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| A poultry farmer feeding chicken |
Poultry farming has become a lucrative venture for many Kenyans, but their success is often measured by more than just the number of birds—it is also measured by the profits. Poultry farmer Harison Omuka checking on his chickens.
Mistakes poultry farmers should avoid
1. Underestimating the importance of resource planning 2. Neglecting to secure emergency funds 3. Inadequate management practices 4. Compromising on nutrition 5. Having insufficient information Kenyan woman starts chicken farming on balcony + View more It is about making smart financial decisions, understanding the intricacies of the market, and, above all, avoiding common money mistakes that can eat into profits. In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Harrison Omuka, a successful poultry farmer, shared some insights on mistakes that farmers can avoid to succeed in poultry farming. 1. Underestimating the importance of resource planning According to Omuka, starting a poultry farm without a solid plan is akin to navigating a ship without a map because resource planning is the compass that guides every successful farmer. “A successful farmer understands the importance of knowing both the available capital and the investment required for the business. This knowledge is the cornerstone of success, enabling the farmer to allocate funds efficiently across all production sectors. Effective resource planning means prioritising expenditures to ensure operational efficiency and, consequently, higher profitability,” said Omuka. 2. Neglecting to secure emergency funds Life’s unpredictability can wreak havoc on even the most meticulously planned poultry operation. Omuka says that many farmers accurately estimate the initial investment needed to start and run a poultry business but fail to account for life’s unpredictability. They fail to account for unforeseen costs, such as spikes in feed prices, medicine, vaccines, or equipment, which can significantly inflate production costs. Establishing a security fund for such instances can safeguard profitability by ensuring resilience when there are market shifts. Additionally, during disease outbreaks or market shifts affecting the demand for poultry products, preparedness can mitigate losses.” 3. Inadequate management practices In the interview with TUKO.co.ke, Omuka emphasised that comprehensive management practices are the backbone of a successful poultry farm. These practices range from implementing robust biosecurity measures to optimising feed and treatment usage. “Effective farm management can reduce disease outbreaks and mortality, leading to higher sales projections and profit margins. Implementing proper biosecurity measures can prevent theft and lower production costs by managing diseases, which is a costly aspect of poultry farming. While treatments for large poultry farms are expensive, robust biosecurity can result in significant savings.” 4. Compromising on nutrition Omuka warned that cutting corners on nutrition may seem like a cost-saving measure, but it can harm bird health and profitability. “Using premium-quality feeds is vital for achieving the desired maturity of birds within the market’s peak season. Poor nutrition slows growth, leading to extended lead times for sales and increased expenses, thus raising production costs. Farmers who miss the market’s peak season due to delayed growth will find themselves at a disadvantage.” Investing in quality nutrition accelerates growth and strengthens the farmer’s position, ensuring profitable operations. 5. Having insufficient information As it is often said, knowledge is power, and according to Omuka, this is truer in poultry farming. The successful farmer warned that operating without proper records, education, or awareness of best practices can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. “Farmers must invest in acquiring knowledge, as well as in equipment, infrastructure, and technology, to run their projects efficiently.” Omuka remarked that poultry farming can be very challenging and disappointing at some point and encouraged farmers that patience, determination, and resilience are the keys to successful poultry ventures.