Become a Hired Scythe

There is something magical about the sound of a well honed scythe blade sliding across the grass.  That scything is infinitely better for both the environment and the land itself is an added bonus.  Many people are drawn to this, one of the skills of the “old ways,” but scything is a true skilled trade and not many people can do it themselves.  This is where you can come in, by offering your services as a hired scythe.

Lands managed by scything tend to improve in health over time.  Scything is also ideal for places where machinery can’t get, such as in wet areas or steep hills.  Because of its nearly nonexistent environmental impact, scything is appealing to the environmentally conscious among us, so you’ll probably find more demand for a hired scythe near urban areas.

Niche markets without a lot of supply are perfect money makers if you find the right area and marketing.  A hired scythe could draw demand from all around once word gets out.  You aren’t likely to have a lot of competition, either.
Continue reading “Become a Hired Scythe”

Make and Sell Colloidal Silver

I’ve been meaning to buy a colloidal silver generator for a few years now. The cost of buying commercially prepared silver is the only reason we don’t use it more. As it turns out, that’s a barrier for a lot of other people too, but lower priced, independent sellers can definitely find their niche in the colloidal silver market.

In researching for purchasing my own generator, I joined some Facebook groups and discovered that a surprising number of people are still more interested in buying it made than making their own. Having also bartered for locally made colloidal silver in the past, I think making and selling colloidal silver could definitely be a small side income that opens the door to a bigger business, perhaps selling herbs or finished herbal tinctures and salves. Continue reading “Make and Sell Colloidal Silver”

Start a Babysitting Business

Affordable, trustworthy childcare is getting harder to find. If you have the time and space, starting a babysitting business may be an excellent side business, freeing you up to pursue other farming ventures.

If you have children already, you probably have what you need to start a babysitting business in your home. If you don’t already have children, you may find it easier to go to other people’s homes to babysit. There is demand for both of these models.

The main consideration on whether or not this will work for you is state licensing requirements. Some states require no special licensing if you watch a limited number of children in your own home while others may require you to operate under a daycare license. It is critical to look into this before getting started to avoid potential legal issues. Insurance is another consideration – if you have to disclose your babysitting business to your insurance company, they may require you to add liability insurance. It’s a good idea to have this anyway, but that’s a topic for another day. Continue reading “Start a Babysitting Business”

Sell Bagged Chicken Manure on eBay

In another of those, “Do they really do that?” episodes, we have bagged chicken manure. And yes, they do. Take a look at these search results on eBay to see that not only are people listing chicken manure for sale, they’re also selling it at pretty high numbers. One seller is selling what fits in a flat rate box, 1.5-2 pounds according to their listing, for $5, plus $7.20 for shipping and they’ve sold 45 of them! Not bad for something you’d ordinarily not consider valuable.  Another seller has gallon bags (4#) for $18.99, collected fresh.

If you have facilities to compost, there is a market for composted and bagged chicken manure as well, adding more value to a product you probably already have an abundance of if you raise chickens. Continue reading “Sell Bagged Chicken Manure on eBay”

Make Toy Surprise Bath Bombs

“Having a Bath” by Michael Zeising is licensed under CC BY 2.0

My daughter got a toy surprise bath bomb for Christmas last year.  What a hit!  She enjoyed it so much we bought all the supplies to make our own and they’re incredibly easy. They are made up of very small toys–in her case, a color changing mermaid–inside a bath bomb. You drop the bath bomb in, which is fun in its own right, and after the bomb dissolves, there’s a fun toy to play with. All of her siblings were jealous – so was I.

Bath bombs can be made with a small number of inexpensive ingredients that are easy to purchase – many at your local grocery store.  I bought all of my supplies on Amazon for convenience.  Things like essential oils and large bath bomb molds aren’t easy to find locally and may not be for you either.   I’ll include a list below. Continue reading “Make Toy Surprise Bath Bombs”

Become a Sheep Shearer

Across America, a situation has been developing and it is becoming urgent: the lack of a sheep shearer. I hear from sheep raising friends fairly frequently about how difficult it is to find a shearer. Not even to find a “good shearer,” but any sheep shearer at all.

A quick look at this sheep shearer directory shows us that overall, the industry is being underserved. In California, for example, there are only 19 shearers listed. That’s a big state to be served by 19 people, especially since California is the top producer of wool in the United States.

If you are a sheep producer yourself, you are probably already aware of the shortage.  Your skills as a shearer could be the ticket to an additional income stream to help you profit from your small farm.  A small investment and weeklong class later, you can be on your way to a professional shearing operation. Continue reading “Become a Sheep Shearer”

Sell Firewood Bundles

Since starting this website, I notice income possibilities more than I used to.  When I was outside Safeway earlier this year, I was totally amazed at the large–and dwindling–pile of firewood bundles for sale.  At $4.99 each, I could imagine how much a full cord would bring.  What was most surprising is how the stack dwindled over the season.

Selling firewood bundles is a nice income addition if you already have a steady supply of wood.  We buy our firewood in bulk, 4 cords at a time, from a guy who has access to logging slash piles and cuts the leftovers into firewood.  It’s a good business for him and a great time saver for us.

If you live near a town, there is a great market for campfire wood in the summer camping season and even during the winter season for more urban locations.  Let’s dig deeper into the market and profit potential for firewood bundles. Continue reading “Sell Firewood Bundles”

Breeding Goats as a Business

Dairy goats are in high demand across the country, making now a great time to get into breeding goats.  In addition to producing high quality milk and meat, goats are also one of the most personable small animals you can raise.

I’ve been breeding goats for over ten years now and have seen the market increase consistently year by year, with larger breeders seeing potential profits in the livable income range.

While some breeds are seeing higher market movement than others, the demand for goats is hand in hand with the increased interest in homesteading, sustainability and back to the land movements.

With careful management, emphasis on quality and a solid plan, there is definitely potential to see a good income from breeding goats.
Continue reading “Breeding Goats as a Business”

Grow Cider Apples for Profit

Cider apples are utilized in multiple business avenues, making them a versatile income idea that can get you involved in industries like hard apple cider, apple cider and apple cider vinegar.

Market research estimates that revenues from just apple cider vinegar will reach over one billion dollars by 2026.  According to American Agriculturist:

“Cider is the U.S. beverage industry’s fastest-growing segment, according to the IRI market research firm. From 2013 to 2014, cider sales grew 75.4%. Over the past three years, sales have quintupled.”

In the current DIY health boom, any product with as many health benefits as apple cider vinegar is likely to see increasing growth, and cider apples are a product you can use and believe in.  High demand and a wide variety of use and market potentials make growing cider apples a business worth looking into. Continue reading “Grow Cider Apples for Profit”

Sell Bagged Salad Mixes

When we sold at farmer’s markets, the folks with bagged salad mixes always sold out.  Every time.  There is a reason grocery stores have such a huge inventory of salad mixes – people love the convenience of premade mixes and are willing to pay for it.

If you have the space, salad greens are a consistent seller and a great addition, especially if you have an existing market to sell to.  When you hear about farmers projecting a $1,000 per week income selling bagged salad mixes, it definitely looks like a prospect to dig deeper into. Continue reading “Sell Bagged Salad Mixes”