business of livestock
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Why Livestock Many who eat veggies also eat meat
Pretty much sells itself Steady year round work/income Fertility Use of waste material Large demand for ethical organic meat
Numbers Aim for direct cost of 50% or less of retail
Includes feed Includes cost of young Includes processing cost Does not include labour Does not include overheads Does not include tractor etc.
25% or less in labour At least 25% for the farm Easiest to figure for grain fed livestock
Feed Use unfair advantages
Get from local farmers Find a mixer locally ○ Possibly a batch grinder
Utilize waste products
Labour Need people with feel of livestock to help Chores should be easy
Personally like to limit to 1-2hr max per day on the weekend
Automate what you can Water especially
Housing Barn for winter Good protection from wet and drafts Easy to move in summer Protection from predators Easy Water and feed Clean out easy and straight forward
Fencing/Handling facilities Electric
Posts and wire considerations Wood fences Metal panels Trailer/transportation Loading Ability to sort and load
Slaughter/processing Local facility Willing to do organic Can they cut/wrap like you want it?
The more table ready the easier to sell
Market/Storage Frozen or fresh By the piece By the side Box program Online order Your own storefront Wholesale Specialty Sausage
Type of Livestock to fit your farm Cows – long term but least output for feed Pigs – faster turn around but difficult to
source organic piglets Chickens – fastest turn around
Cut up much more popular Quota system restraints
Eggs – Steady year round but shelf life is a factor.
Goats, sheep, geese, ducks Ethnic markets etc.
Unfair Advantages Location to market Marketing system Alternate feed stock Box program Ethnic markets
Synergies Fertility Use of waste products Ease of sales Cash flow Employment Equipment for other uses
Equipment & Land Can you borrow / rent
Clean out logs required Baler, tedder, rake, mower, wagons, etc. Is there land you can borrow/rent Separation from vegetable areas
Cleanliness Crop protection in case of escapes
Other issues Ability to deal with all aspects of life and
loss of it Neighbors and fencing Investment