While farming certainly is seasonal work, there is also a lot you can do with it in case you feel like having another challenge. It could mean the difference between a small and a medium-sized farm, after all, or you might be able to grow it into something niche on the side – either way, it will bring in a bit more money than it did before.
You also have access to a ton of inspiration and great ideas online so don’t let a lack of imagination stop you. Here is a handful of ways to build out your farm and bring in some more money so that your business can prosper and grow.
Considered raising Pekin Ducks?
Many consider the Pekin Duck to be the easiest animal to raise on a farm. The eggs they lay are large, their meat can be sold at a good price, and they don’t require too much space either. Where chickens eat basically anything and you won’t have to spend as much money on food, ducks have a larger appetite.
Even better, they won’t scratch the ground like chickens may do, and will help you out in the garden by eating the weaker plants and keeping the bugs off the healthier ones.
The one thing you need to keep in mind, though, is that these ducks are slow birds and especially prone to predators such as dogs and hawks. Sufficient fencing will take you a long way, as well as a safe haven for them to stay dry and relaxed in.
They are friendly, low-maintenance, and easy to keep; provide them with a small pool to paddle around in, and they’ll be the happiest ducks in the area. Remember to get everything properly insured, though, so that you’re not taking any unnecessary risks; you can have a look at https://budgetboost.co/farmers-insurance-review/ for some excellent options.
Or host an open barn?
While it’s true that there’s a lot of money in livestock, depending on the kind of animal you choose to farm with, you can easily find ways to make up for the loss by opening up your farm or barn to tourists. Every city-dweller would love to spend a weekend away by checking into your cozy bed & breakfast, for example, or even pitch up a tent on the land you’ve opened up as a camping site.
Farm life is appealing to many, and if you keep a small vegetable garden as well, you’ll even be able to offer your visitors a very short-travelled meal as well. Your barn or room will be booked out for the entire summer, in other words.
You’ll be a part of the hospitality industry as well as a farmer which is just the kind of friendly host people are looking for.
What about farming with bees?
Bees can be incredibly valuable to a farm as you have so many options in terms of making their honey into products. You need to invest in quite a lot of equipment up front, though, to ensure a safe environment for your bees as well as secure handling when you harvest the honey. You can have a look at https://backyardbeekeeping.com for some more information.
There is so much potential for a small bee farm and a variety of options when you’re ready to make use of the honey so that you won’t be missing any variation on your farm.
Although you don’t need to handle the bees daily, there will be periods that require more management. It’s easy to learn on the job, however, and recognize when it’s time to replace hives and queens to make sure your bees are happy and healthy.
The Bed and Breakfast one is my dream!! I love that idea! Great ideas here!
Thanks Jenn! I LOVE thinking about all the different ways that we can put our homesteads to work for us!
Excellent ideas here! Thanks for sharing on the Farm Fresh Tuesdays Blog Hop!
Thanks for your visit, Tamara!