are the manager first:

All these items are just puzzle pieces. To be successful, you need to combine every aspect of management into a complete farm plan. You don't have to do all this. Work with advisors to create a plan and adapt to your strengths.

For example, if you like milking cows, but you hate sowing crops, get reliable help working or contracting. Assign trusted workers to manage small aspects of the farm to help achieve the Dairy farm goals.