The last time we talked about Chicken Farming we were tackling the issue of markets. The challenges that our members face when it comes to access to markets. Most members now have knowledge of raising chickens-the costs of raising chickens, the various diseases that affects chickens and how to prevent or manage them. A lot of companies in the industry have done well to train new and existing farmers on how to successfully raise chickens.
So knowledge of raising chickens is not an issue, the issue here dear forumite is that of the Markets! How to sell chickens, where, how much and ability to get your monies regularly without having to chase customers who would have defaulted.
Marketing is our number one problem and we have been cracking our heads trying to break the marketing puzzle. The good news is that we have come up with a potential solution to the problem.
Company Formation
We also know that there are several companies, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants that buy chickens. They however only buy from large scale poultry producers. You cannot approach OK Supermarkets and tell them that you would like sell to them 100 chickens, they will simply turn you away because they have no time for farmers with low volumes.
So on our forum we have various farmers who are raising chickens on an individual basis. ZBIN is therefore asking members to come together and form a company. They will supply chickens on credit to this company and the company will in turn sell chickens in bulk to large supermarkets. The company will be responsible for negotiating contracts with supermarkets, restaurants and other large scale buyers.
Farmers benefit by knowing that they have a ready market for their chickens and know that they can receive their money in bulk thus enabling them to plan and concentrate on raising chickens.
Phone Call from South Africa
A few minutes ago I was on the phone talking to a ZBIN member who is based in South Africa. He is an ex buyer who worked for one of the leading supermarkets. He is willing to offer assistance to farmers on branding and setting up of the company, the key contacts and discuss about opportunities and risks in the sector. So we are glad to have expertise on the forum and hope to take advantage of it.
What Next
We will start slowly with just a few serious farmers We are looking at possibly 20-30 farmers on the forum who can provide 1000 to 2000 chickens on a regular basis. With time these farmers can expand their operations or they recruit more members. This initiative is strictly for members who are already doing farming.
To discuss on modalities of doing this, we are inviting chicken farmers based in Harare to get in touch with me on +263 774081808 (strictly no phone calls), Catherine Shava on +263776196313 or Theresa Sithole on +263 772 215 695. We are planning to hold a meeting on the 25th of February in Harare. This will be an opportunity for members to provide input on this initiative. There is no registration fee but you have to be Poultry Farmer.
Muito Obrigado
