31 Profitable Homestead Business Ideas to Start Today

Living on a homestead goes beyond growing your own food; to continue living sustainably, you also need to develop multiple streams of income if you want to have extra money to cover your homestead expenses.

If you’re already producing goods, like fruits, vegetables, or homemade products, or if you have skills that others might find useful, why not turn those into a business?

Starting a business based on what you already do can help you not only pay the bills but you also enjoy the process. 

In this article, I’ll share some business ideas that can help you build a self-sufficient homestead.

Before I do that though, I want to briefly talk about a few steps before you think about building your business (if you have already thought about that, then you can jump directly to the business ideas here).

Have a Clear Vision Before You Start 

Before you start your homestead business, it’s a good idea to have a clear vision of what you want to do. 

Do a Simple Research for In-Demand Products or Services

Take some time to consider what people in your area might need or want. For example, if you notice a lack of local sources for organic vegetables, you could consider growing and selling your own.

Visit local markets to see what’s selling well and identify any gaps you could fill. Perhaps there’s a demand for homemade jams or artisan bread that you could tap into.

Understanding what potential customers are looking for can help you decide on your products or services.

Doing some research on trends and what others are offering can give you a better sense of whether your idea will work.

This kind of preparation can set you up for a strong start.

You Should Know the Business Regulations

Obtaining Business Permit or License

When setting up your homestead business, you may want to check what permits or licenses you need to operate legally in your area.

For example, if you plan to sell food products, you’ll likely need to follow certain health regulations, which may include inspections or obtaining specific certifications.

If you’re planning to sell handmade items, you might need a seller's permit or a business license.

Be Aware of the Tax Regulations

Another important factor to be aware of is taxes. When you run a business, you are required to pay taxes on your earnings, so it's a good idea to track all your income and expenses from the start.

You might also want to consider setting aside a portion of your earnings for taxes so you’re not caught off guard later.

Depending on where you live, there may be different tax rates or rules for small businesses, so it’s worth doing some research or even consulting a tax professional.

Understanding these legal requirements early on can help you avoid headaches down the road and keep your business running smoothly.

Homestead Business Ideas

Now that you have a clear vision and are aware of the requirements for starting a business, it’s time to choose your niche. 

I have provided a list of potential business ideas that you can consider, whether you have a small-scale or a large-scale homestead.

1. Start an Animal Business

You really can’t go wrong in this kind of business.

People always need these products because they are essential staples, like eggs. Many items we purchase in the market are derived from animals, so with proper planning, this type of business can expand quickly and efficiently.

Sell Fresh Eggs

If you have hens that lay eggs, why not sell fresh ones?

Fresh eggs are highly sought after, especially by those who prefer buying local and appreciate the taste of farm-fresh products. Many families are willing to pay a premium because they value the quality.

To price your eggs, start by checking what other sellers in your area charge, typically between $4 to $6 per dozen.

Calculate your costs, including feed and care, to ensure you cover expenses and still make a profit.

Sell Live Poultry

Selling live poultry, like chickens and ducks, can be a good way to earn extra money since many people seek fresh birds for meat and eggs.

You can raise healthy birds and sell them directly to customers at local markets or through social media if you want to reach a wider audience.

When pricing your live poultry, consider the current market rates, which typically range around $2.86 per kilogram for wholesale broiler chickens, while retail prices for whole chickens average about $3.26 per kilogram.

Be sure to factor in your costs for raising them, such as feed and care, so you can cover expenses and still turn a profit.

Other Animal-Related Business Ideas You Can Try

• Beekeeping – Sell honey, beeswax, and other bee-related products.
• Goat Milk Products – Sell goat milk, cheese, or soap made from goat milk.
• Petting Zoo – Create a small petting zoo for families and children to visit.
• Dog Boarding – Provide a safe and caring environment for dogs while their owners are away.
• Selling Wool from Sheep – Raise sheep and sell their wool for knitting or crafting.
• Fertilizer Production – Use manure from your animals to create and sell organic fertilizer.
• Fish Farm – Raise fish in a pond or tank and sell them for food or as pets.

2. Start a Business Selling Fruits, Vegetables, Seedlings or Composts from Kitchen Scraps

Gardening is becoming increasingly popular, with more people looking to brighten up their homes with plants.

Whether you aim to sell something unique or help others grow their own food, there are plenty of great opportunities to explore.

Here are some simple plant business ideas to get you started:

Sell Potted Plants

You can start by selling potted plants, such as houseplants and succulents, which are popular because they fit well in both homes and offices.

Consider setting up a small shop or selling online to easily reach customers.

Be sure to monitor your inventory and keep your plants healthy and well-presented.

Since many people love having greenery around, especially those who want to brighten up their space without a lot of effort, this idea of a business is worth trying.

Sell Vegetable Seedlings

Selling vegetable seedlings is a great business idea, especially as more people are interested in growing their own food at home.

Many prefer buying seedlings over starting from seeds because it saves time and effort, making it a convenient option.

This can be especially profitable in the spring when everyone is gearing up to plant their gardens.

Have you noticed how many people are interested in organic gardening and want to use natural products for their plants?

Creating homemade compost is easy and inexpensive. You can start with low costs since many of the materials, like kitchen scraps or yard waste, are easy to find (mostly can be found in your home).

If you tend to produce a lot of food and yard waste coming from your garden, why not turn them into compost (using Berkeley method) and sell into the market?

When it comes to packaging, consider using eco-friendly bags or containers.

Aside from benefitting from it, you're also being sustainable, which attract shoppers who cares for the environment.

And once people find a fertilizer they like, they’re likely to come back for more, giving you the chance for steady sales throughout the gardening seasons.

Grow and Sell Fruits and Vegetables

Consider thinking about what grows well in your area and what people are looking for.

If you have a large garden, you can plant a variety of fruits and vegetables for more produce.

More produce means more income.

You may want to make sure that you grow them well for a healthy harvest. For example, if you plan on growing eggplants, make sure that you know how to properly plant them and be aware of the common mistakes in growing them to ensure the quality of them when you sell.

You can sell your fruits and vegetables at local farmers' markets, roadside stands, or even set up an online store to reach more customers.

If you decide to sell online (to reach more customers), make sure to use attractive photos and clear descriptions to attract buyers.

You’ll also want to ensure your produce is well-protected during transport to keep it fresh.

More Ideas on Plant-Related Business?

• Create plant care kits – Create and sell kits that include everything needed for plant care, such as pots, soil, fertilizer, and care instructions.
• Grow and sell medicinal herbs – Grow herbs that people use for health and sell them fresh or dried.
• Grow and sell mushrooms – Raise mushrooms and sell them at markets or to restaurants.
• Sell plant-based skincare products – Make and sell skincare products using natural plant ingredients.
• Sell hay or straw – Sell hay or straw that you have extra of, providing it to farmers or gardeners for animal bedding or mulch.
• Sell extra seeds – Gather extra seeds from your garden and sell them to other gardeners.

3. Consider Selling Food From Your Homestead

If you love cooking, baking, or preserving food, why not turn that passion into a business by selling your homemade creations?

Not only will you be doing something you enjoy, but you can also earn some extra income in the process.

There are plenty of opportunities in this niche, so if you’re interested, you can check out the list below for you to get started.

Selling Homemade Breads or Pastries

Selling homemade pastries is a great way to share what you make with others. You can turn your favorite recipes into tasty treats for people to enjoy.

You can sell your baked goods at local markets, set up an online shop, or take orders from friends and family. Social media is a good way to show them and find customers (if you want to reach more customers).

Just keep in mind that how you package your pastries can make them look even better.

Selling Homemade Jams/Jellies

If you’re thinking about starting this kind of business, the first step is to check your local regulations.

Many places allow you to sell homemade jams from your kitchen, but there may be specific rules about labeling and where you can sell them.

When making your jams, focus on using fresh, high-quality fruits to create standout flavors. Don’t hesitate to experiment with organic ingredients to attract health-conscious customers.

Also, pay attention to your packaging, as it can make your jams more appealing and attract buyers.

You can sell your jams at farmers' markets, local shops, or even online through various platforms.

With a bit of effort, you can get this business up and running.

Selling Fruit Shakes

Selling fruit shakes made from ingredients straight from your own garden is a great idea for business (if you're into making fruit shakes).

To get started, you’ll need a good blender and some containers for your shakes.

You can set up a stand in your neighborhood, sell at local farmers' markets, or even offer delivery to friends and family.

Offer homemade nut butters

Homemade nut butter is often healthier than store-bought options, and you can customize the flavors to suit your taste.

You might start with nuts like almonds, peanuts, or cashews and blend them into a creamy spread.

It’s also easy to make—all you need is a good blender or food processor. Add ingredients like honey, chocolate, or spices if desired. Once your nut butter is ready, package it in nice jars and label them clearly.

Tip: Let people know that your nut butters are made from quality ingredients and don’t have any preservatives.

Other Food Business You Should Try

• Sell infused olive oils or flavored vinegars.
• Create and sell herbal teas
• Create and sell granola or trail mixes.
• Sell homemade pasta or pasta sauces.
• Make fresh salsa or guacamole to sell.
• Sell homemade hot sauces or condiments.

4. Crafting DIY (Do It Yourself) Items

There are so many projects you can try in this area, if you are passionate about crafting and creating unique items.

Start by deciding which DIY products you want to focus on. You might choose to make homemade soap, herbal remedies, or handmade jewelry, for example.

Consider your skills and interests, as well as what's popular in your area.

Once you've decided, gather the necessary materials and tools for your chosen products. For instance, if you’re making soap, you’ll need oils, lye, molds, and fragrances.

If you’re crafting cutting boards or building birdhouses, you’ll need quality wood and tools for assembly.

Tip: Set up your own website or online shop so customers can easily browse and purchase your items.

To Wrap It Up…

Starting a new business can feel overwhelming, but if you follow your passion, focus on doing quality work, and connect with your customers, you can turn your ideas into something great.

Keep an open mind, be willing to try new things, and don’t hesitate to ask for feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)