Operation Iron Stomach
Executive Summary
The Research Verdict: We are in the "Premium Protein" business, not the "Bug" or "Plant" business.
Operation Iron Stomach abandons low-margin/high-labor models (retail bugs, cactus farming) to focus entirely on a single, high-efficiency biological machine. We convert free local waste streams into the highest-value legal protein product in Arizona: Insect-Fed, Omega-3 Jumbo Quail.
The "Kill List" (Strategic Pivot)
STOP DOING THESE THINGS immediately. Research proves they are distractions or low-ROI.
- Retail Bug Sales: Research confirms this is a $2-5/hr wage trap. Stop trying to compete with PetSmart. Bugs are now purely infrastructure.
- The "Cactus Farm": 160 buckets of Opuntia yield pennies per square foot compared to meat/eggs. The math is devastating. Keep only high-value specimens.
- "CanaFrass" Brand: The fertilizer market is saturated. Customer education is too expensive. We will not bag and brand poop. We use it or bulk sell it.
The Iron Stomach Ecosystem
Step 1: The Engine (Input)
Goal: $0 Feed Cost Base.
- Mechanism: Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) Bioreactor.
- Location: The Barn (200 sq ft).
- Input: 1,000+ lbs/month of free waste from local Mexican restaurants & Juice Bars.
- Research Validation: BSFL convert waste faster than any other method and provide the perfect calcium/protein ratio for laying birds.
Step 2: The Factory (Processing)
Goal: Maximum Revenue per Sq Ft.
- Mechanism: Jumbo Coturnix Quail Flock.
- Location: Area 1 & Area 2 (1,200 sq ft).
- Capacity: ~800 birds (at 1.5 sq ft/bird).
- The "Secret Weapon": 45% of diet is live insects from The Engine. This slashes feed costs by ~40% and boosts nutritional value.
Step 3: The Product (Output)
Goal: Premium Market Positioning.
| Product | Value Prop | Price Point |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 Eggs | Lab-verified 8x Omega-3, Deep Orange Yolks. | $9.00 / dozen |
| Pastured Meat | Insect-fed flavor, Jumbo 7oz size. | $22.00 / lb ($9.63/bird) |
| Pickled Eggs | Shelf-stable, zero waste, high margin. | $15.00 / jar |
Financial Projection (At Scale)
Assumption: Full 800-bird capacity, stable waste inputs.
Monthly Economics
Egg Revenue: 400 Layers × 22 eggs/mo = ~730 doz × $9 = $6,570
Meat Revenue: 400 Meat Birds × $9.63 = $3,852
Total Gross Revenue: ~$10,422 / month
Note: This is conservative. Optimistic models with 100% sell-through push to $17k.
Vs. Previous Models
| Model | Primary Revenue | Est. Monthly Net | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Stomach | Eggs & Meat | ~$7,000 - $12,000 | High (Farming) |
| Cactus Plan | Pads/Fruit | ~$560 | Medium |
| Bug Plan | Live Insects | ~$2,000 | High (Sales Grind) |
Implementation Timeline
Phase 1: Secure the Fuel (Month 1)
- Secure written agreement with 1-2 restaurants for waste pickup.
- Build BSFL bins in Barn.
- Clear Area 1 & 2 of any cactus/garden debris.
Phase 2: Build the Machine (Month 2-3)
- Construct flight pens/housing in Area 1 & 2.
- Source Texas A&M Jumbo genetics (Incubate or Buy Chicks).
- Establish the BSFL colony stability.
Phase 3: Production & Sales (Month 4+)
- Begin feeding insects to birds (Target: Formula 6 diet).
- Launch at farmers markets with "The Insect-Fed Egg" story.
- Reinvest profits into processing equipment (pluckers, scalding, pickling).