Potential Alternative Income Streams for Farmers & Ranchers (Other than crop-based or animal-based agricultural enterprises)

Potential Alternative Income Streams for Farmers & Ranchers (Other than crop-based or animal-based agricultural enterprises) ( Word | PDF )

Generated by Extension Ag Program Leaders of the Northeast Region, October 2018

Richard Brzozowski, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Enrique Escobar, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Darren Jarboe, University of Maryland College Park
Michael Masiuk, Pennsylvania State University
Amy Papineau, University of New Hampshire
Nicholas Polanin, Rutgers University
Renee Pusey, Pennsylvania State University

Reviewed by Dr. James McConnon, Small Business Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Realizing that income from agriculture is seasonal and often uncertain or steady, many farm and ranch families require income off the farm to make ends meet. This list is meant to provide some food–for–thought as potential income opportunities for farm/ranch families. When exploring an individual opportunity, consider the costs (hidden and evident) of time, money, equipment, required licenses, training, advertising, etc. In addition, consider the skills and abilities needed for such an enterprise to be successful. Go through the list and mark those that pique your interest. Research further those marked to determine their feasibility for you and your situation.

Service-Based Enterprises

Consultant: business, marketing, etc.
Web designer
Bed and Breakfast
Chimney sweep
Cross country skiing/snowshoeing
Hairstylist
House cleaning service
House/business organizing
Music teacher
Grant writer
Animal control officer
Christmas tree disposal service
Christmas light decorating (put up/take down)
Gravel driveway maintenance service
Fence builder/repairer
Electric fence mover
Drone service (photos, livestock check, other)
Street crossing guard
US mail carrier/postal worker
Garden tiller service
Bush hog service
Deck repair
Handyman/repairman
Morning fitness program
Classic car experience (driver)
Newsletter writer (subscriptions)
Tattoo artist/body piercer
Plant identifier for property owners (mapping)
Sheep shearer
Tax preparer
Window washer
Traveling butcher (livestock, poultry)
Deer cutter
Goat rental for grazing weeds /vegetation management
Chicken rental (seasonal)
Guinea hen rental (tick control)
School speaker
Shredding service (junk mail, confidential papers)
Hoof trimmer
Livestock AI technician (inseminator)
Llama and alpaca shearer
Bookkeeper
Videographer/Photographer
Making property available for photo shoots
Pet cemetery
Church service space rental
Pony/Horse rides
Petting zoo
Dog walker
Notary Public
Justice of the Peace
Car mechanic
Elvis impersonator
Proofreader
Translator
Internet café
Electrician
Farm tutor
Traveling barber
Fancy hairdo (curling updo)
Arborist
Apple tree pruner
Compost maker
Landscaper
Real estate assessor
Forest mowing service
Shoe repair
Feed bin repair service
Rodent hunter
Produce aggregator
Meat sales (door to door)
Driveway sealing service
Pothole repair service
Cemetery superintendent
Tutor (elementary, middle, high, ESL)
Tupperware representative
Mary Kay representative
Avon representative
Saw sharpening service
Ice skater sharpening service
Roof raking service (snow)
Roof gutter maintenance service
Snow removal
Musician
Birthday parties
Storyteller
Public speaker
Board member
State representative
Roadside mowing service
Lawn mowing service
Farm machinery maintenance/repair (stationary or mobile)
Sprayer calibration service
Tow truck operator
Pellet delivery service
Alligator wrangler
Pasture management service
Pasture rental
Adult daycare provider
Childcare provider
Foster parent (state)
Personal assistant
Farm camp for kids
Driving instructor
Driving range (golf)
Shooting range
IPM scout
Furniture refinishing service
Pet training service
House painter (interior/exterior) Spray painter
Power washing service
Stonework / hardscape
Stonewall repair service
Designated driver (after party driver)
Laundry service
Data entry
Medical appointment transport
Birding tour guide
Nature guide
Weddings site
Festival host site
Heavy equipment operator
Storage space rental for boats, campers, or other items
Glider port
Hot air balloon launch site
Used farm equipment (finder service/sales)
Auto/tractor transport
B&B / AIRBNB
Ecotourism
Snow plowing
Firewood sales
Firewood splitting service
Small engine repair
Farmer-for-a-day experience
Campground space rental
Driver (truck, school bus)
Junk hauler / Dump guy
Writer
Housecleaning service
Farm sitting service
Cow cuddling
Dog sitting service
Horse-boarding service
Goat yoga experience
Forest bathing
Property management
Service dog raising service
Dog breeding / puppy sales
Solar energy installer / sales
Building demolition
Metal salvage
Corn maize
Haunted house
Hay rides
Carriage rides (horse drawn)
Sleigh rides
Dog grooming / dog bathing service
Car show host site
Telemarketer
Antique tractor show site
Traveling plant care service
Room rental
Excavator
Stump removal service
Drench service
Wood chipping service
Nativity scene animal provider service
Septic tank pumping service
Picnic table repair service
Hide tanning service
Hunting lodge

Product-Based Enterprises

Protein snack maker
Pie maker
Cake maker/decorator
Cookie maker
Artisan bread maker
Wood carver
Rug maker
Rug Cleaner
Rug repair
Antique sales
Gravel/sand sales
Furniture maker
Gravestone/Monument sales
Ice cream maker
Frozen custard maker
Scissor sales
Livestock feed sales
Compost bin maker
Arts & crafts
Farm art
Quilt sales
Barn wood dealer (barn demotion and barn board recycler)
Candle-maker
Bait sales (night crawlers, worms, crawfish, fish)
Wine/beer/hard cider brewer
Natural soft drink brewer/sales
Special farm meal experience
Cider donut maker
Cake maker /decorator
Cooking – chicken potpie sales
Processed food sales (jams jellies salsas, etc.)
Meals to order (subscription)
Aged lumber sales
Pet food / dog biscuits
Pet casket sales

Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.

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