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There’s no denying the value that homesteading skills can offer in a scenario where you are forced to live off the land. But what about in the meantime? It turns out that there are plenty of homesteading skills that can earn you extra money in the present day while also helping you prepare for future possibilities.
Below are 17 such homesteading skills that you can turn into cash.
1. Raising Chickens
Farm fresh eggs are in high demand, which means that raising laying hens will provide you with a constant source of product to sell at your local farmer’s market. Of course, raising chickens requires some work and preparation.
Once you have a coop in place and the process of taking care of your chickens down pat, it’s relatively simple to raise chickens and have farm fresh eggs readily available to sell or enjoy yourself.
Here's some more information on how to raise chickens.
2. Making Jellies and Jams
The jellies and jams on the counter at the supermarket simply do not compare to the taste of homemade jellies and jams. This means that you should have no problem selling the jars of jelly and jam that you make.
Here's how to make jams and jellies that taste great.
3. Beekeeping
Locally produced, fresh honey is always a favorite at the farmer’s market. It’s also sometimes hard to find, making it even more in demand. Beekeeping isn’t necessarily easy nor is it for the faint of heart, but it can be a fun hobby that provides you access to a product that always sells well.
Here's how to start beekeeping.
4. Gardening
Knowing how to garden is one of the most valuable skills that you can have in a survival scenario. It’s also a great way to make some extra money in the meantime.
In addition to selling the fresh produce that you grow, you can also gather up seeds and sell them to other gardeners. Of course, not all garden vegetables produce seeds that can be harvested, but those that do provide another source of income from your garden.
Here's how to start gardening.
5. Building Structures
If you have good carpentry and building skills, you can build structures and sell them for a considerable price. Just a handful of the structures you may want to consider building and selling include storage sheds, dog houses, and chicken coops, though there are certainly plenty of other options to consider as well, and your imagination is the only limit.
The instructions for building such structures will vary depending on what you're wanting to build, but there are plenty of resources online.
For example, here's how to build a chicken coop.
6. Making Soap
Handmade soaps have enjoyed a surge in popularity as people look for ways to get back to nature when it comes to their health and hygiene. The good news is that making high-quality soap isn’t an overly difficult process, and there is plenty of room for creativity in regards to how your soap looks, feels, and smells, as well as the benefits that it provides.
Here's how to make soap.
7. Raising Worms
Raising worms is a great way to produce rich compost for your garden. It’s also a great way to make some extra money. There are two reasons why people will buy worms, and you can profit off of both.
The first reason is that earthworms are popular bait for many fishermen who would much rather buy a container of worms than go searching for them on their own. The second group of people who will buy worms are gardeners looking to start their own worm compost.
Here's how to raise earthworms.
8. Raising Sheep
Did you know that a single sheep can produce up to 30 pounds of wool a year and that wool sells for up to $10 a pound? Given these numbers, it’s easy to see how you could make a decent profit raising sheep and selling the wool.
In a survival scenario, your sheep could serve as a source of both food and clothing, and in the meantime, you would be able to profit off of the wool without having to remove a single sheep from your flock.
Here's a guide that explains how to raise sheep.
9. Making Blankets
There are a variety of methods you can use to craft a blanket, from knitting to sewing to crocheting. In the end, though, all of these methods will produce a homemade blanket that you should have no trouble selling.
It is important to keep in mind that most blankets take many hours to create and even handmade blankets typically do not sell at a price point that is truly reflective of the amount of work required to make them. If you enjoy making blankets anyway, selling your blankets is a good way to turn your hobby into some extra cash.
Here are instructions on how to crochet a blanket.
10. Selling Firewood
If you own or have access to land that has timber on it, you can make decent money cutting and selling firewood. Anyone who owns a wood stove needs plenty of firewood to keep their home warm in the winter, and many other people have fireplaces or campfires that require quality firewood.
Here are some tips on how to make money selling firewood.
11. Growing Hay
Some livestock farmers grow and cut their own hay to feed to their livestock, but plenty of others buy their hay from a third-party source. If you have high-quality grass on your land, you can make a profit growing, cutting, and selling bales of high.
Here is some information on how to grow quality hay.
12. Running a Bed and Breakfast
Are you lucky enough to live on a piece of property that many people would consider a vacation destination? If so, running a bed and breakfast out of your home might be a good business opportunity to consider.
There are lots of people who want to experience the homestead lifestyle for themselves, and services such as Airbnb have made it easier than ever for homeowners to rent out rooms in their home to travelers.
Focus on providing an experience that your guests will remember that goes beyond a bed and a meal, and you’ll be well on your way to running a successful bed and breakfast.
Here are some tips on how to start and run a bed and breakfast.
13. Making Compost
Every gardener realizes that homemade compost is one of best fertilizers available. This is especially true for organic gardeners who want to avoid artificial fertilizers.
However, not everyone is willing to go to the trouble of making their own compost. This creates an opportunity for you to build a large compost heap that you can use in your own garden while selling the excess compost to other gardeners.
Here's how to make your own compost heap.
14. Renting Out Grazing Land
There are plenty of people who would love to raise their own sheep, goats, cows, or other livestock but do not have enough land to graze them on. If you have extra grazing land available, you can rent out your land and let people keep their livestock there.
Here's a guide on how to make money renting out grazing land.
15. Metalworking
If you have good metalworking skills, you can put your skills to use creating a wide range of handmade metal creations such as signs and decorations that will sell well. The sky is the limit in regards to what you create, and the more creative and imaginative you are, the more likely you'll be able to find a market for your metal creations.
Here is how to make metal signs.
16. Stud Services
If you have a bull, buck, or ram that has exceptional genetics, you can make a good deal of money selling stud services to farmers who want to inseminate their own livestock. Some of the best, most sought-after bulls, bucks, and rams can fetch thousands of dollars for their sperm as farmers look to use their genetics to improve the quality of their own herd.
Here is some more information on stud services.
17. Running a Pick-Your-Own Farm
Pick-your-own farms are just as much about the experience as they are the final product. If you have a large garden, orchard, or berry patch that you have grown, as well as land that is relatively easy to access and preferably picturesque, you can let people come out and pick their own produce then charge them depending on how much they pick.
Here's how to start a pick-your-own farm.
As you can see, homesteading skills can be very profitable if you're willing to do some reading and put in some elbow grease. For more information, check out these 30 ways to make money with your homestead.
Thanks a lot for all you teach