Paul, a former high school teacher, made a pivotal decision to leave his teaching career and venture into dairy farming, a move that has proven vastly more profitable.
Today, Paul’s income has tripled compared to his previous salary, owing to his unwavering dedication and innovative approach to agricultural business.
Paul’s journey into dairy farming began after spending four years in education. Frustrated by the financial constraints of teaching, he invested his savings in a 50 by 100 plot of land. With this modest piece of land, Paul constructed basic facilities and purchased his first Ayrshire cow, which could produce up to 10 liters of milk post-calving.
Seeking higher yields, Paul later opted for a Friesian cow, capable of yielding up to 18 liters of milk per calving. Transitioning from teaching to farming presented challenges, necessitating Paul to acquire new skills in dairy farming through training and mentorship from seasoned farmers. His persistence paid off as he gradually enhanced his farming techniques and productivity.
Paul encountered significant obstacles along the way, particularly in managing diseases like mastitis, a costly ailment in dairy farming. Addressing this challenge required Paul to secure an Ksh 80,000 loan from a SACCO to rebuild poorly constructed sheds, ensuring healthier conditions for his cows.
To further optimize his operations, Paul devised his own cost-effective feed formulations using maize germ, wheat bran, pollard, and supplements such as cottonseed cake, canola, sunflower, and fish meal. This initiative not only reduced expenses but also bolstered the health and productivity of his livestock.
The financial benefits of dairy farming soon became apparent, with Paul now earning three times his former teaching income. Reflecting on the contrasts between his previous career and farming, Paul highlighted the immediate financial rewards of selling milk compared to waiting for a monthly salary.
Beyond milk sales, Paul diversified his income streams by selling manure and calves. Stressing the importance of meticulous record-keeping, Paul emphasized its role in monitoring the health and productivity of his cows, enabling him to identify unprofitable ventures and optimize his operations effectively.
