What are you doing to earn money off the homestead

[auntieemu]

There is no way that you can produce everything you need on the homestead. Don't tell me you can because I know that you are going to have to buy nuts, bolts, tools, vehicles, tractors, gas, canning jars, dishes, etc. And if you have it all right now, eventually something is going to have to be replaced. If you are online, you have to pay for the service and then there is the possibility of replacing the computer.

Now, what are you doing to earn money off your homestead? Are you trying to be completely self sufficient or are you aiming at a percentage? Let's talk about some goals and share some ideas.

[bergere]

Auntie,

Right now we are not making any money on this Farm. Will take a awhile to get up to speed like we were at the old Farm.
Will also depend on wither this NAIS goes through in 2009.
People are really poor in this area,, any added cost...well lets just say I wouldn't make any money.

So Hubby works off the farm. No choice at this point.

Just starting to get Fruit trees in, have Herbs.
Will take us awhile to get the fencing done, that shed rebuilt or......
Have to figure out how to make a fence tall and strong enough to keep the Elk out so I can have a kitchen garden again. That is going to be spendy.

If we can get the hay fields cleaned up,, that will at least be a source of Hay for the horses.

Hope to get a few halter trained steers...but again depends on what happens with the NAIS.

So all in all,, it is work in progress.

[auntieemu]

The American Emu Association will have a guest speaker explaining and answering questions about NAIS at the convention this July. At this point although you have to register your premisis, you won't have to register animals you raise only for yourself. We are thinking that emu may be registered by flock like they will be doing the chickens, but are not sure yet. Since I raise the meat for our consumption, but sell the fat, raw skeletons, cleaned feathers and eggs I am going to have some interesting questions for the guy.

Since our family has had this farm for over 150 years, it has undergone a lot of changes in the past. Dad didn't have an interest in fruit trees, so the old ones were never replaced. DH planted 6 and is looking at putting in a small orchard back by the pond. We rent out the larger fields, but the emu operation is doing well. It is just surprising what you can sell.

[momo]

Maybe we should start selling emu. I don't know anyone around here who sells them. I do know a few who raise ostrich though.

[auntieemu]

You don't make much money selling birds, you make it selling the meat, oil products, feathers, leather goods, etc.

Does anyone sell clean blown eggs to egg artists or crafters?