Feed and Farm Supply Business Plan

The following plan is based on 16 years of experience, is highly focused and promises to follow a path of prosperity for its owners and staff. It is based on conservative sales figures, and actual sales may be higher. The projections contained herein are authentic and will be used as the budget for the business. Latheethen Feeds, Inc. will show a profit immediately, and will increase sales and profits each year thereafter.

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. is a well-established custom feed store. The company is engaged in the production of custom livestock feeds, bird feed, deer feed, and other animal products in relation to livestock animals, pets, etc. Latheethen Feeds, Inc. has recently expanded its production facility (custom mill) and is well-positioned to market its workroom production beyond its present client base. The company is dedicated to providing the highest quality customer service, meeting the agreed delivery dates, and keeping the sales prices controlled in accordance with ongoing market trends. The focus of this business plan is to identify future target clients, explain our marketing strategy, improve internal procedures so we can substantially increase profitability, and obtain the funding required to expand the business.

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. is located in Pleasantville, Michigan. The company is a privately owned corporation and has been operating for nearly 16 years. The previous owners live next door to the store, and are planning on moving to their retirement home in Northern Michigan, as soon as this business transaction is completed. However, since the current owners and new owners are in fact family, the current owners will be around if needed and to visit on a bi-weekly basis.

The six counties surrounding Latheethen Feeds contain an estimated 14,695 livestock farms, and 20,434 hunters. However, the entire state is an open market once delivery to customers is an option. Latheethen’s would then be in the market to compete for the business of 53,315 farms. USDA records show that a quarter of a billion dollars is spent annually on feed in the State of Michigan by these same farms. The company’s estimated existing share of the nearby market is less than 1%. Previously, the owners have established an estimated $140,000 of the state total on an annual basis. They have accomplished this without any form of advertisement, and without any outside sales. The new owners are focused on growing the business to gain a greater share, $260,000 annually, of the state total.

The marketing research and tailored marketing strategy described in this business plan will result in after-tax profits of $22,806 in Year 1 and increasing to nearly $30,000 in after-tax profits within three years, despite significant new advertising and renovation expenses.

To achieve these goals, Latheethen fields needs funding for two different phases of expansion. We are currently seeking a $15,000 short-term loan, to be repaid within two years. This loan will enable us to purchase a delivery truck, a key element of our new sales and marketing strategy. In early Year 2, we will need a second, long-term loan in the amount of $135,000, to build the area’s premier equine boarding stable. The addition of “Mid-Town Meadows” will not only be another source of revenue, but also another source of feed sales. Mid-Town Meadows will be a comfortable, inviting equine resort designed to make our customers and their horses feel as if they are enjoying VIP services in a world all to themselves. The decor and theme will be rustic (log exterior walls), yet formal (private club house overlooking the enclosed arena). The feed store is already located at the main entrance, next to a cascading water fountain and company signs.

1.1 Objectives

There are five primary objectives by which the success of Latheethen Feeds will be tracked:

1. Maintain 100% of existing customer base by consistent customer service.
2. Expand our customer base through direct referrals and agressive direct sales.
3. Expand our product line gradually, based on customer requests.
4. Expand our custom feed mill to meet the growing sales market.
5. Expand the types of services offered to our customers, as their desires are identified.

1.2 Mission

Latheethen Feeds is a family owned and operated company, dedicated to providing our customers with the best premium products and services on the market. Latheethen’s offers all of our customers the direct personal attention they deserve. Our committment to customer service and satisfaction assures us that our customers are 100% satisfied with our products and services.

1.3 Keys to Success

The primary keys to the success of Latheethen Feeds are as follows:

1. Product freshness and quality.
2. Variety and price.
3. Constant research of industry to keep knowledgeable of market needs.
4. Management: products delivered on time, professional customer service, managing budgets.
5. Constant evaluation of strengths and weaknesses with adjustments made as warranted.