How to Start a Cattle Farming Business in Nigeria
Cattle farming is one of the most practiced form of animal husbandry in the country today. This business primarily generates a substantial income and is predominantly practiced in the northern region, constituting a significant sector of the agricultural industry. The cattle owners make use of the nomadic system of agriculture to rear the animals and derive specific products from them. In recent times, the business has become something not only practiced in the north, with entrepreneurs keen to tap into the market.
Farmers rear cattle primarily for meat and milk, caring for the animals until they mature and can produce meat or milk. They decide whether to specialize in milk or meat production, and in some cases, manage both. Investing capital determines the scale of the operation: a small capital initiates a small venture, while a larger one can fund both simultaneously.
The rearing process of cattle is almost quite similar to every other form of animal husbandry except with a few differences. There are two ways to actually rear the cattle and they include the nomadic system and the ranching system. Nomadic system is the most practiced system of cattle rearing. It is done simply by moving the animals from place to place without having a suitable place to stay. The cattles are always moving and it is along that path that they search for food and water and other things that make them comfortable.
Unlike the nomadic system, the ranching system actually offers the cows a place to stay though this comes at a huge cost but it is the safest option when starting a business like this. With the ranching system, the animals are on a farm where they can receive utmost care rather than have them move around even under unfavorable conditions.
In a case where animals are sick and needs urgent attention, it is always easy to get them the help they need on the farm and also keeps them away from the others so as not to infect them. All these and more are some of the things farmers must consider before starting the business. Even these days, farmers are looking to ranches as a solution to problems arising from nomadic agriculture, one of which includes clashes with farmers. As previously mentioned, ranching incurs high costs similar to setting up a farm equipped for the well-being of the cattle.
Starting a business like this needs a lot of hard work and commitment and just like most agricultural venture, a large amount of capital except you’re starting really small with just a few cows and then look to expand after a couple of years. Capital encompasses all expenditures during the animal rearing process and serves as the cornerstone for other business elements; without it, no progress can occur. Equipment, of course, are an important aspect of this kind of animal husbandry especially if you’re starting a ranch. Certain equipment needs to be available on the farm to ensure progress and achieve success.
The subsequent sections will outline the steps for commencing a cattle farming enterprise in Nigeria and highlight key factors for consideration during planning and operations.
1. Do a Comprehensive Research
This is a really important topic when it comes to starting a business of any kind. Research is always very important. For startups or those with limited knowledge, seeking information on cattle farming is crucial. Even experts should conduct thorough research for potential new techniques or advancements in the field.
Individuals can rear cows for either meat or milk, requiring a choice and specialization. Rearing for meat involves caring for animals until they mature for sale. Meanwhile, rearing for milk is more complex, requiring cows to mature for milk production. They can sell the milk or process it into various forms commonly found in today\’s markets.
Individuals need to research cattle species, selecting ones suitable for local conditions and productive in meat or milk, as per the entrepreneur\’s decision. Also find out information about how well people purchase it in the market. Remember, you’re farming for sale, so you don’t want to start a business where people won’t buy your products.
There are a number of useful guidelines and methods of cattle farming also available on the internet. Make use of them and ensure you’re well aware of everything or rather nearly everything the business entails. Get advices from successful farmers and ask questions about the business well enough. Upon completing the research phase, entrepreneurs can proceed to write a business plan, initiating the planning stage.
2. Decide on Location
At this point, it is clear that the animals can either be moved around or kept in a ranch. Entrepreneurs must now select between either options depending on their budget or financial resources. The two, of course, comes with advantages and disadvantages but the most preferable and safest option is ranching. You can decide to start small with just a few animals on a farm with all the necesarry things available for their care. It is always expensive as opposed to the nomadic system which can also prove to be very stressful for farmers. Whichever way, pick a suitable location that best suits the animals and provide adequate conditions for them.
3. Get the Equipment and Supplies
At this stage, everything necessary for the success of the business, including the animals, is made available. The cattle is the most important thing even for the start of the business. Without it, there’s no point of thinking about the business. The animals can be gotten from large farms. Also, you can acquire supplies like their food and vaccines. Whatever you do pick the one with the best chance of helping the cattle and the business. Other equipment can then be gotten. If using the nomadic system, equipment might not be necessary as the animals constantly move.
4. Employ Labor
If you\’re starting small, labor might not be necessary. As the farm expands, it might require additional workers to facilitate its growth. Employ people with actual skills who will know what to do on the farm.
5. Marketing and Sale of Business
There’s no business that doesn’t need marketing. It simply helps to boost sales. At this stage, the animals are mature and you’re ready to put them or their products out for sale. Visit markets and meat hubs to advertise your products to the retailers. Also, you can decide to visit milk processing companies who are always in need for milk to advertise your product.
Starting any business at all is not easy. Animal husbandry demands a significant amount of effort to achieve an entrepreneur’s goals. Commitment is vital. Cattle farming offers profits only with sufficient hard work.
