There is no shortage of ideas in this list of ways to make money homesteading! If you’re looking for specifics on how you can make money homesteading, you’re in the right place.
Do you have a full-time job, but wish you could make all your money homesteading? Maybe you are thinking of starting your first homestead, or maybe you’ve already started. You’re nestled on some beautiful acreage, and now you’re ready to dive in.
You want to know how you can make some income while homesteading. This new lifestyle can come at a cost, so learning how to supplement your income through your homesteading endeavors is extremely beneficial.
Whether you’re on a large farm or small homestead, it’s always a good idea to add some additional income streams. Growing and raising your own food is a lot of work, but there are plenty of ways to make your work even more worthwhile.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosureย here.
Table of Contents
This post is organized according to different aspects of homesteading. If you’d like to jump quickly to each category, use the table of contents below:
I. Livestock
II. Gardening
III. Services
IV. Artisan/crafts
V. Other
Let’s get into the list!
Making money with livestock
Sell farm fresh eggs
These days, with the cost of grocery store eggs skyrocketing, farm fresh eggs are extremely valuable. If your chickens are producing extra eggs, you could easily sell them for at least $5/dozen no matter where you live. And if your chickens are allowed to free range, they may be worth even more.
Hatch chicks
Hatching day-old chicks is a fairly easy way to make money while homesteading. If you have a broody hen, you can usually hatch up to 20 eggs at one time. You can also buy an incubator to hatch even more. For most people, the cost of an incubator pays for itself after 2 or 3 hatching cycles.
Sell hatching eggs
If you have a rooster, but prefer not to hatch the chicks yourself, you can sell fertilized eggs as hatching eggs. They must be clean and fresh at the time of collecting.
Breed and sell heritage chickens
Certain chicken breeds like Australorps and Orpingtons can often be sold for a higher price due to the fact that they are dual-purpose, heritage breeds. It may be worth raising out these types of chickens in order to sell them as laying hens. This way, you get a higher profit margin than you might if you were selling as day-old chicks. You can read more about raising popular chicken breeds here on the blog!
Raise meat chickens and sell the extra meat
Meat chickens are fast-growing, making them perfect for a sustainable meat source. They’re also a great way to make extra money homesteading if you’re already raising and processing them yourself. Try adding a few extra to your flock just so you can sell some of the final product!
Breed and sell piglets
Heritage breeds of piglets in particular tend to command a high price point. A great thing about pigs is that they have a fairly large number of piglets per litter. This makes raising them more profitable, and more rewarding.
Breed and sell rabbits
Rabbits breed quickly and easily, making them a great first step into the world of breeding and selling livestock. Do a little research on what breeds are popular in your area to get the best bang for your buck.
Raise bees
There are so many ways to make money homesteading with bees. You can sell the honey, the beeswax, and any extra hives you may have. Bees are also super interesting and fun.
Breed and sell puppies
Although breeding and selling dogs may require a bit more preparation than other animals, it’s still worth mentioning on this list. Especially if you already want to own livestock guardian dogs like the Great Pyrenees, having a pair and breeding them once a year can earn you quite a bit.
Sell fresh dairy
Farm fresh dairy is always in demand. Just be sure that it’s legal to sell raw dairy directly in your state first. If not, check out the next idea!
Start a herd share
If it’s illegal in your state to sell raw milk by the gallon, then start a herd share (also known as milk share). Using this model, customers pay an initial buy-in (usually refundable) and a regular payment to receive raw dairy from the cow they are a partial owner.
Raise beef cattle
It is shockingly profitable to raise beef cattle. They don’t really require anything other than grass or hay, shelter, and a water source. If you don’t own enough land, you can lease it from someone else. I highly recommend checking out Greg Judy from Green Pastures Farm for great ideas on how to raise grass-fed beef cattle sustainably.
Tan and sell hides
Hides are very valuable and can be sold for a profit. Whether you’re raising rabbits, cattle, or just like to hunt, it may be worth learning to tan your own hides.
Raise sheep and sell wool
Sheep are docile and relatively easy to manage. Consider adding some to your homestead and sell the wool!
Start a worm farm
Running a worm farm can actually be a full-time business. The start up cost is low, and you’ll be feeding your own chickens high-quality protein for free.
Raise quail
Quail are easy to care for, and you don’t need much land (or really any land at all). The eggs can be sold as a food source or hatched and sold as chicks.
Sell bunny berries (or other manure)
Gardeners are actively looking for manure to start their gardens with every spring. Bunny berries are extremely popular because they don’t require composting, meaning they are safe to put on a garden right away. Other types of manure are popular as well. Just be aware that certain types of manure (like cow or horse, for example) require proper composting before being sold as fertilizer.
Raise pastured/grass-fed animals
Labeling the products you sell as being from pastured or grass-fed animals will often increase any profit you make off them. It’s also incredibly sustainable and rewarding for your farm.
Make money through gardening
Grow microgreens
Microgreens an be grown year-round and indoors. It can be as little as 5 days from sewing to harvest, meaning you can grow an abundance of product without it taking a long time.
Sell rare seeds
Rarer plants like luffa gourds or purple beans aren’t really much work to grow. And once you get going with growing these crops, you can harvest an abundance of valuable seeds to sell or barter each spring.
Sell extra compost
If you’re already composting and end up with more than you need for your current gardens, sell the excess!
Sell plant starts
Starting seedlings is fun and easy. They can easily be sold for at least a dollar or two each, which is the same cost as an entire packet of seeds.
Sell flower arrangements
If you love growing flowers for decorative purposes, this can be both a fun creative outlet and money-making opportunity.
Grow and sell herbs
Herbs are some of the easiest things to grow. You can sell bundles of fresh herbs or dry them for packaged herbs.
Set up a produce stand
Whether you’re growing a lot of one thing, or harvesting a variety, setting up a produce stand in a prominent place is a great way to make a little side cash.
Start a u-pick orchard
People flock from every direction to participate in a u-pick orchard. Since customers pay not just for the fruit, but for the experience, it can be a very profitable venture.
Start and sell fruit trees
Alternatively, if you’re into fruit trees, you can easily sell saplings!
Grow and sell mushrooms
When it comes to home-grown produce, mushrooms are considered a specialty item. For a small time and money investment, you can yield a variety of valuable mushrooms to sell.
How to make money homesteading through services
Offer farm tours
Farm tours are a fun experience for families who aren’t exposed to the lifestyle on a daily basis. If you have enough animals and a more extensive operation, consider opening up the farm one day a week and charging one price for your full-service farm tour.
Host photography sessions
If you have even one picturesque area on your farm or homestead, consider renting it as a photo shoot site for a small fee.
Board other animals
Have a large barn and a bit of livestock know-how? Rent out those extra stalls and make an extra buck or two!
Run a bed and breakfast
Bed and breakfasts on a farm site are all the rage right now. If you have the gift of hospitality, this can be a fun way to make a side income and meet some great new people.
Offer CSA boxes
This way to make money homesteading is kind of a cross between a service and selling food via livestock and gardens. CSAs (community supported agriculture) are increasing in demand as more and more people make the decision to buy local.
Rent out a chicken plucker/processing equipment
For a few hundred dollars, you can obtain equipment to process your own chickens. Then, you can rent it out a few times and make that investment back. We have found that there is quite a demand for chicken plucker rentals in our local market.
Rent out heavy farm equipment
You can also rent out larger farm equipment like tractors, hay rakes, etc. for a daily fee.
Learn how to AI (artificially inseminate) or ferrier and sell your services
If you’re fascinated by the anatomy of livestock, you may enjoy learning one of these highly-sought after skills. Most farmers are also willing to pay travel fees for the right AI tech or ferrier.
Draw livestock structures and sell the plans
Plans for structures like chicken tractors or rabbit hutches are in high demand by DIY homesteaders.
Offer farm sitting for other homesteaders
Advertise as a farm sitter for other homesteaders wanting to go on vacation.
Start a sewing alterations business
If you’re skilled at sewing, set up an alterations business for side income. Don’t forget to advertise on social media!
Offer landscaping or mowing services
Charge an hourly fee for landscaping or mowing jobs to make extra cash during the warmer months.
Find ways to creative freelance like photography or writing
Whatever your hobby or skill is, you can find ways to get hired. Check out freelancing sites like Fiverr and offer your services. You can also just let people know on social media that you offer for-hire photography, catering, writing, cleaning, etc.
Artisan/crafting endeavors
Start a bread subscription
This is something I recently started myself with my sourdough bread. I had a decent base of customers wanting fresh-baked sourdough, so I started a subscription! Now my customers pay me monthly and they pick up fresh, homemade bread every week.
Sell baked goods
You can sell cookies, breads, cakes, or other bakery items without much consequence, due to cottage food laws. (Look up local laws in your state just to be sure.) In most states, you can start a home-based bakery having a formally licensed kitchen.
Make and sell candles
This is a bonus item you can make and sell if you are already producing beeswax from your own bees. And even if you don’t, candles are easy and fun to make. Who doesn’t love a non-toxic candle?
Sell small hand-sewn items
Sell simple items like baby burp cloths, dish rags, potholders, headbands, or lanyards if you have some sewing skills. You can do this on Etsy, at craft fairs, at the farmer’s market, or via your own shop.
Sell homemade soaps
Soap can be made and sold using a variety of materials in lots of different shapes, sizes, and scents.
Sell canned goods
Like homemade jams, jellies, flavored honey, relish, and more. You can usually get a local restaurant or shop to carry these kinds of items.
Make garden signs
Custom garden signs like these are cute and easy to sell!
Craft wooden furniture
If you have woodworking skills, you can tap into the handmade/custom furniture market. It can be hard work, but farmhouse furniture is all the rage.
Make and sell chicken coops
Chicken coops are very desirable right now, as many people are acquiring chickens but don’t have the know-how to build coops. You can even make them using scrap materials.
Build and sell greenhouses
If you’re really good at visualizing design, you could offer to build custom greenhouses for people either on or off site.
Spin fiber and sell yarn
There is a whole market for specialty yarn. If you enjoy spinning, you can sell your wool on Etsy or on other platforms.
Sell handmade crochet/knitted items
Do you enjoy crochet or knitting? Sell your potholders, hats, washcloths, and more!
DIY lotions, salves, and other personal care products to sell
Many times as homesteaders we are already making certain personal care products ourselves. Design some pretty labels, start a shop, and sell some of your best concoctions.
Make and sell jewelry
Sell handcrafted jewelry on Etsy, or even on resale sites like Mercari or Poshmark.
Make and sell pottery
If you’re talented at making pottery, consider selling extra pieces or do customs.
Sew quilts or blankets
If you enjoy quilting, start a custom quilting business.
Build custom bird houses
Custom bird houses make great gifts. If you enjoy simple woodworking and want to make a little extra cash, selling them would be a good idea.
Sell goods at craft fairs
Craft fairs are becoming more and more popular, especially around the holidays. Do some research as to what fairs are going on in your area, and bring your items/goods to sell!
Learn blacksmithing and sell knives and metal decor
Blacksmithing is a special skill to have. Learn how to do it and sell metal items for a good price.
Other ways to make money homesteading
Looking for more out-of-the-box ways to make money homesteading? Here are a few more you may or may not have thought of.
Write a blog
Despite what some people say, blogging isn’t dead. As long as people are searching Google or duckduckgo, blogging will continue to be a thing! I learned exactly how to start this blog via the course Create Your Blog Dream. I highly recommend investing in it if you’re serious about making money blogging!
Build a farm stand
You can build a farm stand to set up on your own land to sell any excess goods. Make it cute and watch your extra eggs, produce, or flowers fly off the shelves!
Run a short-term rental (AirBNB/VRBO)
Short-term rentals are a lucrative business. Almost any site on your homestead can be turned into a rental, including a spare room, barn loft, campsite, or RV.
Start a YouTube channel
YouTubing as a modern homesteader (you can check out my own channel here) can be both fun and profitable. Start making regular videos and you may find yourself monetizing in no time.
Join farmers’ markets
Farmers markets are a wonderful way to sell virtually any good you are producing on your homestead. You can also meet a lot of great people and establish a solid customer base.
Cut and sell hay
If you have extra pasture, cut hay and sell it by the bale. You can buy your own equipment or rent it.
Lease extra pasture
If you aren’t ready to raise your own beef cattle, lease your extra pasture and let someone else do it! It’s better for your excess land to earn you something than for it to sit unused.
Offer hipcamp sites
If you’ve never heard of Hipcamp, it’s an actual website where you can rent out unique camp sites with special features. Homesteads and farms make wonderful campsites and it’s an easy way for you to earn side income.
Offer in-person classes or workshops
Are you good at knitting? Baking sourdough? Processing chickens? Offer an in-person class to the locals for a one-time fee.
Create an online course
Online courses are lucrative and allow you to package up your knowledge, teach it once, and sell it over and over.
Have a sawmill and sell lumber
Live in the woods? While it is an investment, it may be worth your while to purchase a sawmill. Not only can you sell extra lumber for a pretty penny, but you’ll also have it for your own personal uses around the homestead.
Sell firewood
A self-explanatory way to make money from the excess trees on your homestead.
Sell dehydrated foods
Purchase a dehydrator if you don’t already own one, and package your own jerky, dried fruits, herbs, and more for sale.
Write a book
Writing a book may seem daunting, but as a homesteader, you undoubtedly have skills or experiences worth putting into words.
Start a resale business
Anyone can thrift or find yard sale items for cheap and resell them for a profit on platforms like eBay or Mercari. This is a fun and easy way to make a little side money.
Recycle scrap metal
Pick up other people’s scrap metal or recycle your own for a little bit of cash.
Start a pumpkin patch
Families flock from all over to pumpkin patches during the fall. You can plan now to grow a bunch of pumpkins to sell next year! Start a website, advertise on social media, and make it an experience.
I hope you were inspired by this list of ways to make money homesteading. Hopefully you now see the endless opportunities to earn a full-time income, even on just a small farm. Now, it’s time to get to work!
More Homesteading Inspiration:
12 Benefits of Raising Chickens In Your Backyard
How To Stop Chickens From Pecking Holes in Their Eggs
How To Make Butter From Raw Milk
Christian Homesteading: A Story of Community
Tiffany is a mama to four boys, second generation homeschooler, and college graduate with degrees in both music and business. Now, she is a natural living and homestead enthusiast who loves gardening and raising chickens, pigs, and cows. A lifelong believer in Jesus, she has a burning desire to bring Him glory in everything she does. A worship leader and musician, she also loves to write songs and play the piano in what spare time she finds.
Lots of great ideas! Pretty soon these will be my full time gig.
So many great ideas! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Tiffany. Lots of ideas, I created a list. How long have you been blogging? i see lots of ads on your site. Great work.
What an amazing post! I love this. We want to become homesteaders one day, so having this info and knowing what to focus on is so helpful. Thank you!
Great ideas! SO nice to have so many all in one place. I would love to do so many of these, I just don’t know how to get the word out in my tiny community. But thanks for giving me the courage to try.