10 animals that bring in extra income for homesteads
Adding the right animals to your homestead can mean more than just food for your table — it can also mean cash in your pocket. Some animals produce products you can sell, while others offer services or help lower your own costs.
Choosing animals with strong market demand and manageable upkeep can turn extra space into steady income. These options are worth considering if you want your livestock to help pay their own way.
Chickens
Chickens can provide eggs, meat, and even compost from their manure. Farm-fresh eggs are always in demand.
Heritage breeds can also bring in income through hatching eggs or chicks.
Goats
Dairy goats produce milk that can be sold fresh or made into cheese and soap. Meat goats are also a profitable option.
Their brush-clearing ability can be offered as a paid service to others.
Bees
Bees provide honey, beeswax, and pollination services. Honey is a high-value product with steady demand.
Beeswax can be used in candles, skincare products, and crafts.
Sheep
Sheep produce wool, meat, and sometimes milk for cheese making. Specialty wool breeds can command higher prices.
Lamb sales are often strong during certain seasons.
Rabbits
Rabbits reproduce quickly and can be raised for meat, pets, or show animals.
Their pelts and manure are also marketable.
Ducks
Duck eggs sell for a premium in many areas. Certain breeds are also popular for meat.
They’re efficient foragers, reducing feed costs and improving profit margins.
Turkeys
Turkeys bring in seasonal income for meat sales, especially around holidays.
Heritage breeds can also be sold for breeding stock.
Alpacas
Alpacas produce high-quality fiber that sells for a good price to spinners and crafters.
They require less feed than many livestock of similar size.
Pigs
Pigs provide pork for direct sale or custom processing.
They can also be used for land clearing, which can be an added service.
Cattle
Beef cattle can be sold by the pound, by the quarter, or as whole animals.
Some breeds also produce milk, opening the door for dairy products.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
