Are you looking to turn your homesteading passion into profit? With a bit of creativity and hard work, your small homestead can provide more than just fresh produce and a simpler lifestyle—it can also generate a steady stream of income.
According to the USDA, small farms with gross cash farm income under $350,000 account for 89% of all U.S. farms.1 Many of these small farms are finding innovative ways to diversify their income streams.
Here are 15 ways to earn an extra $1,000 per month right from your own backyard.
1. Sell Farm-Fresh Eggs
Raising chickens not only provides you with a steady supply of fresh eggs but also presents a lucrative business opportunity. Many consumers are willing to pay a premium for farm-fresh eggs from happy, free-range hens. To get started, ensure your chickens have ample space to roam and forage, as this will result in healthier, more flavorful eggs.
On average, a dozen farm-fresh eggs can sell for $4 to $6, depending on your location and the demand in your area. With a flock of just 20 laying hens, you could potentially earn over $1,000 per month.
To maximize your profits, consider offering egg subscriptions or selling at local farmers’ markets and to restaurants that value locally sourced ingredients.
2. Grow & Sell Microgreens
Microgreens, the young seedlings of vegetables and herbs, have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers and gourmet chefs alike. These nutrient-packed greens can be grown year-round in a small space, making them an ideal crop for homesteaders with limited land.
Invest in high-quality seeds, growing trays, and a shelving system with proper lighting. With a setup of just 20 trays, you can harvest up to 40 pounds of microgreens per week, which can sell for $20 to $30 per pound.
By targeting local restaurants, farmers’ markets, and health food stores, you can easily earn over $1,000 monthly with this niche product.
3. Offer Beekeeping Services & Products
Beekeeping not only supports the crucial role of pollinators in our ecosystem but also provides a range of valuable products, such as honey, beeswax, and propolis. As a homesteader with beekeeping expertise, you can offer services like hive rental to local farms and orchards, swarm removal, and beekeeping workshops.
Additionally, you can sell your honey and beeswax products, such as candles, skincare items, and herbal salves. To maximize your profits, focus on creating unique, value-added products and building relationships with local businesses that appreciate artisanal honey and bee-derived goods.
4. Raise & Sell Meat Rabbits
Rabbits are an excellent livestock choice for small homesteads due to their efficient feed-to-meat conversion ratio and minimal space requirements. By raising meat rabbits, you can provide a healthy, sustainable protein source for your family and earn extra income by selling to local consumers and restaurants.
A single doe can produce up to 200 pounds of meat per year, which can sell for $5 to $8 per pound. With just ten breeding does, you can potentially earn over $1,000 per month.
To attract customers, emphasize the health benefits and sustainability of pasture-raised rabbit meat.
5. Create & Sell Handcrafted Soaps & Skincare Products
Turning your homestead’s herbs, beeswax, and other natural ingredients into handcrafted soaps and skincare products can be a rewarding and profitable venture. Many consumers seek out artisanal, eco-friendly alternatives to mass-produced personal care items.
Develop unique recipes using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Invest in professional packaging and branding to showcase your products’ artisanal quality. By selling online, at local markets, and through partnerships with boutiques and gift shops, you can easily generate over $1,000 per month.
Focus on telling your homestead’s story and educating customers about the benefits of natural, handcrafted personal care products.
6. Offer Farm Tours & Workshops
Agritourism is a growing trend that allows homesteaders to share their knowledge and way of life with others while generating income. By offering farm tours and workshops, you can educate visitors about sustainable living practices and provide hands-on experiences that create lasting memories.
Assess your homestead’s unique features and develop engaging, educational experiences around them. You might offer tours of your gardens, animal encounters, cheese-making classes, or seasonal events like pumpkin picking or wreath-making workshops.
Promote your offerings through local tourism boards, social media, and partnerships with schools and community organizations.
7. Grow & Sell Culinary & Medicinal Herbs
Herbs are a high-value crop that can be grown in small spaces, making them ideal for homesteaders with limited land. By focusing on culinary and medicinal herbs, you can tap into the growing demand for fresh, locally grown herbs among chefs, health-conscious consumers, and natural remedy enthusiasts.
Research popular and niche varieties that thrive in your climate. Sell fresh-cut herbs to local restaurants and at farmers’ markets, and offer potted herb plants for home gardeners.
You can also create value-added products like herbal teas, spice blends, and tinctures. Educate your customers about the culinary and health benefits of fresh, locally-grown herbs to build a loyal customer base.
8. Raise & Sell Goat Kids for Meat or Dairy
Goats are versatile livestock that can provide both meat and dairy products, making them an excellent choice for homesteaders looking to diversify their income streams. By raising goat kids for meat or as dairy replacements, you can tap into the growing demand for locally-raised sustainable animal products.
Invest in quality breeding stock and develop a system for efficient breeding, raising, and marketing your animals. Goat kids can sell for $100 to $300 each, depending on the breed and purpose.
To attract customers, emphasize the health benefits and sustainability of pasture-raised goat products and build relationships with local chefs, farmers’ markets, and dairy farms.
9. Sell Homemade Preserves & Baked Goods
Turning your homestead’s fresh produce and eggs into homemade preserves and baked goods can be a delicious way to generate extra income. Many consumers appreciate the taste and quality of artisanal, locally-made food products and are willing to pay a premium for them.
Develop unique recipes that showcase your homestead’s ingredients. Invest in attractive packaging and labeling that tell your story and emphasize the homemade quality of your products.
Focus on building a loyal customer base by consistently delivering high-quality, delicious products and engaging with your community.
10. Offer Heirloom Vegetable & Herb Seedlings
Heirloom vegetables and herbs are prized by gardeners for their unique flavors, colors, and historical significance. By growing and selling heirloom seedlings, you can help preserve biodiversity while tapping into the growing demand for rare and unusual plant varieties.
Research and source seeds for popular and hard-to-find heirloom varieties. Grow your seedlings using organic methods and invest in professional labeling that includes each variety’s history and growing tips.
11. Raise & Sell Pastured Poultry
Pastured poultry, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, are raised on open grassland, resulting in healthier, more flavorful meat compared to conventionally-raised birds. By raising pastured poultry, you can provide a sustainable, high-quality protein source for your family and earn extra income by selling to local consumers and restaurants.
Invest in quality breeding stock and develop a rotational grazing system that allows your birds to forage on fresh pasture. Pastured poultry can sell for $5 to $7 per pound, with a single bird yielding 3 to 5 pounds of meat.
To attract customers, emphasize the superior taste and health benefits of pastured poultry and build relationships with local chefs and farmers’ markets.
12. Create & Sell Natural Dyes & Pigments
Natural dyes and pigments derived from plants, minerals, and insects have been used for centuries to color textiles, art supplies, and cosmetics. As a homesteader, you can tap into the growing demand for eco-friendly, non-toxic dyes by creating and selling your own natural dye products.
Research and experiment with dye-yielding plants that grow well in your area, such as indigo, madder, and weld. Develop unique color palettes and dye recipes that showcase the beauty and versatility of natural dyes.
Offer workshops and tutorials to educate customers about the history and techniques of natural dyeing.
13. Offer Composting Services
Composting is an essential practice for sustainable gardening and farming, but many people lack the space, time, or knowledge to compost their own organic waste. As a homesteader with composting expertise, you can offer composting services to local households and businesses, helping to reduce waste while generating extra income.
Create a system for collecting and processing organic waste from your clients. This may involve providing compost bins, offering regular pickup services, and creating a composting facility on your homestead.
Tell your clients about the environmental benefits of composting and the importance of reducing food waste.
14. Sell Handcrafted Wooden Products
Woodworking is a valuable skill that allows homesteaders to create functional and beautiful items using timber from their own land or locally-sourced wood. By crafting and selling unique wooden products, you can showcase your skills while generating extra income.
Invest in quality tools and develop a signature style that sets your products apart. Consider creating items like cutting boards, furniture, toys, and home decor that appeal to a wide range of customers.
15. Offer Fruit Tree Pruning & Grafting Services
Proper pruning and grafting techniques are essential for maintaining the health and productivity of fruit trees, but many home gardeners and small-scale orchardists lack the knowledge and skills to perform these tasks effectively. As a homesteader with experience in fruit tree care, you can offer pruning and grafting services to help others maximize their harvest while generating extra income.
Offer personalized consultations to assess clients’ trees and develop tailored care plans. Build relationships with local gardening clubs, nurseries, and extension offices to attract new clients and establish yourself as a trusted expert in fruit tree care.
Your small homestead can provide numerous opportunities to generate extra income while pursuing your passion for sustainable living. By exploring these 15 profitable side hustles and finding the ones that best suit your skills, interests, and resources, you can easily earn an additional $1,000 per month or more.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.