Agriculture business ideas for working out and about
25 ideas
These 25 ideas suit people who would rather be on farms, in fields and at the yard than behind a desk. Many are contracting or mobile services, such as a seasonal sheep shearing contractor, a mobile farrier shoeing at the yard, or a hedge cutting and field work contractor.
Small-scale local honey producer
Keep a handful of hives and sell jars of local honey at markets, to neighbours and to local shops.
- £600-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile farrier shoeing at the yard
Shape and fit horseshoes at livery yards and paddocks, working from a forge in your van.
- £4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Woodland management contractor
Do thinning, felling and extraction work for woodland owners and estates with your own chainsaw kit and a small tractor or ATV.
- £4k-20k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Tree planting and woodland upkeep
Plant trees, fit tree guards and clear weeds for landowners creating or restoring woodland, as a seasonal or part-time job.
- £500-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Hedge cutting and field work contractor
Cut hedges and verges and do odd field jobs for farms and landowners with a tractor-mounted flail.
- £8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Swarm collection and bee rescue
Collect honeybee swarms from gardens and public spaces, then rehome them in your own hives.
- £400-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Small inshore prawn boat
Run a small licensed boat catching prawns in local waters and sell to merchants, markets or restaurants.
- £20k-100k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile farm supplies van
Drive a stocked van round local farms with tools, parts and fast delivery, backed by friendly after-sales help.
- £8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Seasonal sheep shearing contractor
Shear sheep on local farms and smallholdings through the summer clipping season, paid per animal.
- £800-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile milking machine service and parts
Service, repair and supply parts for milking equipment on dairy farms in your area, working from a fully stocked van.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Vegetable wholesale delivery round
Buy veg in bulk from markets or growers and deliver to local restaurants, cafes and caterers.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Part-time sheep and cattle dealer
Buy store lambs, ewes or calves at marts and from farms, then sell on for a margin, using a hired haulier.
- £1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Full-time livestock dealer with own trailer or lorry
Buy and sell stock farm to farm and at marts, moving animals yourself to cut costs and win more deals.
- £8k-40k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Local hay and bedding delivery
Buy hay, haylage and bedding from local producers and deliver it to horse owners and smallholders nearby.
- £1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Contract sprayer for farms and landowners
Apply crop protection and weed control on farmland with a trailed or mounted sprayer, on contract.
- £10k-50k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Bee removal from buildings
Safely remove established honeybee colonies from roofs and walls and rehome them in hives.
- £1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Full-time travelling shearing gang
Run a small shearing team that travels between farms for the whole clipping season, and maybe take work abroad.
- £3k-12k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Turf delivery and supply service
Buy turf from growers and deliver fresh rolls to landscapers, builders and homeowners in your area.
- £1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile farm machinery repairer
Drive to farms to service and repair tractors and machinery, so farmers lose less time when kit breaks down.
- £6k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Independent crop inputs agent
Visit farms and growers, take orders for fertiliser and crop protection, and earn commission from a supplier.
- £1k-5k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile tractor parts van
Carry common tractor parts in a van and deliver to farms, contractors and workshops, so breakdowns get fixed faster.
- £5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile farrier round
Trim and shoe horses at local yards and homes on a regular round, using a van-based forge.
- £4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Feed and bedding delivery round
Deliver feed, hay and bedding by van to yards and smallholdings, with no shop to rent.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Bark and mulch bulk bag delivery
Buy bark, mulch and topsoil in bulk and deliver it in bags to local gardeners and landscapers.
- £2.5k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Others centre on buying, selling or delivering, like a mobile tractor parts van or local hay and bedding delivery. Before choosing, think about your existing skills and contacts, because farming work often comes by word of mouth. Check what vehicle, trailer or equipment you will need, how far you are happy to travel, and how seasonal the income could be. Also look into insurance, training and any licences or registrations that might apply to the work you have in mind.
More ideas
Questions
What do I need to start a mobile agricultural business in the UK?
Usually a suitable vehicle, any specialist equipment and the right skills for the job. Check which insurance, training and registrations apply, such as public liability cover, and whether your vehicle is insured for business use and the loads you plan to carry.
Are there rules I should check for moving or dealing in livestock?
Possibly. Livestock work can involve movement records, animal welfare requirements, vehicle and trailer standards and driver competence. Check current guidance from DEFRA, the APHA and your local authority, and ask whether any approvals or training apply to your plans.
How can I find my first customers in farming?
Local reputation matters. Talk to farms, equestrian yards and agricultural merchants, and attend local markets and shows. Consider small trial jobs to build references. Check whether you need to agree written terms, quotes or payment arrangements with customers up front.