Breeding Goats as a Business

Dairy goats are in high demand across the country, making now a great time to get into breeding goats.  In addition to producing high quality milk and meat, goats are also one of the most personable small animals you can raise.

I’ve been breeding goats for over ten years now and have seen the market increase consistently year by year, with larger breeders seeing potential profits in the livable income range.

While some breeds are seeing higher market movement than others, the demand for goats is hand in hand with the increased interest in homesteading, sustainability and back to the land movements.

With careful management, emphasis on quality and a solid plan, there is definitely potential to see a good income from breeding goats.
Continue reading “Breeding Goats as a Business”

Growing Basket Willows for Profit

I still remember the Facebook comment that first opened my eyes to the possibility of growing basket willows for profit. I had no idea such potential existed, so I settled in for a binge session  – avidly devouring any and all information I could find on the ins and outs of basket willows.

As it turns out, there is quite the potential for profit in these trees and, owing perhaps to the slow turnaround time, not a whole lot of competition.  We’ll be planting our first crop of willows next month, already ordered and on the way soon.  I’ve been waiting for this moment for most of a year now and I’m excited to get started. Continue reading “Growing Basket Willows for Profit”

Growing Nettles as a Cash Crop

When we moved to our new farm two years ago, we discovered growing nettles in several patches across the property. I’d heard how wonderful nettles were, so with a pair of surgical gloves and a quest for adventure, I set about harvesting my first nettle crop.

That first harvest turned me into a lifelong fan of nettles. They have to be steamed, cooked or dried before eating, but food made with nettles tastes so amazing. The leaves aren’t the only part of the plant that is useable, though, and that’s part of what makes growing nettles for profit such a sure winner. Continue reading “Growing Nettles as a Cash Crop”

Raising Bottle Calves for Profit

There is something unforgettable about the feel of a rough calf tongue licking you on the hand in its quest for food. Raising bottle calves for profit is as rewarding as it is hard on the heart – bottle babies are impossible not to love.

Beef is second only to chicken in terms of demand in the United States. According to The North American Meat Institute, over 25 billion pounds of beef were produced by American companies in 2013.

With the increasing demand for grass fed beef, it’s getting easier than ever to turn calves into cash, especially if you have pasture land available.

These are the considerations and a cost/profit analysis for the viability of raising bottle calves for profit. Continue reading “Raising Bottle Calves for Profit”