Start a goat and sheep dealer business

4-H and FFA families, homesteaders, small farms, brush-clearing buyers and ethnic and holiday meat markets.

You earn the difference between what you pay and what you sell for, after feed, worming, vet care and transport. Demand peaks around fairs and holidays, so timing your buying helps.

• Handling and assessing goats and sheep
• Basic animal health care
• Marketing online and in local groups
• Pricing and negotiation

• Dealer licensing and recordkeeping: rules vary by state, so check with your state veterinarian or agriculture office
• Disease such as parasites, foot rot and illnesses that can spread to your whole group, so quarantine new animals
• Zoning, county rules and HOA or lease limits on keeping livestock at home
• Liability insurance for buyers visiting your property
• Holiday and fair demand is seasonal, so cash flow can be uneven

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many animals you buy, and your fencing, shelter and feed on your own acreage. Demand is seasonal, so cash flow can be uneven.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on how many animals you sell and the prices you get. The estimate assumes roughly 6 or more hours a week. Holiday and fair seasons can change demand.

Check dealer licensing and recordkeeping rules with your state veterinarian or agriculture office. Also check zoning, county rules and HOA or lease limits on keeping livestock at home, plus liability insurance for buyers visiting, and quarantine new animals.