Kody Hanner
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Navigating Food Laws and Diversifying Your Income For Your Homestead Business
It’s a brand new year, and here on the Hanner Homestead, things are just starting to gear up. We’re waiting on our last dairy calf of the season to hit the ground, firewood’s been stacked high, and those pigs are getting ready to farrow any day now – spring piglets are on the horizon! My husband’s been busy moving those “pay-as-you-grow” hogs, those are the one’s that families essentially put on “layaway.” And I’ve been buried in books, not the homeschooling kind this time, but the kind filled with food laws and regulations.
Why? Because we’re getting ready to open our very own homestead store! It’s an exciting time, but let me tell you, navigating the legal side of selling your homestead bounty can be a real head-scratcher.
Now, some of you know I’m all about pushing the limits of food freedom and the food laws associated with them. I’m a regular at the Rogue Food Conventions, always advocating for our right to sell the food we work so hard to produce. But, even in a liberty-minded state like Idaho, there’s a whole lot of red tape to cut through.
And that’s what I want to talk about today: making money on your homestead while staying on the right side of the law. With so many folks looking to ditch the 9-to-5 and embrace the homestead life, it’s more important than ever to understand how to turn your passion into profit.
The “Stay-at-Home” Equation: More Than Just Dollars and Cents
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about something I hadn’t planned on discussing, but it’s crucial. When you’re weighing the option of staying home and making your homestead work financially, you have to factor in more than just the dollar amount on a paycheck.
Think about it: how much are you spending on gas for that daily commute? Childcare costs? Those quick lunches from the deli near the office? When you start adding those “non-monetary” incomes up, you might find that staying home puts you in a better financial position than you thought.
My husband and I have this conversation all the time. He’s a disabled vet, I run my homeschooling business and manage the homestead, and there are definitely months where money is tight. But when we really crunch the numbers, factoring in those hidden costs of working outside the home, it’s a no-brainer. Staying put is the best choice for our family.
Beyond the Soap and Eggs: Finding Your Unique Homestead Hustle
Now, I’m not saying everyone should quit their jobs tomorrow and start raising chickens. We need folks working in town, keeping essential services running. But so many of those office jobs could be done remotely, and let’s be honest, do we really need a big box store on every corner when we could be growing more of our own food?
The thing is, with more and more people embracing homesteading, some markets are starting to get a little crowded. Used to be it was just goat milk soap and jam that everyone was selling. Now, we’re seeing more folks getting into direct-to-consumer meat and eggs.
That’s not a bad thing! It’s fantastic that communities have access to locally raised food. But it does mean you need to be smart about finding your niche. What makes your homestead business unique? What can you offer that your neighbors can’t?
Food Freedom… with a Side of Regulations
Here’s the thing that really gets my goat (pun intended!): we’re constantly told that farming is a business, that we should be making a profit from our land. But then, the government throws up all these roadblocks, especially for us small-scale folks.
Even here in Idaho, which is supposed to be a bastion of liberty, we have to jump through hoops to sell our products legally. Let me give you a rundown of just some of the regulations we have to deal with:
- Meat: Has to be processed at a USDA-inspected facility. (Check out the PRIME Act, though, we’d love to see that happen!)
- Eggs: Need to be labeled as ungraded.
- Milk: Requires a raw herd exemption to sell raw milk.
- Poultry: No USDA or custom poultry processing facilities in the state. I can process my own for retail sale under an exemption, but it still needs to be in an inspected facility and can’t cross state lines.
- Rabbits: Same as poultry, plus I need a vet to do inspections, even though I can’t sell across state lines!
- Plants and Honey: Need permits to sell.
- Sales Tax License and Business License: Yep, those too!
And guess what? All these regulations come from different agencies! It’s enough to make your head spin.
The “They Don’t Teach You This in Ag School” Guide to Food Laws
Here’s the kicker: there are exemptions for a lot of this stuff. You can raise your own food, butcher your own meat, drink your own milk, and even feed it to your family (FYI – they actually put it in the law that you can consume your OWN products) and neighbors. But the minute you take money for it, bam! You’ve crossed the line.
It’s like they want to keep us small guys down. Big Ag gets all the support and clear regulations, but for us homesteaders? Good luck finding anything in plain English.
I spent years working in commercial agriculture, navigating those USDA inspections and regulations. I even consulted with small farms after that. And let me tell you, the red tape is ridiculous.
Some county offices don’t even understand what we do! I once had to explain to someone at the health department that yes, I wanted to process chickens in my shop and sell them. They looked at me like I had two heads.
Making Money the Homestead Way: Diversification is Key
Okay, okay, I’ll get off my soapbox now. I don’t want to discourage anyone. The truth is, there are ways to make money on your homestead, even with all the crazy regulations.
The key is diversification. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket (again, with the puns!). Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Live Animal Sales: This is a big one! Sell piglets, chicks, laying hens, breeding stock – you name it. Just be aware of the laws around transporting animals across state lines. (And remember, once you sell that animal, it’s the buyer’s property. What they do with it is up to them.)
- Eggs: You’re probably not going to get rich selling eggs, but it can be a good way to offset your feed costs and maybe make a little extra. Think about diversifying within your flock too – sell chicks, hatching eggs, even manure for fertilizer!
- Plant Starts: Everyone needs plants for their garden! Sell your extra seedlings and starts. In Idaho, you can sell up to $500 worth annually without a permit.
- Cottage Foods: This is a great option for those who love to bake and preserve. Each state has its own list of approved cottage foods, so do your research. And remember, you can’t sell across state lines without a commercial kitchen.
- Pay-as-You-Grow Programs: This is what we do with our pigs. Customers pay a monthly fee to cover the cost and labor of raising the pig, then just pay the butcher at the end. It’s a win-win!
Marketing Your Homestead Bounty: It’s Not Just About the Product
Marketing is where the real magic happens. This is where you connect with your customers and build a loyal following. But it’s also where I see a lot of homesteaders struggle.
Here’s the thing: it’s not just about the end product. It’s about the whole experience. Think about how you can create a unique brand that reflects your values and resonates with your customers.
For us, it’s about building relationships. When people come to pick up their pig, they’re not just getting a freezer full of meat. They’re getting a tour of the farm, they’re meeting the animals, they’re learning about where their food comes from. And that’s something you can’t get at the grocery store.
Homesteading for the Long Haul: Building a Sustainable Business and a Fulfilling Life
Building a thriving homestead business takes time and effort. There will be challenges, and there will be days when you want to throw in the towel. But when you see those piglets running around the pasture, or you harvest that first basket of tomatoes, it all feels worth it.
Homesteading is more than just a way to make money. It’s a way of life. It’s about connecting with the land, providing for your family, and building a more sustainable future. And that’s something worth fighting for.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the 9-to-5 and embrace the homestead hustle, I’m here to help! Check out my Homesteading Business Guide for more tips and resources on turning your passion into profit. And don’t forget to reach out if you have any questions. I’m always happy to chat about all things homesteading.
Now, go out there and make some money!
Listen to the Food Law Podcast Episode!
Tired of feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of turning your homestead into a profitable business?
You’re not alone. Navigating food laws, finding your niche, and building a thriving homestead business can feel like an insurmountable challenge.
But it doesn’t have to be.
I’m Kody Hanner, and I’ve been there. I’ve built a successful homestead from the ground up, navigating the ups and downs of farming, navigating the maze of regulations, and finding creative ways to generate income.
In my Homestead Business Coaching program, I’ll help you:
- Develop a rock-solid business plan: We’ll identify your unique strengths, pinpoint your ideal customer, and create a roadmap for success.
- Navigate the legal landscape: I’ll guide you through the complexities of food laws, helping you understand and comply with regulations in your area.
- Diversify your income streams: We’ll explore a variety of income-generating opportunities, from direct-to-consumer sales and value-added products to agritourism and online courses.
- Build a strong brand: We’ll help you craft a compelling brand story and create a marketing strategy that resonates with your ideal customers.
- Overcome challenges and build resilience: I’ll be your sounding board, offering support and encouragement as you navigate the ups and downs of homesteading.
But here’s the best part:
For a limited time, I’m offering a special introductory package.
Purchase my “How to Start a Homestead” Planning Guide for just $25 and receive a $25 discount on a one-hour coaching session with me.
During our session, we can discuss:
- Your specific homesteading goals
- Developing a profitable business plan
- Navigating food laws and regulations
- Marketing and sales strategies
- Time management and productivity tips
- And much more!
I’m here to help you every step of the way. Let’s turn your homesteading dreams into a thriving reality.
Book your coaching session today!
P.S. I have extensive experience in:
- Food safety and regulations (including HACCP)
- Business management and accounting
- Homesteading and sustainable living
- Marketing and social media
- And much more!