The existing animals you have now can definitely help bring in an income from your homestead. Whenever I get into a tight spot, this is where I start as I have found it to the easiest way to make money.
If you choose to breed animals, please do so responsibly.
Animal poo for fertilizer (common with alpaca poop)
Raw fiber or yarn from hair animals (sheep, goat, rabbit, alpaca, llama)
Milk (goat, cattle, camel)
Meat
Smoked meat
Host a petting zoo for kids birthday parties
Sell feathers ( I used to make a decent amount selling guinea feathers on ebay- true story)
Honey
Beeswax and wax products
Beehives & nucs
Rent goats for weed control
Raise and sell compost worms
Raise and sell mealworms and starter kits
Homemade Products
Homemade items are always a hit and people love them! You may need to adhere to Cottage Food Laws, so be sure to check into them beforehand.
If you are looking for an outlet to sell your items, consider the farmers markets, Facebook groups, craigslist, local small business, a roadside stand, a booth in a flea market, or Etsy. I also like to check out Etsy for inspiration on things to make and sell.
Baked bread and other goods
Jam, jelly, preserves, and syrups
Canned food
Hand sewn products (from pillowcases to stuffed animals and everything in between!)
Tailor clothing
Soap
Lotion
Balms and salves
Tinctures
Tamales and burritos
Circuit machine things (paper products, decals, etc.)
Embroidery
3D printed products
Knit or crochet items
Sourdough, kombucha or water kefir starters
Exploit Your Garden
Gardens are another great way to use something you probably already have to generate an income. In a recent Backyard Bounty Podcast with Justin Rohner of Agriscaping (airing May 25), we talked about how families can make a full year’s income with a productive quarter or half acre garden.
Seeds
Started plants
Cut flowers and bouquets
Maple syrup (ok, you may not have maple trees in the garden, but you know what I’m getting at here)
Extra garden produce (roadside stand, farmers market)
Grow cannabis or hemp
Create a U Pick farm
Corn maze
Grow mushrooms
Start an orchard
Dried herbs
Make and sell compost
Propagate houseplants
Use Your Land And Buildings
If you have extra land or an especially picturesque space, use it to your advantage!
Buy and flip items (i.e. buy from the thrift store and sell on eBay. Buy new things on sale, free items from Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. Sell on eBay, Amazon, Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, swap meet, etc)
Work from home (do your homework and make sure the company is reputable)
Part Time Jobs (Off The Farm)
If you live in a more populated area or are struggling to make money on your homestead, a part time job off the farm may be a good fit.
What unique skills or training do you have? Maybe you are an artist and can paint pet portraits. Do you have a CDL? Take advantage of any existing skills, training or certifications that you currently have.
If you don’t have any of these, is now a good time to take a class or learn a new trade? Trade classes will likely be the quickest way to an income, unlike a traditional college degree. There are even courses like the Master Gardener training with your local extension office or online courses you can take.
With a healthy dose of motivation (especially if you have the internet), it’s never been easier to make a few extra bucks, have a full side hustle, or turn your homestead into an income. I wish you the best of luck!
What do you do to earn an income on your homestead? Leave a comment below and let me know!
One of the most obvious and traditional ways to make money on a homestead is by selling your produce and farm products. Whether you grow vegetables, fruits, nuts (how long do nuts last?), herbs, or raise livestock and poultry, there's likely a market for your goods.
Try direct-to-consumer marketing and sales tactics like PYOs, CSAs, co-ops, local restaurant sales or farmers markets. Sell your byproducts, “ugly food” or flowers. Tap into the demand for farm education. Use new farming methods to increase your products' value proposition.
While it is possible to generate enough income through farming 20 to 40 acres, in most cases folks approach this as a part-time venture. It is much better to select an income-producing idea that you enjoy and want to do even if no profit is realized.
7. Saffron: The Most Profitable Crop per Acre. Dubbed "red gold", saffron's high market value makes it arguably the most profitable agricultural crop. Though it requires careful cultivation, the potential profits per acre are unmatched, highlighting its viability for small farms looking to maximize their earnings.
Dairy Farming: Dairy farming is one of the most profitable agricultural business ideas. Aside from milk, it also produces manure. There is a high demand for organic dairy products all year round such as milk, cheese, curd, cream and so much more.
For the average family of four, you can expect to grow a year's worth of food on three to five acres. We really do think that five acres is the sweet spot because it allows you to stack your animals and really utilize permaculture practices. One acre for gardens, perennials and fruit trees.
You don't need 100 acres, or even 10, to have the homestead of your dreams. For a single family, 2 to 5 acres is often more than enough to provide everything they need. Anything bigger than that and you may find it's just more trouble to maintain than it's worth.
Another question that frequently comes up in this discussion is “how big does my farm have to be to be considered a farm?” Since property taxes are handled at the local level rather than the federal level, the answer will vary from state to state. Generally speaking, there is no minimum acreage for farm tax exemption.
In some years, the producer makes a profit and can show the amount. According to the IRS, a farmer needs to show a profit 3 out of 5 years, even if the profits are not large. Always showing a loss on your Schedule F, can alert the IRS that the operation may be a hobby and not a for-profit business.
One of the most common and easiest farm animals to raise for profit all around the world are chickens,because these animals are a great source of eggs and meat. They also are considered to be one of the cheapest farm animals to raise because they require very little to no maintenance.
If I had to recommend three homestead projects to focus on first, they would be: create a small vegetable garden, plant trees, and think about irrigation. Edible and/or ornamental trees are a quintessential part of a productive homestead, but they can take a long time to grow!
Overall, with plenty of care and planning, you can cut hundreds of dollars out of your yearly expenses. And this money saved can help you get your dream homestead and get you further along the path to self-reliance when you get there.
The truth is you can be self-sustaining on a 1-acre property but it takes work, education, dedication, and time. So, if you have an oversized lot or small acreage and want to be as sustainable as possible, here are some ideas and suggestions on how to get started creating a self-sufficient homestead.
Limitations on Property Usage: Homestead laws often impose restrictions on the use and development of the property. ...
Reduced Mobility: Homestead property typically requires a certain level of commitment, as it may limit your ability to relocate or sell the property easily.
Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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