Requisites of A Successful Dairy Farmer

Anyone opting to go in for dairy farming must have a genuine love for the welfare of cows and buffaloes as dairying requires long hours of tiring and harsh work without there being any holiday. Further to be a successful dairy farmer one must have a good knowledge about all aspects of scientific management of dairy animals as well as management of dairy business. The selection, breeding, feeding, management, housing and healthcare requirements of high grade crossbred cows and genetically superior buffaloes are different in many respects from our traditional methods of cattle rearing.

The dairy production on commercial scale with a high degree of mechanization and automation of operations necessitates a thorough understanding of the basic and applied aspects of animal management as well as the knowledge of operation and maintenance of farm machinery and equipment. Therefore the aspiring entrepreneur must acquaint himself with the essentials of scientific dairy cattle and buffalo management through training from agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Central Institutes or any other competent agency before venturing into this business. Alternatively services of professionals in the field can be hired if one is interested to set up a medium to large farm.  Further one should have the practical experience of working with the animals and the ability to do the job on the farm with one’s own hands is a must if one wants to prosper in dairying.

Dairy farming is best suited both for uneducated and the educated unemployed rural youth as they may already be possessing some experience of working with the animals and they may also be owning some land for setting up the dairy farm. Dairying is a capital- intensive enterprise and the required capital for the purpose may not be available with these rural youth. However, the needed capital can be raised through loans from the banks and other development agencies by these potential dairy farm entrepreneurs.

With the proliferation of milk processing plants in the country in recent years owing to liberalization of economy and the income from dairying being tax free, many people from business and industry has shown keen interest in setting up of large dairy farms. These business firms have the required capital with them and are in a position to hire technical services to manage the farm.  Some such firms have already set up modern commercial dairy farms in different parts of country and are successfully running their dairy business. The success of these farms shall serve as a big motivation and a guide to others who may be willing to enter into this field.

• Setting Up a Dairy Farm What Do We Need To Know
• Location of The Dairy Farm
• Choice of Dairy Animal
• Number of Animals To Start With
• Land Requirement for Dairy Farm
• Feeds and Fodder Required
• Labour Required for Dairy Farming
• Machinery and Equipment Required