By purchasing 14 high-yield dairy cows at an average cost of Ksh 145,000 per cow, Paul has not only built a thriving dairy business but has also implemented a smart feeding strategy that ensures maximum profitability.

His secret?

Growing his own Super Napier fodder, which has dramatically reduced feed costs and secured the future of his farm.

While Paul’s gross monthly earnings from selling milk are impressive, he also incurs other expenses critical to running the farm. For instance, he employs three farmhands at a combined monthly salary of Ksh 30,000. Veterinary services, vaccinations, and deworming cost him approximately Ksh 15,000 monthly, while utilities such as water and electricity account for another Ksh 5,000. This brings his total monthly operational costs to about Ksh 50,000, leaving him with a net profit of Ksh 194,440.

The key to sustaining these margins lies in his ability to grow 150 tonnes of Super Napier fodder per acre annually, which eliminates the need to buy expensive maize silage at Ksh 15–20 per kilogram.

Paul’s success is proof to the power of fodder security in dairy farming. Unlike other farmers who struggle with fluctuating feed prices, Paul’s self-reliance ensures he maintains a steady profit. “There’s no serious dairy farming without fodder security,” he says. By reducing feed costs from Ksh 700 per cow per day to just Ksh 300, Paul has proven that investing in sustainable fodder is not just an option—it’s the backbone of profitable dairy farming.

His story is an inspiration for farmers looking to maximize returns while minimizing risks.