How to Start a Profitable Homestead Business (Without Burnout or Underselling Yourself!)
If you’re a homesteader, chances are you’ve thought about selling something from your farm. Maybe you’ve got extra eggs piling up, a garden that produces more than you can eat, or a handmade skill like soap-making or bread baking that people love.
Turning your homestead into a profitable business can be an incredible way to support your lifestyle—whether it’s just covering feed costs or becoming a full-time income. But let’s be real: homestead businesses can be tricky. Pricing is hard, selling can feel weird, and sometimes it feels like everyone else is already selling the same thing.
I’ve been there.
When we first started selling beef, we majorly undersold ourselves. Like, barely making a profit undersold ourselves. And this wasn’t the first time—I had done the same thing in a past photography business. The idea of charging what I was worth felt uncomfortable, and as a result, I stayed stuck.
Fast forward to the next year, and we nearly doubled our prices—and guess what? We still had customers. Because people are willing to pay for quality.
So, if you’re dreaming of turning your homesteading skills into extra income (without the burnout and pricing guilt), let’s talk about:
✅ How to start small and scale up
✅ The biggest mindset shift you need to make money
✅ How to price your products without feeling weird
✅ Selling in a crowded market
✅ Where and what to sell—even if you don’t have a farm
Let’s dig in!
How I Made Money With ONE Goat
I didn’t start with a massive farm or a perfect business plan. I started with one goat and the idea of making goat milk soap.
I milked her, turned that milk into soap, and sold it locally. Between the soap profits and the sale of her kids, I covered her entire year’s worth of hay and had extra left over. That one small start opened the door to selling pork, beef, and other homestead goods.
You don’t have to go all in from day one. Start with one product, build demand, and grow from there.
Think about what you already love doing on your homestead. What could you turn into an income stream?
the Biggest Money Mistake Homesteaders Make
Let’s talk about pricing. Because let’s be honest—most homesteaders price their products way too low.
When we first started selling beef, we looked around at the local market and thought, We can’t charge that much! So, we went lower. And after an entire season of work, we barely broke even.
Here’s what I learned:
💰 If you don’t price for profit, you don’t have a business—you have an expensive hobby.
💰 People associate price with quality. If you price too low, they assume something’s wrong with your product.
💰 Your time matters. The hours you spend milking, baking, tending animals, or preserving food deserve to be compensated.
The next year, we raised our prices significantly—and guess what? Customers still came back. Because we weren’t just selling beef; we were selling ethically raised, high-quality, grass-fed beef from a local farm they trusted.
Pricing Tip: Look at what others in your area are charging and make sure you aren’t undervaluing your time, effort, and expertise.
Selling Without Feeling Pushy (Because Sales Don’t Have to Be Icky!)
For a lot of us, selling feels awkward. We don’t want to seem pushy. We don’t want to make people uncomfortable.
But let’s shift that mindset right now:
🚜 You’re not selling—you’re solving a problem. People WANT high-quality food, handmade goods, and ethically sourced products. You’re providing something valuable.
🚜 Customers love buying from people they trust. Share your homestead story, show your process, and connect with your customers. Selling naturally follows.
🚜 If you price too low, you devalue your product. A $3 bar of soap makes people think “cheap” instead of “handmade luxury.” Charge what it’s worth.
Instead of feeling like you’re “convincing” someone, think of it as helping them make a great choice.
What If Your Market is Saturated? (Hint: It Doesn’t Matter!)
Maybe you’re thinking, But Kelley, everyone and their mother is already selling eggs, soap, or beef. How do I stand out?
Here’s the truth: It doesn’t matter how many people sell what you sell. What matters is how YOU sell it.
Ways to Stand Out in a Crowded Market:
🔥 Tell your story. Customers don’t just buy soap—they buy your soap because they connect with your farm, your values, and your passion.
🔥 Find a niche. Instead of just “goat milk soap,” what about herbal-infused goat milk soap for sensitive skin? Instead of just “beef,” what about premium dry-aged grass-fed beef?
🔥 Create an experience. At a farmers’ market? Give out samples. Offer gift bundles. Make shopping fun and personal.
There’s always room for another homesteader selling something if you bring your own unique spin to it.
Where & What to Sell (Even If You Don’t Have a Farm!)
Where to Sell:
🛒 Farmers’ Markets (great for repeat customers!)
🏡 On-farm sales or farm stands
🛍️ Local shops & boutiques
📦 Subscription boxes or CSA add-ons
💻 Online (Etsy, Shopify, Facebook Marketplace)
What to Sell (Even Without a Farm!):
💡 Handmade Goods – Soap, candles, herbal teas, baked goods
🌱 Grown in Small Spaces – Microgreens, mushrooms, fresh herbs
🍞 Home Kitchen Products – Jams, bread, infused oils (check cottage food laws)
🧺 Homestead Skills – Teach classes, sell e-books, or offer consultations
You don’t need a full-fledged farm to start a profitable homestead business.
Final Thoughts: Take the Leap!
If you’ve been thinking about selling something from your homestead, this is your sign to start.
🏡 Start small – Pick one product and test it.
💰 Price for profit – Don’t sell yourself short.
🚀 Market with confidence – People want what you have!
And remember—your homestead can financially support itself, but only if you let it.
What’s one homestead product you’d love to sell? Drop it in the comments! And if you’re already selling, what’s been your biggest lesson so far? Let’s talk! ⬇️
#HomesteadBusiness #MakeMoneyHomesteading #FarmToProfit #SideHustleSuccess
Let’s grow something extraordinary!
With Love,
Kelley
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