Sharing is caring!

Turning your homestead into a source of income is a dream for many, and the good news is, it’s more realistic than you might think. Whether you’re looking for small Homestead Business Ideas to offset costs or want to take on a larger venture, there are plenty of opportunities to look into.

The more I homestead, the more I fall in love with this lifestyle and I am not alone. More and more people are looking for ways to live healthier, simpler lives while becoming more self-sufficient. But here’s the thing—finding ways to make money on your homestead can actually help you take your dream even further.

Take your love of homesteading and share it with others in a way that benefits everyone.

The Homesteading Rules Have Changed

The rules of homesteading aren’t what they used to be. Back in the day, it was all about living way out in the woods, off the grid, and hunting game to keep your family fed. But things have changed—and in a good way!

Now, anyone can adopt a homesteading lifestyle, no matter where they live. You don’t have to go all in to enjoy the benefits. Whether it’s your home, your yard, or just the way you go about your day, you can bring little bits of homesteading into your life. The best part? You get to make it work for you.

Homesteading Means Healthier Living

Homesteading is all about living healthier, and it’s one of the biggest reasons people are jumping on board. When you’re in control of the food you eat and the products you use, it’s so much easier to cut out harmful chemicals and additives.

And here’s the thing—many of these new homesteaders are looking for guidance and resources. That’s where you come in. If you’ve got the skills, you can turn them into a business and help others get started while doing something you’re passionate about.

It’s a pretty great way to combine healthy living with a little entrepreneurship.

Homestead Business Ideas

Here’s how you can turn your homestead into a moneymaker, starting with small, easy homestead business ideas and working up to bigger opportunities. When you know the skills, supplies, and effort needed for each option, you can make the best decision on what’s right for you.

Small Ideas

These options are low-cost, quick to set up, and require minimal upkeep. Perfect if you’re just trying out ways to make an income on your homestead.

Fresh Egg Stand

If you’ve got laying hens, selling eggs is a great way to bring in extra cash. Start small with just a few dozen a week. As word gets out, you can expand and increase production as needed.

• Setup to Sell – Set up a small stand on your property and advertise on local social media groups or community boards. Or you can put a sign in your yard to attract passers-by.
• Supplies – You’ll need cartons, labels, a lock box for cash, and a way to keep eggs cold, such as a cooler or small fridge.
• Effort – Gathering, cleaning, and packaging the eggs will take some time, but it’s a simple task.
• Income Potential – Selling fresh eggs can be a low-cost, scalable way to earn a steady income. With eggs typically selling for $3–$6 per dozen, even a small operation can bring in good earnings. Demand often grows through word of mouth, giving you the opportunity to expand as needed.

Herb Garden Kits

A unique way to make an income is by selling DIY herb garden kits. This is just an example of a DIY product, and the list below will give you an idea of what to expect.

• Setup to Sell – You’ll need to assemble the kits and advertise through social media or online marketplaces.
• Supplies – You’ll need pots, soil, seeds, and potentially some marketing materials like packaging and labels.
• Effort – Assembling the kits may take some time, but it can be done at your own pace and is a great option for those with limited space.
• Income Potential – Selling herb garden kits can be a flexible and profitable side hustle. With kits priced between $30–$50 each, the earnings can add up quickly, especially if you market them well. Since the kits are easy to assemble and require minimal space, it’s an ideal option to scale up based on demand while keeping costs manageable.

100 Pack Egg Cartons Cheap Bulk 12 Count Clear Plastic Egg Containers for Chicken Eggs, Reusable Egg Holder for Home Ranch Farm Commercial Market Display, Plastic Egg Packaging for Craft ProjectsNuanchu 4 Pcs Fresh Egg Stamp Round Wooden Rubber Stamp for Easter Eggs Stamp Sticker Chicken Label Stamp Mini Carton Stamp with Ink Pad for Chicken Coop Stamper Home Farm Supplies(Stylish Style)Dozen Egg Cartons Bulk 12 Count (24)

 

Herb and Vegetable Market Stand

If you have a good-sized garden, consider selling your fresh herbs and vegetables at a local farmers’ market or setting up a stand on your property.

• Setup to Sell – Set up a table or stand to display your products and advertise through social media or flyers.
• Supplies – You’ll need produce baskets, labels, and possibly some marketing materials like business cards or signage.
• Effort – Growing the plants will require time and effort, but the setup and maintenance of the stand are relatively easy.
• Income Potential – Selling fresh herbs and vegetables can be highly profitable with low startup costs. Earnings largely depend on location, demand, and the variety of produce you offer. Farmers’ markets or roadside stands can bring in anywhere from $100–$500 per day during peak seasons.

Homemade Baked Goods or Preserves

Love baking or making jams? Why not turn that passion into extra cash? You can sell your treats at local shops, a farmers market, or even online. You’d be surprised at how many people love to purchase homemade goods.

• Setup to Sell – You’ll need to create a menu of your offerings and advertise through social media or flyers.
• Supplies – Depending on what you’re selling, you may need ingredients, packaging materials, and labels.
• Effort – The amount of effort will vary depending on the complexity of your products and how much you are making. Start out small and see how things go. You can always build your production from there.
• Income Potential – Selling homemade baked goods or preserves can be a rewarding way to earn extra income, especially if you price your items thoughtfully and cater to local demand. With cakes, cookies, or jars of jam selling for $5–$20 each, profits can add up quickly at farmers markets, local shops, or through online orders. Just be sure to account for ingredient and packaging costs when setting your prices to ensure a healthy margin. Starting small allows you to test the waters and scale up as demand grows, making this a flexible and profitable venture.

Medium Ideas

These ideas do require a bigger time investment, but as you grow a name for yourself, it can bring in a very generous income.

Homemade Body Care Products

If you raise dairy goats, you probably have plenty of milk that you can use to make soaps and lotions. These are always popular and can be made in small batches.

• Setup to Sell – You’ll need to create a menu of your products, set up a market online, and advertise through social media or farmers markets.
• Supplies – You’ll need ingredients for making soaps and lotions, tools for making your products, as well as packaging materials and labels.
• Effort – Making the products will take some time and trial and error to perfect them. But once you’ve nailed your process, it can turn into a reliable income stream.
• Income Potential – Selling homemade body care products can be quite profitable, as people are willing to pay premium prices for high-quality, handmade items. With soaps selling for $5–$8 per bar and lotions for $10–$20 per bottle, your earnings depend on factors like your product range, marketing, and where you sell. Local markets could bring in $100–$500 a day, while online orders and repeat customers can provide steady income. Over time, as your reputation grows, there’s room to expand into larger markets or partner with local boutiques, turning this side hustle into a thriving business.

Raise and Sell Beehives or Honey

Beekeeping can be a great way to earn money, offering products like honey or hives that you can sell to other homesteaders.

Selling Honey:

• Setup to Sell – You’ll need a clean area for packaging up honey as well as a stand to sell if you are doing so independently.
• Supplies – Jars, labels, and possibly a honey extractor if you have enough hives to make large amounts of honey.
• Effort – Honey production can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. You’ll need to check on your hives regularly and collect the honey when it’s ready. Then, you’ll have to package and sell it, which can be time-consuming but profitable.
• Income Potential – A single hive can produce anywhere from 30-100 pounds of honey per year, with an average price of $10-$15 per pound. This means you could potentially earn $300-$1500 from a single hive in one year. As you expand your beekeeping operation and gain more hives, your income potential also increases.

Selling Beehives:

• Setup to Sell – Raising bees and selling hives will require a good understanding of beekeeping. You’ll need to have a dedicated area for your hives and the necessary permits from your local government.
• Supplies – As a beekeeper, you’ll need protective gear, hive equipment, and tools for harvesting honey. You may also need to purchase additional bees or queens to maintain healthy hives.
• Effort – Raising bees and producing quality beehives takes time and effort. However, once established, a single healthy hive can produce multiple splits (new hives) that can be sold at a profit. Plus, there is always a demand for bees and beehives among other homesteaders looking to start their own beekeeping journey.
• Income Potential – Depending on the demand in your local area, you could potentially sell a single beehive for anywhere from $100-$300 or more. As you expand and become more experienced, you can increase your prices and potentially make even more money.

Woaiwo-q Clear Hexagon Glass Jars, 12 oz 12 Pack Hexagon Glass Honey Jars with Golden Lids,Wooden Honey Sticks,Bronzy Bee Pendants,Big Tags,15m Jute Twine, Glass Jars for Honey,Foods……WFPLUS 100 Pack 12 x 15 inch 1 Mil Clear Plastic Flat Poly Bags, Clothing Merchandise Bags, for Food, Bread, Dough, Clothes Packaging, Storage, Gift BagCash Box with Lock Key and Money Tray Large Money Box for Cash Register, Metal Lock Box for Money Safe 11.8

 

Crafting and Selling Woodwork

If you have a knack for woodworking, you can use your skills to create and sell handmade wooden products. You can sell furniture, home decor items, or kitchenware such as cutting boards or serving trays.

• Setup to Sell – To get started with selling your woodwork creations, consider setting up an online store on platforms like Etsy or attending local craft fairs and markets. You’ll also need a dedicated workspace with the necessary tools and materials.
• Supplies – Depending on the type of woodwork you specialize in, you may need various types of wood, finishes, and hardware. It’s important to source high-quality materials to ensure the durability and quality of your products.
• Effort – Crafting woodwork requires patience, attention to detail, and skill. It can be time-consuming but ultimately rewarding when you see your creations being enjoyed by customers. Plus, as you gain experience and build a reputation for your work, you can increase prices and potentially turn it into a full-time business venture.
• Income Potential – Depending on the type and complexity of your products, you could potentially sell them for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. As you build a following and increase production, the income potential only continues to grow.

Selling Homemade Cleaners and Toiletries

As more people become conscious of the chemicals in traditional cleaning and personal care products, there is a growing demand for homemade alternatives. If you enjoy making your own natural cleaners and toiletries, you can turn it into a profitable side hustle.

• Setup to Sell – Similar to selling woodwork, you can set up an online store or sell your products at local markets and fairs. You’ll need to invest in quality ingredients and packaging for your products.
• Supplies needed – The supplies needed for homemade cleaners and toiletries can vary depending on the recipes you use. However, some common ingredients include essential oils, vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap. You may also need containers such as spray bottles or jars along with labels.
• Effort – Making homemade cleaners and toiletries requires research, experimentation, and attention to detail. It’s important to ensure your products are safe and effective before selling them to customers.
• Income Potential – Depending on the cost of ingredients and packaging, you can potentially make a significant profit from selling homemade cleaners and toiletries. As you gain a following and perfect your recipes, you could even expand into offering workshops or online courses to teach others how to make their own products.

Bamboo And Birch Pure Castile Soap Liquid Organic, Certified Palm Oil Free Natural Soap, Unscented, 32 ozFels-Naptha Laundry Detergent Bar Soap and Stain Remover Bundle – Includes 2 (5-ounce) Fels Naptha Laundry Bar, Eco Bamboo Laundry Scrub Brush, DIY Laundry Detergent Recipe by FOXTAIL COLLECTIVEZENOWICK 3 Pack/16 Oz Glass Spray Bottles, Refillable Empty Containers with Silicone Sleeve, Upgraded Adjustable Nozzle Spray Bottle Sets for Cleaning, Essential Oils, HairArm & Hammer Baking Soda, 12lbWoeber’s 5 Percent White Distilled Vinegar 1 GallonONUPGO Chalkboard Labels-180pcs Waterproof Reusable Blackboard Stickers with 1 Liquid Chalk Marker for Mason Jars, Parties Decoration, Craft Rooms, Weddings, Storage, Organize Your Home & Kitchen

 

DIY Cleaners and Recipes to Try and Sell

• 15 DIY Cleaner Recipes
• DIY Cleaners From the Amish
• DIY Recipes for the Homestead

Larger Ventures for Serious Income

If you’re ready to make a big commitment, these ambitious ideas could bring in steady income for the long term.

Market Gardening

Market gardening, also known as micro-farming, involves growing fruits and vegetables on a small plot of land and selling them at local farmers’ markets or to restaurants. This is a physically demanding job that requires a significant time commitment, but it can be highly profitable if done correctly.

• Setup to Sell – You’ll need to secure land, invest in equipment and supplies, and establish relationships with potential buyers. This can be a significant upfront cost, but once your garden is established, it can bring in steady income.
• Supplies needed – In addition to land and gardening tools, you’ll also need seeds or seedlings, fertilizer, irrigation system (if not using natural methods), and packaging materials for your produce.
• Effort – Market gardening requires dedication and hard work. You need to be knowledgeable about gardening techniques and willing to put in the time and effort to tend to your crops.
• Income Potential – The demand for locally grown, organic produce is on the rise, making market gardening a potentially lucrative venture. It also allows you to connect with your community and promote sustainable practices.

Selling fruits, vegetables, or flowers at local farmers’ markets or through a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program is a great business for experienced homesteaders. Focus on organic practices and quality produce to build loyal customers.

Animal Husbandry

Raising goats for goat’s milk products, sheep for wool, or even cattle for beef are great ways to monetize your land and skills. However, it’s a big commitment, so make sure you’re prepared for the time and financial investment required.

• Setup to Sell – You can sell items online, at a roadside stand, by word of mouth, or at a farmers market. Where you sell will determine what you need for the setup.
• Supplies needed – You’ll need jars for milk, containers for cheese and other dairy items, and proper packaging to preserve the quality of meat and wool. Additionally, labels and ingredient lists are essential for any products you offer.
• Effort – Animal husbandry requires daily tasks like feeding, cleaning stalls/pens, and monitoring health. If you plan to add a new animal to your homestead to increase your offerings, be sure to do research so you know what is needed for their care.
• Income Potential – Animal husbandry can be a rewarding way to earn money, with profits depending on the type of animals you raise and the demand for your products. Whether you’re selling goat’s milk, wool, or beef, your income could range from a few hundred to even a few thousand dollars. The key is producing high-quality goods, managing costs wisely, and reaching the right customers.

Selling to 4-H Competitors

If you know families involved in 4-H or have kids who participate, selling animals to them can be a great opportunity. The key is to focus on raising high-quality animals because the better the quality, the more you can charge. Building a solid reputation takes time, but it’s worth it. Start small, and as people recognize the quality you offer, you can grow your business and even raise your prices.

• Setup to Sell: Your main task is getting your name out there. Visiting 4-H groups, giving talks, or offering tours of your setup can help build trust and connections. Flyers could work too, but they’re not a must if you’re already networking well.
• Effort: Raising animals for 4-H is similar to regular animal husbandry. You’ll need to put in the same daily commitment to care for and maintain healthy, well-raised animals.
• Income Potential: The income you can earn depends on demand and your reputation. Families are often willing to pay more for top-notch animals for their projects, so this can be a rewarding and profitable venture if you focus on quality and reliability.

Garden Co-op

Turning your love for gardening into a profit is easy with a garden co-op. Members pay for a share of your garden’s harvest, which you divide up weekly or every few days. They enjoy fresh, affordable produce, and you get a steady income from your hard work—a win-win for everyone.

• Supplies Needed: You’ll need a good gardening space, an area to portion out the harvest, and a spot where members can pick up their shares.
• Effort: Running a co-op means daily garden care and staying in touch with members about what’s available and when to pick it up. Communication is key to keeping everything running smoothly.
• Income Potential: What you earn depends on your garden’s size and the number of members you have, but it’s a reliable way to bring in money during the growing season. Plus, any extra produce can be sold at farmers’ markets or to local restaurants for a little extra cash.

The Rules of Running a Small Homestead Business

Before you jump into selling, it’s important to know the basics about operating a small business.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Legal Requirements – Ensure you comply with local laws. This might include registering your business, obtaining permits for selling food, or zoning regulations if you host guests.
• Track Your Finances – Keep detailed records of income and expenses for tax purposes. A simple accounting system or software can help you stay organized.
• Insurance – Depending on your venture, you might need liability insurance to protect yourself and your business.
• Farm Branding – Create a logo, social media accounts, or a simple website to help market your products and services. Being professional sets you apart from the crowd.

Starting a homestead business definitely takes some effort, but it’s such a rewarding way to support your lifestyle while sharing your skills with others. Whether you ease into it with something simple, like selling fresh eggs, or go big with a full-scale food co-op, the key is figuring out what works best for you and your family.

Pick one homestead business idea to start with, and as you grow, so will your income and setup. Before you know it, you could have a thriving business that supports not just your homestead, but your entire family too.

More Homesteading Guides to Check out:

• Homestead Layout
• Homesteading Basics
• Best Animals for Homesteading