How Much Does It Cost to Start a Deer Farming Business?

Aside from the fact that you will spend over $120,000 on land and infrastructure needed for your deer farm, it will cost between $2,500 and $5,000 to buy a good breed of deer, and if you want to start your deer farm with 10 deer, then you will be spending between $25,000 and $50,000.

Give and take, starting a deer farming business will gulp over $300,000. However, there is no standard startup cost for a deer farming business.

A farmer who wants to start a deer farming business may choose to start the business on a small scale with just a few animals right in his or her backyard (if they live in a farming community).

So also, an investor who is interested in starting a deer business may decide to start on a large scale on larger tracts that is ten acres or more. Some factors can influence the cost of starting a deer farming business and that is what we will discuss in this article.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Opening a Deer Farming Business

1. Land Size and Location

The truth is that the amount it will cost you to acquire one acre of land is not the same across different cities hence the location and land size should be considered when planning your budget.

For example, in the U.S., purchasing agricultural land can range from $3,000 to $8,000 per acre, with additional costs for fencing (about $2.50 per linear foot) and site preparation. Of course, larger plots or proximity to urban areas will likely increase how much you will spend on the land.

2. Fencing and Infrastructure

You should be ready to spend money on quality fencing, shelters, and facilities, and these can significantly impact the cost of starting your deer farming business.

For a deer farm, high-tensile electric fencing is often recommended. This type of fence provides effective containment and minimizes injury to the deer. Apart from that, you will spend money on infrastructure that includes handling facilities, shelters, and feeding stations.

3. Deer Breeds and Genetics

It will cost you more to go for high-quality breeding stock or specialized breeds. Most deer farmers usually go for popular deer breeds, and popular deer breeds for farming include White-tailed and Red Deer.

But it is important to note that your choice of deer breeds should depend on the purpose, whether for venison, antler production, or breeding.

Premium breeds with desirable traits, genetics, and potential for antler velvet or larger carcasses may necessitate a greater initial investment.

However, their yield and market value can offset initial costs, contributing to the overall success and profitability of the deer farming business.

4. Feed and Nutrition

Starting a deer farming business requires that you should also have an initial investment for deer feeds. Deer primarily feeds on forages like grasses, legumes, and browse, supplemented with grains and concentrated feeds.

This is an expense you must not neglect because nutrition plays a pivotal role in deer farming, and it can affect the health, reproduction, and antler growth of your deer.

In essence, the cost of specialized deer feed, supplements, and potential variations in dietary requirements will impact your overall expenses.

5. Veterinary Care

The truth is that veterinary care is vital for a deer farming business as it ensures the health, welfare, and productivity of the herd.

No doubt, regular check-ups, disease prevention, and timely intervention contribute to overall herd well-being, which in turn will help minimize the risk of illness outbreaks and ensure compliance with health standards. Trust me, it will cost you a significant amount to have an in-house veterinary doctor on your deer farm.

This is why some start-up deer farms usually contract their veterinary care to a veterinary clinic or veterinary doctor. With that, they will be able to bring down the cost.

6. Regulatory Compliance

Note that starting a deer farming business in the U.S. requires compliance with various regulations. Of course, you will need to obtain the necessary permits from state wildlife agencies, adhere to fencing and handle facility standards, meet health certification requirements, and follow regulations related to transportation, record-keeping, and disease control.

Your ability to meet government regulations may involve expenses for permits, inspections, and compliance measures which will influence the overall cost of starting your deer farming business.

7. Equipment and Machinery

You cannot escape spending a reasonable part of your startup capital on equipment and machinery if you are planning to start a deer farming business.

For example, you will spend money on fencing equipment, handling facilities, feeding stations, watering systems, tractors, trailers, scale and weighing equipment, antler-cutting tools, hoists or winches, dehorning equipment et al. Trust me, your choice as it relates to new or used tools will go a long way to determine how much you will spend.

8. The Cost of Labor

Trust me, hiring skilled personnel for animal care, feeding, and general farm operations will affect how much it will cost you to start the deer farming business.

Of course, the larger your deer farm, the more hands you will need, and the more hands you need, the more you will spend when starting and running the deer farm.

9. Utilities

For a deer farm, you will need to budget for utilities such as water, electricity, heating, ventilation systems, and other costs that can be associated with the facilities you have.

Trust me, the amount you will spend on these utilities will influence what it will cost you to start your deer farming business

10. Insurance

Of course, you know that having business insurance in the United States is mandatory, and for a deer farming business, you will need a comprehensive insurance package.

A comprehensive insurance package for a deer farming business includes property insurance for land and infrastructure, liability coverage for potential accidents or injuries, and livestock insurance to protect against health issues or losses in the deer herd.