Whether you own a working farm or live on a homestead, it is fair to say that unused farmland can cost a lot of money. Indeed, farmland, regardless of whether you run an agriculture business or have relocated to a former farm, requires maintenance and care. Ultimately, you can’t afford to let unused space go to waste when it could have a purpose and a function.

In a previous article, we’ve listed some of the most common usages for your spare farmland. Many farmers in popular rural areas consider turning an unused field into a camping hotspot for tourists who want to experience going back to the wilderness. You only need to clear the field for campers and tents and protect the area. You don’t want tourists to wander outside of the comping hotspot and into your working farm. It can be a good idea to add facilities such as toilets and showers, and a small eating area with tables and even gas hobs. However, a lot of people specifically research wild camping and don’t want added comfort.

An unused field can accommodate renewable energy solutions, such as wind turbines or solar panels, depending on the climate and location. You can consider repurposing spare space into a self-contained energy production lane, either as a commercial venture or as a way to support farming operations.

Another fantastic commercial opportunity for land that isn’t used or required is to rent it out to companies. It can become a storage location for landscaping or building businesses, for example. To attract commercial tenants, it can be worth considering the addition of an outhouse that can act as business premises.

Finally, there is more than one way of creating product-based profits. Helping to preserve bees, for instance, by placing beehives on the land will not just support the environment. It will also increase farming revenues, as honey is a lucrative and popular business. Similarly, if bees aren’t your thing, starting an orchard can also offer both environmental and monetary advantages.

But there’s more to your unused farmland than meets the eye. Indeed, you can transform the farmland into a supportive organization that can provide both environmental and mental health boosts. It’s also worth mentioning that there’s a lot of money in building a mindful space that looks after others. Here are 5 more ways of utilizing your unused farmland.

Create a rescue center for animals

Work animals are often overlooked. Whether they belong to farming operations or animal entertainment businesses, many work animals fail to receive the care and attention they deserve in their later years. It’s not uncommon for workhorses, for example, to become underweight or overweight as part of their professional activities. More often than not, this happens when owners are unaware of animal care best practices or lack resources to look after the animals. If you are unsure about your animal’s weight, you can click here to find some guidance. Ultimately, creating a rescue center for former work animals and unhealthy animals, such as horses, donkeys, goats, cows, etc., can give them a safe place to retire in their later years. Rescue centers do require a lot of work, but they also drive a lot of visitors. You can monetize merch and visits to pay for healthcare and maintenance for the animals. Setting up a charity will also make donations easier.

Start a training facility

If you own a working farm, it can be a fantastic opportunity to share the knowledge and experience you’ve accumulated. With a variety of training programs for beginner farmers, it’s easy to offer your farmland as a base for farm-based activities. Many farm schools and vocational programs are constantly looking for new hands-on practice options for their students. Repurposing your unused farmland into a self-contained test center where students can experience everyday challenges and activities can be a game-changer. You can also consider starting your own program if you wish to share practical knowledge. However, an educational program will need to obtain official validation to be recognized by professional authorities. On the other hand, joining an existing program with the intention of providing insights and practice into operational farming processes can be a quick win.

Create a wildlife center

Local wildlife experts are constantly looking for volunteers to help with the protection of bird species, small mammals, and bugs. The unused farmland can become a small wildlife center for the local ecosystem. In terms of environmental benefits, you can offer a home to species that might have found themselves exposed as a result of new infrastructure or construction projects. Most people think of large animals when they consider wildlife protection, such as exotic tigers or rare tropical birds. But in reality, wildlife survival begins at your front door by ensuring local insects, animals, and plants can find a place to live and thrive. Wildlife centers operate as charity organizations, which can be sponsored via donations and through business funding.

Start an Airbnb at the farm

Farm holidays are growing in popularity, especially for households living in an urban environment. Noise pollution, traffic fumes, and the fast pace of everyday life can take a toll on mental health. The typical resort vacation is unlikely to provide the serenity people needs. Yet, turning the farmland into a healthy holiday spot, with either glamping offers or rustic cottages, can offer just the mental health boost people seek. And why not start the day with a hearty breakfast consisting of fresh vegetables and fruit, hens, and milk? Farm products are miles away from store-bought breakfast packs!

Animal yoga classes

Outdoor yoga naturally combines exercise and the natural world, which can help improve the sense of self-care, self-awareness, and self-healing. Animal yoga brings an extra dimension to the tranquillity and slow breathing of the class. Introducing safe yoga activities with farm animals, such as goats, hens, or even ducks, can be a game-changer for people struggling to relax. Participants feel naturally calmer in the presence of animals.

Your unused farmland packs a ton of value for the environment and the people. There is no denying that you could drive profits by turning your farmland into a side hustle business. But you can also use it to share your passion for the environment, the farming industry, or simply the healthy rural lifestyle. Sometimes doing something good for the world is its own reward.

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5 More Ways To Utilize Unused Farmland

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