Getting a goverment grant for a chicken house
January 22nd, 2011Government Grants and agricultural loans
Yellow Door Poultry House
Securing a government grant or agricultural loan in South Africa for poultry farming is not easy. Unfortunately the grants are often given on the basis of who you know and not what you know. Back handed payments to government officials is often the norm. Beware of people offering to do it for you – it will cost you dearly as they take a big chunk of your government loan.
In saying this, it is not impossible. There are many small South African chicken farmers who have benefited from the government chicken loan programme. Food security is is an issue all over the world and the South is aware and actively supporting new farmers with loans and grants.
Chicken farming loans and grants are best applied for through you local town council. The grants are issued on a provincial level. They will usually be for a chicken house and poultry equipment. The agricultural loan is also for chickens and chicken feed – sometimes for as long as the first year of the poultry farm. You will need a business plan – a place to start is SEDA – they can advise on the best way to get a loan. As far as I know money is not lent for buying land. The best poultry house on the market at the moment is the “Yellow Door Chicken House” built by Chicken Shack Agencies. The house is sturdy and the equipment they supply is world class. Watch out for sub standard chicken houses – the prices look fantastic but the actual steel structure is flimsy and will not last. To find out how many chickens you can put in a chicken house read the article! You will need to find poultry suppliers for all the different aspects if you want to secure an Agricultural loan – the poultry equipment, houses, and livestock should all be included in you poultry farming business plan. You will need to get 3 quotes on everything you need – choose your suppliers carefully – you will need to develop a good relationship with them for the future. Watch out for middle men who offer organise the loan for you – they generally skim at least 30% off of your grant, and some times as much as 80%.