Most Profitable Animal Farming

Now that you know what a homestead is, it’s time to look at the most profitable animal farming. Not every homestead is limited to plants and crops. Some homesteads make all of their money off of livestock.

If you’re considering a more self-sufficient lifestyle, you may be wondering which animals you should raise to be the most profitable.

While there are many factors to consider, including the amount of land you have available and the climate you live in, we’ve compiled a list of the most profitable animals to farm.

Note – if you have a small city plot, be sure to read our article about the 7 best farm animals to raise in the city. There are some great insights into unique animals to raise for profit.

Chickens

One of the most common and versatile animals raised on small farms, chickens can be used for both meat and eggs. While chickens don’t require a lot of space, they do need access to fresh water and a place to roost.

Chickens are also relatively low-maintenance, although you will need to protect them from predators such as dogs, cats, raccoons, and foxes. This can be done with a great chicken coop setup or by installing a livestock guardian dog. You can even protect your backyard birds from birds of prey by inviting ravens and crows to hang around.

Chickens are our personal favorite farm animal because they are easy to get started with. Even those who are squeamish about the idea of butchering animals can benefit from chicken eggs. Some people even joke that the chicken is a gateway homesteading animal meaning you start with a handful of chickens and before you know if you’ve expanded to an entire homestead.

Chickens make great pest control, even penned up. In addition to these mouse traps for the homestead, chickens will help keep the mouse control in check. They’ll also eat spiders, ticks, ants, grasshoppers, and more!

If you’re looking for low maintenance farm animals, chickens are definitely worth considering. Chickens are great for anybody looking for small quiet animal farm ideas.

Free range birds especially are quite easy to care for compared to other animals and they are a whole lot of fun! Raise meat chickens, laying hens, or combination birds for the best of both worlds!

Interested in learning more? Read all about how to take care of chickens here. Before you know it, you’ll have a freezer full of chicken meat and a counter full of eggs.

And once you’ve turned into a crazy chicken lady (or maybe you have a friend or two that already are!) be sure to check out these gifts for egg lovers!

Cattle

Have you ever asked yourself what livestock makes the most money? Beef cattle and dairy cattle are among the most profitable animals to raise.

While cattle require more land and effort than chickens, they can provide a steadier source of income. Cattle also convert grass into protein more efficiently than any other animal, making them ideal for grazing on pastureland.

If you’re raising cattle for beef, you’ll need to purchase a bull to mate with your cows; if you’re raising dairy cows, you’ll need to milk them twice a day.

Cattle are probably considered to be one of the most profitable farm animals, but that doesn’t mean they are the easiest or that they’re suitable for everyone. Although if you live on a smaller plot of land, you can look into miniature cattle breeds. They don’t need nearly as much acreage as their full-sized counterparts.

Sheep

Sheep are another popular livestock animal, often raised for their wool or meat. This is why they are also considered one of the most profitable farm animal options.

Although there are plenty of hair sheep varieties if you have no interest in shearing and just want to raise little lamb chops. (The Secret Life of Homesteaders raises hair sheep for this reason.)

Like cattle, sheep generally require a bit of land and are best suited to grazing on grassy pastures. However, there is no reason why you can’t keep just a couple of sheep on a smaller plot and purchase hay for them.

Sheep are generally low-maintenance animals, but they are susceptible to parasites and predators such as coyotes and dogs. To protect your flock, consider using guard animals such as llamas or donkeys or getting your own livestock guardian dog.

Pigs

Pigs can be raised for both meat and lard (pork fat), making them one of the most versatile and profitable livestock animals. Pigs are also relatively easy to care for; they require a lot of food but very little attention. However, pigs can be destructive animals, so if you opt for breeding pigs, it’s important to provide them with plenty of space to root around in.

Pigs can also be quite dangerous so make sure to keep that in mind when assigning kids farm chores. My father-in-law personally knows many people who have lost limbs to pigs. Pigs are also susceptible to various diseases; make sure you consult with a veterinarian before starting your hog operation.

Bees

Bees are essential for pollinating crops, but they also produce honey which can be sold commercially or used at home. Honeybees can also be used to make beeswax candles and cosmetics such as lip balm and lotion bars.

If you’re afraid of getting stung, keep in mind there are a few breed species that are so docile you don’t even need a bee suit to work with them. They also require very little space, so long as there are lots of gardens and flowers in your neighborhood, which makes them perfect for hobby farmers. And there are plenty of people who are willing to pay a pretty penny for locally sourced honey.

Goats

Goats are known for their milk, which can be made into cheese, butter, and other dairy products. Goat milk is a great option for many people who can’t have cow milk. Nigerian Dwarf Goats are especially popular with smaller homesteads and farms.

Goat meat is also gaining in popularity as a leaner alternative to beef and pork. In addition to their milk and meat, goats can also be sold for their fiber, which is used to make yarn and fabric.

Rabbits

Breeding rabbits reproduce quickly and can yield two litters per year with approximately six rabbits per litter. Rabbit meat is leaner than chicken or turkey with less cholesterol, making it a healthier option. Rabbit pelts can also be sold or made into clothing and rabbit pellets or poop (rabbit manure) makes exceptional garden fertilizer.

Even if you don’t want to eat the rabbits yourself, if you raise dogs, rabbits are a great way to keep your dogs in food without spending a ton of money. Breeding animals such as rabbits is a great way to keep your dogs (and your freezer) in meat all year long. While they don’t sell for a lot compared to more exotic meats, because they multiply so quickly, rabbits can easily become one of the most profitable livestock animals to raise (not to mention, bees are some of the most productive animals).

Ducks

Ducks offer several profitable avenues: duck eggs, feathers, foie gras, and meat. Duck eggs are less oily than chicken eggs with a higher ratio of yolk to white; they’re often used in baking or by people who have high cholesterol.

Duck feathers make excellent insulators; they’re often used in pillows, coats, and sleeping bags. Foie gras is a French delicacy made from fattened duck liver; it sells for upwards of $50 per pound. Although it’s quite controversial and not especially humane. Duck meat is dark like red meat but has less fat; it’s popular in Chinese cuisine.

If you decide to get into ducks, be sure they have a good water source. You will also want to keep them far away from any household dwelling. These small farm animals get very stinky very quickly!

Quail

Quail are small birds that offer several profitable products: eggs, feathers, meat, and feet. Quail eggs have more protein than chicken eggs with a higher ratio of yolk to white; they’re often used in baking or by people who have allergies to chicken eggs.

Quail feathers are often used in fly fishing lures; they’re also popular in decorations such as dream catchers. Quail meat is leaner than chicken with a delicate flavor; it’s popular in Asian cuisine.

Quail feet are considered a delicacy in some cultures; they’re often pickled or served in soup.

More Resources About Farm Animals (Including Profitable Farm Animals)

There are many factors to consider when deciding which animals to raise for profit. However, if you’re looking for the most versatile and profitable options, chickens, cattle, sheep, and pigs are all good choices.

Whichever route you choose, make sure you do your research so that you can provide the best possible care for your animals—and reap the greatest rewards from your efforts!

Here are some of our other articles about raising animals on your homestead. Be sure to check them out!

• Uses for Colloidal Silver with Sheep
• Chicken Feed DIY – For a Healthy and Frugal Flock
• Best Chickens for Cold and Hot Weather
• What Do Chickens Need To Survive

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