Pasture-Raised eggs and meat farm

Local households wanting farm-fresh food, farmers market shoppers, and buying clubs. Some sell to restaurants or small shops.

Eggs sold by the dozen, and meat sold by the whole animal, share or cut. Customers often pre-order and pay a deposit.

• Animal care and handling
• Daily routine and reliability
• Basic fencing and building skills
• Direct selling

• Meat usually has to be processed at an inspected facility to be sold, so check your state's rules and book processing dates early
• Check egg selling rules, such as labeling, refrigeration and any registration needed
• Check zoning and HOA rules on keeping animals, plus predator protection and animal welfare duties
• Feed costs and animal losses can squeeze profit, and general liability insurance is worth checking

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $2,000 to $15,000, depending on which animals you raise, fencing, housing and predator protection. Feed costs and animal losses can squeeze profit, so plan ahead for ongoing expenses.

Meat usually has to be processed at an inspected facility to be sold, so check your state's rules and book processing dates early. Check egg labeling, refrigeration and registration rules, plus zoning and HOA rules on keeping animals.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500 as an estimate, depending on animal numbers and how you sell. Eggs bring steadier income while meat is sold in batches. Expect roughly 10 or more hours a week of daily care.