I’ve written several articles about cutting back on feed costs, supplies, and everyday homestead expenses — and honestly? I don’t think there can ever be too many of these.
Because maybe this is your first time here.
Maybe you’ve never seen my work before.
Maybe you don’t know who I am at all.
So let’s start with the most important thing:
I want to help you save money on your homestead — right now, this month, without needing more stuff.
Homesteading can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also get expensive fast if you’re not intentional. The good news? There are plenty of simple, realistic ways to cut costs without sacrificing the lifestyle you’re building.
Here are 10 simple ways to lower your homestead costs this month.
1. Feed Your Animals What You’re Already Throwing Away
If you raise livestock, very little should be going into your garbage.
Kitchen scraps can supplement feed for many animals — chickens, ducks, pigs, and even goats (depending on what you’re feeding). Vegetable peels, stale bread, leftover rice, eggshells, and garden trimmings can all be repurposed.
💡 Important note: Always research what’s safe for your specific animals — not everything is appropriate for every species.
Reducing waste doesn’t just save money on trash bags — it lowers your feed bill too.
2. Ferment Feed to Stretch What You Buy
Fermenting feed is one of the easiest ways to make your feed go further.
By soaking grains in water for 24–72 hours, you:
- Increase nutrient availability
- Improve digestion
- Reduce waste
- Use less feed overall
Many homesteaders find their animals stay fuller longer and consume less when feed is fermented. That’s a win for both your animals and your wallet.
3. Grow Herbs, Greens, and Sprouts at Home
You don’t need a huge garden to start saving money here.
- Herbs like oregano, mint, basil, and thyme can be grown cheaply and used for animal health and kitchen cooking.
- Sprouts (like barley, wheat, or sunflower sprouts) can be grown indoors with minimal supplies and fed to livestock year-round.
- Even a small patch of greens can supplement both you and your animals feed.
These are low-cost, high-impact additions to your homestead.
4. Embrace DIY (This Is Where I Shine)
I am a DIY queen, and I say that proudly.
Before you buy something new, ask:
- Can I fix this?
- Can I repurpose something I already have?
- Can I make a simpler version myself?
From feeders and waterers to shelving, storage, and garden structures — DIY saves hundreds over time. Reuse, recycle, and reimagine whenever possible.
It might not be Pinterest-perfect, but if it works, it works.
5. The Bartering System Is Still Alive
Yes, bartering still exists — it just takes a little effort to find your people.
You might trade:
- Eggs for milk
- Baked goods for canned jam
- Garden starts for labor
- Skills for supplies
The key is making sure the trade feels fair to both sides. And remember — the worst someone can say is no. So why not ask?
6. Sell What You Already Know How to Make
A little extra cash can go a long way on a homestead.
Consider selling:
- Homemade baked goods
- Soap, candles, or crafts
- Chicks or hatching eggs
- Garden starts or seedlings
- Extra produce
You don’t need a full-blown business — even small, consistent sales can help offset feed, supplies, or utility costs.
7. Shop Your Pantry Before You Shop the Store
This is a big one.
You should never be planning meals for the week without checking your pantry, freezer, and fridge first.
Build meals around:
- What you already preserved
- What’s close to expiring
- What you can use up creatively
This habit alone can drastically reduce grocery spending.
8. Learn to Preserve Your Harvest (Any Way You Can)
Preservation doesn’t have to be complicated.
- Freezing counts
- Dehydrating counts
- Water bath or pressure canning counts
Preserve what you grow when it’s abundant, then intentionally eat from it until it’s gone. This prevents waste and reduces how often you rely on store-bought food.
9. Improve Energy Efficiency at Home
Saving money isn’t just about food and feed.
Simple changes add up:
- Hang-dry clothes instead of using the dryer
- Turn off lights and unused appliances
- Use natural light when possible
- Adjust thermostat habits seasonally
Energy efficiency lowers your monthly bills without sacrificing comfort.
10. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
You don’t need to do all of these things at once.
Pick one or two areas to focus on this month. Build habits slowly. Every small change compounds over time — and that’s how sustainable homesteads are built.
Final Thoughts
Homesteading doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With intention, creativity, and a willingness to try old-school solutions, you can lower costs and still live the life you’re working toward.
Whether you’re brand new here or have been following along for a while — I’m glad you’re here. And I hope this helps you keep a little more money in your pocket this month.
🌱 Progress over perfection. Always.
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