11 Side Hustles For Farmers In 2024
Last Updated on February 8, 2023 by John Cirelly
Are you a farmer looking for some side income? If so, you’re in the right place. Here are 11 agrocultural side hustles for farmers looking to earn extra in come in 2024.
Side Hustles For Farmers In 2024
From blogging to beekeeping, here are 11 of my best side hustles for farmers!
1. Homesteading Blog
Writing skills are even more important in the digital age. Although audio and video content receive a lot of attention, good writing still holds great value for many reasons. Starting a blog and earning money from it takes time, but it can be worth it in the long run.
There are opportunities to earn money from reporting, documenting, and writing in the agriculture sector if you can establish yourself as a capable writer. Use your expertice in farming to educate others on homesteading topics. As you blog grows, you can make money from affiliate sales, info products, and display ads.
Blogging is among one of the best side hustles in terms of generating passive income and generating an uncapped earnings.
2. Selling Microgreens
One of the most profitable crops to grow is microgreens. Ideal for small farms and urban growers, they can be grown in a small area and can fetch over $50 per pound. With a small space like a basement, garage, or shipping container, you could potentially earn six figures annually. The low setup costs and fast growing cycle make it possible to start harvesting and selling quickly.
Superfoods are a type of microgreen, renowned for their high levels of vitamins and minerals. They attract health-conscious consumers and restaurants seeking premium garnishes and ingredients. High-end restaurants and grocery stores are willing to pay top dollar for microgreens, and as a local grower, you can command even higher prices due to their specialty and freshness.
Microgreens cultivation can be a part-time profession, requiring just 15 to 30 minutes of care every few days, with additional time for harvesting and sales if you are growing a dozen flats per week in a spare room. To earn a six-figure income or more, you will need to work full-time and then some, and may need to hire staff to meet demand. The amount of time you put into the business will determine your returns, as is true in most aspects of life.
3. Snow Plowing
Snow plowing services are proving to be a lucrative endeavor, with snow plow contractors able to generate significant profits during the winter season. Despite the abundance of snow removal businesses, there is a shortage of snow plow suppliers, providing an opportunity for business startups to enter this market. The snow shoveling and plowing business requires a minimal amount of capital and a truck, which can even be rented if necessary.
The rental of snow plow trucks has been a popular option for some time, especially in rural areas with high demand for such vehicles. If a snow plowing service provider doesn’t have their own truck, they can rent one. For truck owners, renting out their vehicle during the winter to both commercial and residential snow plowing services can be a lucrative opportunity. Investing in a snow plow truck can be a simple way to earn money.
4. Building Custom Furnature
Woodworking can be both a fulfilling hobby and a potential business. A skilled carpenter who creates and sells furniture can potentially sustain themselves as a successful business person.
To make a profit in this industry, one must create high-quality products and effectively promote and sell them. As experience grows, the carpenter will improve in estimating expenses, production time, and determining a fair selling price for their custom furniture.
Some woodworkers take on woodworking as a hobby, while others turn it into a profession. Some work as freelance contractors, creating pieces on a project basis, while others sell their products in physical stores.
5. Selling Seeds
Selling seeds of unique and distinctive flowers, fruits, or vegetables can be a profitable venture. With growing concern over genetically modified seeds, demand for natural or heirloom seeds has increased.
Serious gardeners are always searching for new and interesting plants, and promoting your seeds with a photo of the plant at its peak can increase sales potential.
Online platforms like eBay can be used to sell your seeds, but it’s important to note that international shipping may not be possible due to laws and regulations in some countries. Of course, selling seeds locally is much simpler.
6. Pet Sitting
Pet owners often seek help when they’re out of town, creating a demand for pet sitters. To get started, tap into your network of pet owners or advertise your services locally.
If you’re passionate about pets but short on time, consider becoming a dog walker. Simply pick up pooches, take them for a stroll, and return them to their owners. Walking multiple dogs at once makes it a time-efficient gig.
7. Selling Produce
Raising chickens and ducks for eggs is a straightforward way to generate income on a small farm. When you have more eggs than you can use, selling them is a logical solution. However, it’s important to check with your local council as egg-selling regulations can vary. Following regulations, such as having a custom stamp to identify the place of production, is crucial.
Cheese-making may seem like a fading art, but folks still crave handmade, quality dairy products. Don’t limit yourself to rural sales – urban areas are experiencing a boom in artisan food shops eager to bring their customers a slice of country living. Whether it’s at a farm market or in the city, there’s a market for your cheese-making prowess.
8. Hosting a Petting Zoo
Monetize your furry farm animals by renting them out for petting zoos and events. Ideal if you have ponies, sheep, or goats and live near tourist hotspots, kids’ bday parties, or big events (e.g. festivals, fairs). Make a roster of your animal rentals and fees, then advertise offline and on social media (Facebook, Instagram). Soon, you’ll be swamped with bookings.
9. Events
Hosting events at your farm can be a demanding but lucrative side business. Ideal venues include charming outbuildings and picturesque gardens surrounded by trees.
The type of event you host depends on your farm size, involvement, and interests. You can plan full weddings or events with imaginative thinking, or just charge a rental fee for your garden or barn, letting the host manage the rest. Weddings can potentially bring in tens of thousands of dollars, especailly around weddings season.
Remember to factor in restroom and kitchen facilities. Also, upgrade insurance to cover any incidents that may occur on your property.
10. Renting Farm Equipment
Small farms often accumulate tools for specific tasks that are not needed year-round. Renting out these tools to other small farmers can be a profitable solution. For example, you can rent out your tractor or ride-on, or even contract out your ram for a fee with the option of receiving a few lambs as payment. Additionally, renting out equipment like a honey extractor or fruit press can bring in extra income and eventually pay for itself.
Some farmers may not have the financial resources to own tools like a tractor or mower, and prefer to rent them for a fee to earn money and focus on other interests. Additionally, renting out agricultural real estate can bring substantial income, but requires a significant investment in farm systems for farmers to use and pay for.
11. Apple/Pumpkin Picking
Most farmers grow their own fruit for distribution, but your fruit trees can go a lot further with a little creativity.
Growing fruit can provide independence, teach children about food sources, and reduce environmental impact, making it a meaingful and lucrative side hustle. Simply have locals come and pick their own fruit and charge based on weight or number of pieces.
Wrapping Up
From petting zoos to produce, there’s a wide range of lucrative side hustles for farmers. Do you earn extra income on your farm? Let us know your favorite farm related side hustles and we’ll add it to our list.
