Despite the vegetarian movements in many parts of the world, meat lovers are rising in number every day. It has not only turned the attention of agricultural scientists towards sources of meat, but has also given a new dimension to the livestock trade worldwide. Argentina, Brazil and New Zealand, once the hub of milk and meat industry are threatened by rising livestock sectors in other developing world. While the Scandinavian countries are busy in expanding their milk and milk products industry across the world, South Asia is trying to capture the livestock markets of Europe and Middle East. Overall the world food trade balance is tilting fast towards developing world mainly due to the demand of more palatable variety and lesser labor cost inputs. Nevertheless, livestock traders all over the world can change their fortunes by simply carrying out a SWOT analysis of the situation and adjusting accordingly.
While an exporter plans indulging into livestock sector, he must carry out an analysis of various factors in both demand and supply markets, identify the best advertisement mechanism and explore the most promising trade routes. To begin with, understanding and analyzing following is necessary.
a. Consider the size of market before you choose to start your exports. Bigger markets are not necessarily the best places to sell; instead lesser number of competitors should be your preference initially. While it would be difficult to make a niche in a big market, alternatively it will be easier to capture a slot in less competitive area by providing a better variety.
b. Next choose the breed that you want to trade in. People in different areas have different taste preferences and more than anything else people’s taste should be the deciding factor for your choice of breed. Do not forget to include breeds resembling with the most wanted one in the list of your supplies. You can not only cut on your supply costs (as generally the other breeds are most likely to be less expensive) but also count them as your reserve in case you don’t find the required supplies at some time. This is essential in order to keep the market in grip during your bad days and not to allow your competitors to have a clean sweep.
c. Now find your supply areas. While you choose your suppliers, consider their location, commuting route to your rallying point, flock size and general profile of your suppliers. You cannot afford to accommodate ailing and diseased animals as the results would be disastrous. Your supplier should preferably be certified by Veterinary Department of the state.
d. Locating your collection points can be decided on the basis of above factors. While you may have many collection points in country side as an option, try finding a supplier who could deliver the animals to your place initially. It may be expensive, but will rid you of transportation worries and allows you more time to concentrate on more important things in the initial days of your business. You must recruit workers locally. They are inexpensive and can provide you information which may be helpful for your efficient management.
Although the intricacies of business need a lot more to plan, above mentioned guidance can help in establishing an outline of your working plan. It is always advisable to seek help from livestock ministry (if any in your country/state) and commerce ministry before you launch your business activity. A careful planning and a dedicated work are sure to give you initial success, but it is your strategic vision which is ultimately going to decide your fate in livestock export. Like other businesses, you are strongly advised not to be carried away by the territorial limitations. Modern trade focuses on efficiency and competition, and hence calls for beyond the country’s limits thinking; negligence can cause your name a damage that may have long lasting negative repercussions for you.