20 Ways to Make Money on Your Homestead

Homesteading can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be a drain on your finances if you’re not strategic. If you want to turn your homestead into a profitable venture grab a pen and paper, we’re about to explore 20 ways to make money on your homestead. Let’s dive in and unlock the earning potential of your homestead!

How To Save and Make Money

1. Sell Seedlings:

Selling seedlings offers a fantastic opportunity to generate extra income from your homestead, but planning is key. When starting your seeds, increase quantities to accommodate sales and think beyond the basics by offering a diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers to attract a wider customer base. Additionally, consider growing some plants to maturity for a higher price point, and remember that heirloom varieties can command premium prices for their unique seedling qualities.

2. Save and Sell manure: 

Manure management is not just essential to homesteading; it’s a strategic opportunity for generating income. Shift your perspective from viewing manure as waste to recognizing its inherent value as a sought-after byproduct, particularly by organic gardeners seeking both raw and composted options.

Optimize collection by designing animal housing with manure management in mind – elevated systems, like those for rabbits. To maximize profitability, master proper composting techniques or invest in a suitable system that would significantly increases the value of your manure.

3. Selling animal products:

You can sell:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Meat
• Cheese
• Baby animals
• Wool
• Furs (Please check with local laws on selling these types of items. It will vary from state to state.) 
• Hides, pelts, or leather
• Fiber
• Manure
• Honey
• Bees wax and more…

4. Breeding animals:

Breeding animals had proven to be a substantial source of income on my farm. With nearly all eight does delivering twins. It’s worth noting that even a single offspring brought in a significant amount. Breeding consistently was the most profitable thing done on the farm, though it will not be the same for everyone. Furthermore, registered animals bring a premium, and typically, female offspring are more valuable than males, although these market dynamics can shift depending on the specific animal, its pedigree, and its intended use.

5. Stud Service: 

Offering stud service for a registered buck or other quality animal can generate significant supplemental income. I used to rent my buck for a week-long period. By providing breeding for a set fee, the owner of the female gains access to purebred genetics, while I receive payment and a temporary respite from the buck’s care, including coverage of his feed costs during that time. While I typically preferred to visit the prospective farm to assess the facilities and discuss logistics, clients willing to meet the stud fee often demonstrated a commitment to maintaining a healthy farm.

6. Field Rotation: 

Field rotation is a practice of moving your livestock between paddocks so different sections of your fields have time to rest and regrow. This rest period is crucial for regrowth, so the root system has time to grow and build strength. This can save money in the long run by providing food for your livestock for a longer period of time over the seasons. To ensure a sufficient winter feed supply, you can also harvest hay from your pastures.

Our goats played a valuable role in our land management practices, browsing freely across the property, including wooded areas. This natural foraging provided them with a diverse diet while at the same time aiding in vegetation control, even effectively managing plants like poison ivy. Their browsing helped to open up areas, enhancing the overall usability of the land.

Warning: Goats are crafty little things. If they find a small hole at the bottom of a fence, they will find a way to get to the other side. Also, make sure you have a VERY secure latch. Goats will either try to eat your gate latch or learn how to open it. (I know from experience!)

A story from the farm:

The Goat Incident

I’d always prided myself on my goat-wrangling skills. My herd, a crew of Nubians and LaManchas, were the picture of docile contentment most days as they munched on their hay. Or so I thought. One sunny afternoon, I returned home from food shopping, dreaming of a quiet day relaxing on the deck. As I neared my driveway, I saw flashing lights. The officer flagged me down, a look of bewildered exasperation on his face. “Ma’am,” he began, “do you, by any chance, own a herd of…goats?” My heart sank. It wasn’t just a goat that had escaped; it was the entire herd, happily munching on the neighbor’s petunias.

Needless to say, I’d spent the entire afternoon reinforcing the fence, convinced I’d finally created an escape-proof fortress.

Turns out, they’d discovered a tiny gap near the bottom of the fence. – a gap I’d somehow overlooked. Abby, my most mischievous lamancha, a goat with an uncanny knack for finding weaknesses in any structure, was clearly the mastermind. The Officer, a man clearly not used to dealing with livestock, admitted he had no idea what to do with them. It took a lot of apologies to the neighbor, some goat feed, and a promise (or hope rather) that it wouldn’t happen again, to restore order. The officer didn’t seem to mind and got a good chuckle out of it.

The fence inspection that followed was meticulous. I even considered lining the perimeter with motion censored security cameras (kidding).

The goats, meanwhile, looked utterly unrepentant, like they were already planning their next grand escape. I swear, they were probably holding a strategy meeting in the barn as I fixed the fence.

7. Weed out the males:

Male animals around the farm are only suitable for a few things. These include breeding, meat, and work. I don’t keep “pets” on my homestead because it isn’t helpful to me (dogs, cats and some other animals not included).

As I see it, if an animal doesn’t serve a purpose on my farm, it goes to the table, or I sell it. I had an ADGA-Registered male buck; he served a purpose: to breed with the girls or be used for stud services. I had no other attachment to him. He was well taken care of, but let’s face it, he was not very nice and was incredibly smelly.

Roosters are great for meat, or they can fertilize eggs, they also can protect your flock. Later, you can sell the fertilized eggs or the hatched chicks. But, keeping males when they are not serving a purpose only wastes money and resources. So, it is best to sell them or put them on the table as soon as possible.

Another story from the farm

Unexpected Hatchlings on the Homestead

I have a funny story to share before we continue.

One of our hens mysteriously vanished one day. We used to let our chickens and ducks free-range, so we naturally assumed she got taken by a predator. Weeks went by without a trace. Then, while observing the flock, I heard a faint peeping sound. Intrigued, I followed the sound to a pile of scrap wood we were planning to burn. Imagine my surprise when I peered beneath the pile and discovered our missing hen, proudly surrounded by a brood of 19 newly hatched chicks!

Apparently, she had been laying her eggs under there for some time before she disappeared.
Don’t underestimate a hen’s ability to hatch and care for her own chicks, it doesn’t require any fancy equipment. A mama hen will hatch them and keep them warm. The 19 chicks grew strong under mama hens care without a heat lamp, or a special enclosure.

8. Rent Plots Of Land:

I used to live in an area where my property was the third largest in town; it adjoined apartments connected through a patch of my woods. I thought it would be a fantastic idea to rent out plots of my land to the apartment renters who wanted a small garden but didn’t have the land. They would pay me and take care of their plot; I would till and manure it. This approach would increase income. It would also expand the client base through word of mouth in the complex. You can also place ads for plot rentals for the season. You would have to consider the liability involved in this venture if you considered it.

9. Switch to solar: 

Although solar is a significant investment, the payoff can add up to significant savings every year. Though we have played around with this idea, we have yet to put this into practice. I have family close by who installed solar panels. They ended up “gifting” anything they earned in overage to other friends. So, not only do they save on electricity after their initial investment, but they also help others. You can also do this on a smaller scale and use solar in your barns or coops instead of electricity.

Properties with solar power generally will see an increase in property value. With commitment to sustainability and reduction in operating cost due to solar, it become a very high selling point.

The substantial electricity demands of farm equipment like irrigation pumps, ventilation systems, lighting, and machinery often lead to high operational costs. Implementing solar energy directly mitigates these expenses, thereby enhancing your farm’s profitability.

You can also lease your land to a developer as a solar farm which can bring in steady income over the leasing period.

10. Sell Seeds:

Your transplanted seedlings have thrived and have matured into beautiful plants that have provided nutritious goods for you and your family. To continue this success and even generate some income, consider taking a few minutes to save and dry seeds from your strongest and most productive plants. Not only will these saved seeds provide for your next growing season, but you can also package and sell them.

To package and sell them – you can find tiny baggies at a local craft store and use a label maker to clearly label each variety. Selling them at your farm stand, farmers markets, the general store or creating an online store for your farm can bring in a new source of income for your homestead.

11. Use What Nature Gave You:

Nature provides us with so much it is incredible and yet often overlooked.

• Use thick branches for posts and fencing
• Mill your own lumber from trees on your property
• Sell your trees
• Log your own firewood
• Pick up sticks and branches for kindling
• Make medicinal teas
• Make tinctures
• Make syrups
• Sell wildflowers
• Pick wild fruits
• Use grass clippings as mulch
• Use grassy areas to feed animals
• Take up hunting
• Make handmade wreaths
• Sell leaches from a pond (yes, people do this, and they make incredible money.)
• Make herb packets from herbs grown in your garden
• Make essential oils from things found in nature.

12. Sell at The Farmers Market and Farm Stands:

Selling your goods:

• Produce
• Homemade spices
• Homemade gifts
• Sugar scrubs
• Homemade soaps
• Homemade laundry detergents
• Sewn items
• Knitted or crocheted items
• Milk
• Candles
• Flowers
• Dried up corn stalks
• Hay
• Honey
• Essential oils

The list goes on and on. Look at your states website to find out what the stipulations are before you commit to selling items. Each state will have different laws about what you can sell, how much you can sell, what tax is involved, and the cottage laws.

To maximize customer engagement, concentrate your offerings on a few key items. An overly crowded display can overwhelm a customer, causing them to bypass your stand, regardless of its location.

13. Bartering With Other People:

Networking at farmers markets and sharing your farm experiences cultivates valuable relationships that extend beyond simple transactions, often leading to beneficial bartering opportunities. Instead of reaching for your wallet, consider the neighbor who needs hay and can offer help with tasks like tree removal – a true win-win. I’ve personally experienced this, trading raw goats’ milk for a soap mold, eggs for delicious jam, and a homemade meal with friends after working all together outside on a project. Building these connections with fellow homesteaders or friends significantly enriches the journey, opening doors for reciprocal learning and skill development. Even more so, it builds a sense of community and lasting friendships that are truly irreplaceable.

14. Learn Essential Vet Skills:

Veterinary care for farm animals can be a significant expense, whether it involves transporting animals to a clinic or arranging a farm visit. Therefore, understanding common ailments and their proper treatment is crucial for livestock owners. By recognizing early signs and symptoms, you can often times assess the situation yourself and deal with common ailment without consulting a vet.

Having a knowledge of animal husbandry skills is invaluable. For instance, having a readily prepared kidding or birthing kit and contingency plans for issues like maternal rejection can significantly improve outcomes during birthing season. If you are confident with birthing, knowing how to handle serious complications can also save the life of your animal and its baby if a vet isn’t available to assist you.

Knowing how to handle average ailments and give usual injections are crucial for cost savings. Becoming proficient in administering routine annual injections is essential for livestock owners. If you are inexperienced, talking with fellow farm owners at a farmers market can open up doors for learning this vital skill for your own homestead. Furthermore, being able to administer routine care and address minor health issues yourself can significantly reduce veterinary expenses.

While researching and staying informed are essential, never hesitate to seek professional veterinary help when you’re unsure about addressing an animal’s health issue.

15. Sell Homemade Products and Use Skills to Earn Money:

Have you ever considered turning your hobby into a side job? Shifting from casual enjoyment into disciplined work involves a lot of planning; however, if successful, it can evolve into something quite enjoyable in the long run. I used to crochet and make homemade soap in my downtime, selling my creations to a local store. You too can explore selling to local businesses, farmers’ markets, or even set up a farm stand at the end of your driveway. And with the vast availability of online shops, the possibilities to expand your customer base and reach a wider audience are truly limitless.

Some things that you may consider:

• Woodworking
• Forged items
• Metal work
• Soaps
• Lotions
• Balms
• Scrubs
• Clothing
• Furs
• Wool made items
• Food
• Spices
• Homemade gifts
• Farrier service
• Shearing services
• Firewood sales

Often a hobby is very difficult to make money from when you figure in your time, and the supplies needed. It seems like you have to charge a hefty price to make a return. Make sure you do your calculations be sure your profit will yield you a decent return after all is said and done.

High quality handmade items are worth more money. Having a handmade item holds more value than one bought at a local chain store, and they usually last longer.

16. Pick-Your-Own Farm:

What better way to make money than to make a pick-your-own farm. You produce what you would normally grow for your family, then by shifting the labor of harvesting to the customers, a pick-your-own farm can significantly lower operational costs, leading to increase in income.

Great For Pick-Your-Own Farms

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Apples
• Peaches
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Pumpkin

When you have a “Pick-Your-Own farm, make sure that your other items are visibly for sale also. This will increase sales in all areas of your homestead.

17. Selling Maple Products

Running a sugaring operation offers another way to make money. Though it is more labor-intensive, if you have a lot of maple trees, the return can bring in a decent income.

The larger the tree, the more taps you can put into it, generally between one and three. There are three ways to collect sap: bucket collection, gravity collection, and vacuum collection. When I ran a small operation, I always boiled my syrup to taste. However, I have also tried using a hydrometer. The bigger your operation, the more logistics and planning you will need to implement.

One of the first things I did when I bought a homestead was tap trees. At that point, it was for my family, not to sell. I love sugaring. No matter how small the operation, it is fun and rewarding, even if it is just for you and your family. It can save a significant amount over the course of a year, even if you only sugar for your family or use maple syrup in place of sugar in recipes that allow for it.

18. Freezing, Canning, and Preserving:

All of the goodness that has been growing in your garden is now in abundance. What do you do with all of it? One way to save money is to preserve it. Winter squash, potatoes onions, beets, carrots, and garlic are just some of the few veggies that last for a long time if stored properly. Canning and preserving beans, and turning peppers into salsas, turning tomatoes into sauces. The list goes on and on.

Canning: There are two main methods of canning: bath canning, which is suitable for acidic foods such as jellies, jams, pickles, and tomato sauces (it is still recommended to add extra acidity to some items, especially if they are borderline low-acid varieties or if other low-acid ingredients are added, to prevent the risk of botulism). Pressure canning is used for low-acid foods such as vegetables, meats, and soups.

Freezing: Freezing is a method for preserving many vegetables and fruits. Most vegetables require blanching, followed by an ice bath before freezing. It is also recommended to use a salad spinner with some vegetables to ensure as much water as possible has been removed from your vegetables and fruit prior to freezing to prevent them from accumulating freezer burn, turning into a solid brick, or becoming mushy. Some fruits can be frozen directly by being spread out on a tray or cookie sheet (which prevents them from freezing together in a large clump). Once they are frozen I put the fruit into freezer bags and label them.

19. Boarding Animals and Farm Sitting:

Boarding

If you have extra space on your homestead, consider offering animal boarding services. This can become a significant source of revenue. As many homesteaders know, once you have livestock, taking vacations can become a real challenge. Therefore, establishing a boarding facility specifically catering to other homesteaders’ animals could be a valuable and innovative business. Think beyond traditional horse boarding; consider offering temporary care for smaller animals like a small herd of goats, a flock of chickens, or even a few rabbits for a week or two. This unique niche could attract a steady stream of clients within your community.

Farm Sitting

Farm sitting offers another valuable way to help others and potentially yourself. For homesteaders needing to travel, hiring a farm sitter ensures their property and animals remain secure and well-cared for in their absence. Farm sitting can also be structured as a “farm share” arrangement, where the sitter receives a portion of the farm’s produce or other benefits in exchange for their work. Furthermore, if the farm sitter stays on the property, it can provide a change of scenery and a working “vacation” for them as well, offering a break from their own homestead responsibilities while still being productive.

Gain New Skills

Beyond providing care and security, farm sitting can also be an invaluable opportunity to learn new skills. By working on another person’s homestead, you can gain hands-on experience with different animal husbandry practices, gardening techniques, equipment operation, and general farm maintenance. This immersive learning environment can significantly expand your knowledge and confidence in various homesteading skills, potentially saving you time and money on your own property in the long run.

20. Forage:

You might be surprised by the abundance of edible plants and other resources available for foraging on your land.

Some things you could find on your property:

• Blueberries,
• Wild raspberries
• Black berries
• Dandelion
• Mint
• Elderberries
• Nettle
• Crab apples
• Apples
• Rosehips
• Mushrooms
• Parsnip
• Wild garlic

Warning: There are many plants that are poisonous that resemble edible plants. Exercise caution when foraging and always do your research if you are foraging something new that you are unfamiliar with.

Mushrooms can be deadly. I suggest staying away from mushrooms completely unless you have training or are with someone trusted who does.

There are so many more wild edibles waiting to be discovered. A quick search will show you the bounty that grows wild in your local area.

These are just some of the many ways you can earn or save money. If you have other ideas or have done something to earn or save money, please share it in the comments below. I would love to hear from you!

For more homesteading information Check out these links below:

How to Make The Best All-Purpose Cleaner (The Only Cleaner You Need)

How To Make Thanksgiving Shepherd’s Pie (All year around)