Three Exciting, Money-Making Opportunities For Small Farms

USDA/Flickr

It’s no secret that running a farm is hard work. It a very physical job that involves long hours working in both good and inclement weather conditions. From tending to crops to feeding cattle, countless tasks need to be completed each day. Despite what many may think, the pay that farmers receive does not always reflect the hard work they put in. This can leave many of them feeling under appreciated and tempted to try a different career instead. However, there are ways that even the smallest of farms can maximize their profits. So to keep the lifestyle you adore and to make more money from your farm, consider these exciting ideas.

Michael Ahler/Flickr

Make your farm a destination

Many families, particularly those with young children will pay good money to visit a working farm. You can take them on guided tours to see the animals and teach them where their food comes from. You can even charge for them to do some of your work for you such as berry picking or sowing seeds. So rather than keeping it private, open it up to the public and charge for their entry. You can also open a farm shop where your visitors can buy products made on the farm like cheese and bread. This will not only make a great day out for your visitors but earn you a tidy profit too.

Transform a plot into a campsite

Camping has increased in popularity in recent years as more people want to spend time in the great outdoors. So if you have a plot of land that is currently going unused, why not turn it into a campsite. This can be a particularly good idea if your farm is located to a popular tourist or festival sites. The ground will need to be clear and level, and you will have to build a simple toilet and shower block too. But once this has been erected, you can hire your plot out to campers. If you are able to supply electricity and wifi, you could also cater to motorhomes. This can be a fantastic source of income during the summer and won’t distract you from your farming duties either.

Add Solar Panels To Your Land

More and more farms are hiring out their unused land to solar panel companies such as the National Grid. Solar panels are then added to the land and used to power both commercial and residential buildings. As well as paying you for the use of your land, you might also be able to get free electricity for your home and farm. The only potential issue you could face is that your farm may not be in the best position to gain as much sunlight as possible. So to see if you are a suitable candidate, ask an expert from a solar company to come and assess your land.

Before trying any of these money making ideas, remember to plan and check for any restrictions. This will help you avoid any pitfalls and ensure your farm continues to abide by the law. Once you have done this, you can start generating an additional income that can make your farm work feel more rewarding.