sample business plan for small stock farming

Livestock Farming Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Livestock Farming Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Livestock 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 Livestock Farms.

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

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Bear Creek Farms is a new livestock farm located just outside of Austin, Texas, near Bear Creek. The company operates a 1000-acre farm that is home to hundreds of pastured cattle, pigs, and sheep. The farm will produce milk, cheese, and meat to sell to grocery stores, restaurants, and individuals located in the Austin area. We aim to be the largest producer of meat and dairy in the region in the next decade, all while keeping our commitment to raising our livestock ethically and sustainably.

Bear Creek Farms is founded and run by Barry Ellis. Barry has worked on local farms for the past ten years, starting off as a farm hand and working his way into a farm operations manager position. As such, Barry has extensive experience running a livestock farm and will be able to make Bear Creek Farms one of the most profitable farms in the region.

Product Offering

Bear Creek Farms will be involved in the commercial breeding and care of cattle, pigs, and sheep to provide the following products:

Customer Focus

Bear Creek Farms will target all residents living in Austin, Texas, and the surrounding areas. We will primarily target local grocery stores and restaurants but will also offer an online store where local residents can purchase our products directly from the farm.

Management Team

Bear Creek Farms is founded and run by Barry Ellis. Barry has worked in the livestock farming industry for over a decade, starting off as a farmhand and working his way up into a management position. As such, he has extensive experience in running a livestock farm as well as considerable knowledge of the industry. He is committed to running the farm with a strict code of ethics and sustainability practices, which will help us stand out from the competition. His leadership experience and industry expertise will be the farm’s greatest assets.

Success Factors

Bear Creek Farms will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

There is a high demand for meat and milk in the community. The demand is currently not being met by local and regional farms.
Bear Creek Farms will employ a team of friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified farmhands.
The farm will be a major producer of several meat and dairy products to cater to a wide demographic.
Bear Creek Farms will offer the best pricing in town. The pricing structure is the most cost-effective when compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

Bear Creek Farms is currently seeking $1,000,000 to start the company. The funding will be dedicated to securing the farmland and purchasing the necessary equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include the payroll of the staff and marketing costs for the farm. The breakout of the funding is below:

Land and Equipment: $500,000
Livestock Care Supplies: $200,000
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 Bear Creek Farms.

Bear Creek Farms Pro Forma Financial Projections

Company Overview

Who is bear creek farms.

Bear Creek Farms is a new livestock farm located just outside of Austin, Texas. Our mission is to become the largest supplier of meat and dairy products in the region over the next decade. The region is currently experiencing a shortage, and local farms cannot keep up with demand. Our farm will help meet this demand but also provide locals with better products that are priced moderately. The residents of Austin will soon learn that we offer the best meat and dairy products, making us the most popular farm in the region.

Bear Creek Farms will commit itself to a strong code of ethics and sustainable practices. This will ensure that all livestock are well cared for and that our products are of the highest quality. It will also ensure that our farm continues to operate efficiently for decades to come.

Bear Creek Farms History

Barry incorporated Bear Creek Farms as an S corporation on May 1st, 2023. Barry has selected an initial location and is currently undergoing due diligence on it and the local market to assess if it is a suitable location for a commercial livestock farm.

Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:

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

Bear Creek Farms Services

Bear Creek Farms will be home to hundreds of cattle, sheep, and pigs. All livestock will be pastured and treated with great care. The farm will adhere to a strict set of ethics and sustainable practices.

We will raise all of the livestock to produce meat and dairy products. Some of these products will include:

Industry Analysis

Bear Creek Farms competes against large-scale livestock farmers in the U.S. The livestock industry remains in strong demand as meat is a common staple in most Americans’ diets.

The improved living standards for many people in the country have resulted in a shift in meat preferences, with most choosing beef-based products rather than products derived from pork and chicken. Farms that understand these changing diet trends will have a competitive advantage by offering their target market the exact products they demand.

The livestock production industry faces many challenges, including droughts/climate change, rising labor costs, the price of feed, and the increasing popularity of plant-based diets. The primary factor that works in the industry’s favor is the rapid improvement of farming technology and automation.

Despite these challenges, the livestock industry is still going strong. According to Markets and Markets, the precision livestock industry was valued at $5.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.99% from now until 2030. This projected growth shows that Bear Creek Farms is sure to be a very profitable and successful business.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market, customer segmentation.

Bear Creek Farms will primarily target the following customer profiles:

Local meat and dairy consumers
Grocery stores
Restaurants

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Bear Creek Farms will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Lone Star Livestock Farms

Lone Star Livestock Farms is one of the largest livestock farms in the state of Texas. The company boasts an 8,000-ha farm that is home to thousands of livestock. Lone Star Livestock Farms also has well-established relationships with local retailers and is one of the most popular producers of meat and dairy in the region. Lone Star has been in operation for nearly 50 years and has automated equipment and machines that consistently improve operations.

Rolling Hills Farm

Rolling Hills Farm has been a major cattle farm in Texas since 1990. The farm provides excellent quality beef at an affordable price due to its advanced machinery and automated processes. Rolling Hills products can be found in nearly every grocery store and restaurant in the region. The farm also has a large distribution network that can serve customers up to a 500-mile radius. Since Rolling Hills Farm only produces beef, steak, and milk, it will only be a competitor for target markets that buy these products.

SW Livestock, Inc.

SW Livestock, Inc. has been in business for the past 50 years and enjoys great success. SW Livestock, Inc. is one of the largest livestock producers in the southern half of the United States, and its products can be found in nearly every grocery store across 15 states. The farm produces a wide variety of products, including milk, beef, steak, bacon, and pork. SW Livestock, Inc. is an enormous operation, making it our largest competitor.

Competitive Advantage

Bear Creek Farms will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Management : The company’s management team has years of farm and marketing experience that allows them to market and serve customers in an improved and more sophisticated manner than the competitors.
Relationships : Having lived in the community for 20 years, Barry Ellis knows all of the local leaders, media, and other influencers. As such, it will be relatively easy for Bear Creek Farms to build brand awareness and an initial customer base.
Quality products at affordable pricing : The company will provide quality meat and dairy products at affordable pricing.
Sustainable packaging : Bear Creek Farms will utilize product-oriented packaging materials that can reduce the damage to the products at the time of supply. The packaging will also be made from sustainable materials to keep our farm’s commitment to sustainability.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Bear Creek Farms will offer a unique value proposition to its clientele:

Efficient and quick delivery network
Quality, sustainable packaging
Delicious, high-quality products at a moderate price
Excellent customer service and long-lasting client relationships

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Bear Creek Farms 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 livestock and creating educational content about the industry.

Website/SEO Marketing

Bear Creek Farms will develop a professional website that showcases pictures of the farm and its livestock. 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

Barry Ellis has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by living and working in the livestock farming industry. Since a number of local livestock farms have ceased operations, they have committed to Barry that Bear Creek Farms will be their livestock supplier. They trust his work ethic and commitment to the local community.

Bear Creek Farms will highlight our location, livestock, and products on a major billboard facing the busiest highway in town. The billboard will provide the location of Bear Creek Farms and the website URL.

Bear Creek Farms’ 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 Bear Creek Farms. Operation Functions:

Barry Ellis will be the Owner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage the general operations of the farm. Barry has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
Jane Silver– Accountant who will manage all client invoicing, billing, and payables.
Michelle Vance – Marketing Assistant who will run all the marketing and promotions campaigns.
Eric Mason– Head Farmhand who will oversee the farming staff and day-to-day operations.
Rebecca Wright– Distribution Manager who will oversee the packaging and distribution of all products.
Over the next several months, Barry and Eric will hire several farmhands to help manage the livestock and the farm.

Milestones:

Bear Creek Farms will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

6/2023 – Finalize purchase of farmland
7/2023 – Purchase farm equipment, supplies, and materials
8/2023 – Finalize contracts for grocery store chains and restaurant clients
9/2023 – Purchase initial livestock
10/2023 – Hire and train farm staff
11/2023 – Bear Creek Farms begins farm operations

Though Barry has never run a business himself, he has been in the industry long enough to develop an in-depth knowledge of the operations and administrative sides of the business. He will hire other professionals who can help with the other aspects of the business he is unfamiliar with, such as marketing and accounting.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

Bear Creek Farms’ revenues will come from the sales of 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 Bear Creek Farms to hire experienced workers. In the initial years, the company’s marketing spending 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 to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and pay off the startup business loan.

Number of Cows: 100
Number of Pigs: 200
Number of Sheep: 250
Average Revenue per Animal: $500
Number of Products Sold Per Year: 100,000

Financial Projections

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

A livestock farming business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your livestock 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 Livestock Farming business plan using our Livestock Farming Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Livestock Farming Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of livestock farming businesses , some examples include: Cattle Ranching, Sheep Farming, Chicken Farming, and Hog Farming.

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

Livestock 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 Livestock Farming Business?

Starting a livestock 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 Livestock Farming Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed livestock 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 livestock 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 livestock farming business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Livestock Farming Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your livestock 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 livestock 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 Livestock Farming Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your livestock 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 livestock 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.

[Pdf Sample] Livestock Farming Business Plan Docx

In the world of agriculture, livestock farming is a prominent and profitable venture. It involves the rearing and management of animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry for various purposes.

Livestock Farming Business Plan Proposal Docx

To write a business plan , here is a breakdown of how it should be structured and what should be in each category. After this instruction, I will provide you with a sample of one I wrote for my farm also subsequently as we go, so, let us go:

Executive Summary

Company overview.

In this section, you will introduce Agrolearners.com and provide a brief background of your livestock farming business . Describe the mission and vision of your company, along with its core values. Explain the goals and objectives you aim to achieve through your livestock farming operations.

Market Analysis

Livestock selection.

Choose the livestock species and breeds that align with your business goals and market demand. Consider factors such as adaptability to local conditions, market value, and potential for growth and profitability. Outline the specific breeds you plan to raise and justify your choices based on market research.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Feed and nutrition.

Detail the feed and nutrition requirements for your livestock. Outline the types of feed and forage you will provide, including any additional supplements or concentrates. Highlight your approach to feed formulation , sourcing, and quality control. Emphasize the importance of a balanced diet for optimal growth and productivity .

Breeding and Genetics

Health and disease management.

Livestock health is crucial for the success of your farming business . Outline your health management practices, including vaccination schedules , deworming protocols, and disease surveillance. Emphasize the importance of biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases. Establish a working relationship with a veterinarian to ensure regular health check-ups and prompt treatment when needed.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

Financial projections.

Provide a detailed financial analysis and projections for your livestock farming business . Include an income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet. Project your revenue streams, expenses, and profitability over a specific period. Consider factors such as initial investment, operational costs, pricing, and market demand. Use realistic assumptions and provide a sensitivity analysis to assess the financial viability of your business.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Here is the Download Link to a sample of the Business Plan For Livestock Farming prepared By Agrolearner.com

How do I write a business plan for Animal Farm?

Discuss your farm’s infrastructure, facilities, feed and nutrition plans, health and disease management protocols, marketing and sales strategies, and financial projections. Finally, evaluate risks, create an implementation plan, and conclude by summarizing key points and expressing confidence in the success of your animal farm .

How do I write a business plan for a cattle farm?

Discuss feed and nutrition plans, health and disease management protocols, marketing and sales strategies, and financial projections. Evaluate risks, create an implementation plan, and conclude by summarizing key points.

What is the best livestock business?

Poultry Farming: The demand for chicken and eggs is consistently high, making poultry farming a profitable venture. It requires relatively less land and can yield quick returns.

Pig Farming: Pig farming can be profitable due to the high demand for pork products. However, it requires careful management and attention to disease prevention.

Through diligent execution, collaboration with industry experts, and continuous improvement, Agrolearners.com aims to contribute to the agricultural community while achieving long-term profitability and success.