A friend recommended a book I’ve since bought because
I found it so intriguing. You might, too. It’s
actually a newsprint magazine type of about 95 pages, called Money-Making
Ideas to Boost Farm Income. I am going to list some of the
ideas for you. I won’t elaborate on them much, but if you want
more information or want to get the publication for yourself,
(under $15) just email me for details.
Though you may not be able to use these ideas for
your own farm, they are meant to inspire you to think creatively!
Zebra
Ranching: They can go for $2500 to $10,000 each depending on many
factors. Buyers are movie production companies, novelty pet
owners, and zoos.
Ears of Corn painted to look like a flag.
Sky’s the limit on possibilities.
A farmer in Wisconsin started a prebuilt cabin business. He and staff build
them in a building, then disassemble, transport and set up at the buyers
place.
A
North Dakota woman started a cow milking service, giving dairy farmers a chance
to get away once in a while.
A Florida farmer began a side line during the fishing season
of raising crickets which are then sold through bait shops.
Another raises worms for the same purpose.
A German farmer milks horses and sells the milk to soap
makers. Apparently the milk is high in hormones so it is highly
prized for $20 a pound soap to make skin younger and softer.
Tawanda Farm in California, run by two women, sells half and
whole lamb meat packages and half and quarter steer meat packages
plus small specialty meat packages—all by mail.
An Oregon farmer raises bamboo for the shoots, and for
winter fodder for animals (20% protein) and alternative wood
products.
Another Oregon farmer raises Caracal Cats to sell as
pets. They go for $1500 to $2000, at least in 1997.
If you already have skills with fiber, here’s an
idea. A Washington woman will spin and knit or felt pet hair into
clothing, rugs or wall hangings for people. Mostly dog hair but
also chinchilla, wolf and cat.
A Virginia farmer (in 2003) turned 2.5 acres into $125,000
in income by careful growing and marketing of chile peppers and a few
herbs.
A Louisiana farmer raises alligators for meat and hides, and
red-ear slider turtles for the eggs.
Different types of animals raised for profit—wild boars in
Minnesota, Zimbabwe cattle in Texas, and Yaks in Colorado, all white deer in
Pennsylvania.
Potato grower in Idaho specializes in old time varieties,
many of them from the 1800’s. He sell spuds, and
seeds.
Woman in Minnesota
started a jam and jelly business to use the wild plums found on their
farm. Her varieties are all natural and low sugar including some
no sugar varieties. The family hosts a Harvestfest in October with
pumpkin painting hayrides and other activities. Hey, I’ve been
saying to do this!
An Iowa farmer created a pet cemetery and now
includes horses. He’s expanded to include cremation.
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