I'm a Kenyan father, 56, passionate about dairy farming. Nothing gives me as much joy as looking after my small herd. Sadly, among my chiidren, only my younger son has shown an interest in what I do. I intend to grow the farm so much so that I convince the entire family that farming is a good business and thus join me in it.
My dairy farm has 16 cows (12 milkers, a heifer and three calves). Daily milk sales are in excess of 200 litres, grossing $2,000. However, I have major challenges in feed and water security, as well as a reliable market for my produce. After an unexpected drought hit my home area and the country at large, my maize crop, which I planted for silage, is drying up. With dwindling feed stocks, rationing has led to lower production. I am looking for a $5,000 loan to prepare silage and improve my stock by adding a more improved breed.
The funds will help me to buy chicken eggs for hatching. I will sell the chicks for my family's upkeep and also give some away to needy cases and to encourage the youth to take up agriculture. At some point, I hope to be able to rear chicken to maturity.
Chicken rearing
I'm a Kenyan father, 56, passionate about dairy farming. Nothing gives me as much joy as looking after my small herd. Sadly, among my chiidren, only my younger son has shown an interest in what I do. I intend to grow the farm so much so that I convince the entire family that farming is a good business and thus join me in it.
My dairy farm has 16 cows (12 milkers, a heifer and three calves). Daily milk sales are in excess of 200 litres, grossing $2,000. However, I have major challenges in feed and water security, as well as a reliable market for my produce. After an unexpected drought hit my home area and the country at large, my maize crop, which I planted for silage, is drying up. With dwindling feed stocks, rationing has led to lower production. I am looking for a $5,000 loan to prepare silage and improve my stock by adding a more improved breed.
The funds will help me to buy chicken eggs for hatching. I will sell the chicks for my family's upkeep and also give some away to needy cases and to encourage the youth to take up agriculture. At some point, I hope to be able to rear chicken to maturity.