You may think that the potential to expand a farming or dairy cow business is quite limited, however, there are many different branches you can explore to help diversify your operation.
In this article, we will explore the 3 ways you can expand your farming business’ growth, from increasing your livestock numbers to creating a campsite on your land, as well as how you can secure the finance you need to make these changes a reality.
Expand your herd
While it may seem like an obvious step, financing herd growth will, naturally, help to grow your farm and dairy cow business.
By taking out affordable finance solutions, you can sustainably grow your dairy herd and increase milk output.
For example, you can lease dairy cattle over an agreed period of time, which removes the pressure of having to make a large upfront investment.
Not only does dairy cattle finance enable you to increase your milk production, allowing you to grow your herd while expanding cash flow, but it could be used to benefit the overall health of your cattle, accessing prime animals to improve genetics and diversity of offspring.
Finance for Farms is a branch of Shire Leasing that specialises in agricultural finance, supporting British farmers in securing dairy cattle and other livestock affordably.
If you’re not sure which finance options are the best for your business, get in touch with our experts today. We’re on hand to find the most suitable, tailored options for your dairy farm business.
Open a farm shop
Expanding your business does not have to involve taking radical action. It can simply mean utilising what potential you already have, for example, selling your own milk or produce.
Consumers love fresh produce, especially if they know it was produced locally, and there is added appeal if it is delivered directly from the farm.
When it comes to deciding what to sell, there are many options, depending on the capacity of your business. The obvious options could include dairy products such as cheese, milk, yoghurts, cream, milkshakes or ice cream.
While it is likely that your main stock will be food, there are also a variety of other items you can sell. For example:
- Cut flowers or confetti
- Wine, cider or beer
- Plants, such as fruit trees, bushes or flowers
- Fleece blankets or jackets
If opening a shop seems too drastic for the first step of expanding your business, a great alternative is to offer a local delivery service for your produce. In addition to funding equipment such as milking equipment, pasteurisers and vending machines, Finance for Farms can also fund vehicles for your dairy farm business.
This option may seem ambitious, due to the fact that it would require a lot of new equipment to launch successfully. However, with a variety of finance solutions available, you can gain access to the equipment you need to get started without having to pay a large upfront cost.
Set up a campsite on your property
Camping has been a long-standing British custom. The land and acres your farm stands on is a fantastic asset, as you may provide space for campers to pitch their tents or vans.You may also choose to provide facilities such as drinking water, electricity, toilets and shower blocks, allowing you to charge a little more.
If this proves successful, you can also upgrade your facilities to provide ‘glamping’ pitches. From glamping pods to caravans, we can make this idea a reality.
Finance Solutions from Shire Leasing
Each of these ideas could be a promising branch for a growing farm business. However, they all require a fair amount of investment.
With tailored finance solutions from Shire Leasing, your business could benefit from:
- Access to New top of the range equipment
- Business growth opportunities while protecting cash reserves
- ability to avoid upfront costs and pay as your use or grow
To help grow sustainably, talk to our friendly team at Finance for Farms; our specialist agricultural finance team are here to help discuss the most suitable finance solutions to support your dairy farm’s growth plans.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about how we can help you support the growth of your farm business, don’t hesitate to contact our team today to discover the available leasing options we can provide.
