35 Cattle Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]

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Updated: July 24th, 2023

Interested in starting a cattle business in 2024?

We put together 35 of the best cattle businesses you can start in today.

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other cattle businesses to help you see what it really takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a cattle farming business

2. Start a crab farming business

3. Start a Dairy Farming Business

Dairy farming is a business that involves the raising of dairy cattle to produce dairy products. The products made from dairy farming include milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products.

Dairy farming is one of the most profitable businesses in the world. It is one of the few industries where a small farmer can earn more than an industrialist.

The average salary for a dairy farmer in the United States is $48,733 as of October 27, 2022. However, the salary range typically falls between $45,405 and $54,912.

This business can be started on any scale, depending on your financial position, availability of land, and capital required for starting this business. You will need proper land for your cows and other animals that will be used in the process of producing dairy products.

4. Start a bio-fuel production business

Biofuel production refers to the fuel produced over a short time from biomass rather than through prolonged natural processes of fossil formation. In today's world, resources are becoming limited and scarce, while countries are focusing on more ways to reduce waste through reuse or recycling.

According to experts, eco-friendly fuels like biodiesel will start making a significant impact on our roads. Therefore, starting a biofuel production company can be a lucrative business you will start today.

The good news is that you can set up a biofuel production business in your backyard. To start producing biofuel, you need access to raw materials and tools. Typical raw materials for biofuel production include used vegetable oil, methanol, and potassium hydroxide. Since you will be dealing with chemicals, it would help if you invest in high-quality PPEs.

Also, it would be best if you had skilled staff to help you produce the biofuels and packaging process.

5. Start a shrimp farming business

Shrimp farming is a pawn or prawn production business in the marine or freshwater environment.

To start shrimp farming, ensure you have quality freshwater ponds. According to experts, newly dug ponds yield poor results, and there is no algae buildup for the shrimp to feed on. Select the appropriate location so you raise your shrimp.

Purchase quality juvenile shrimp and ensure you feed the shrimp twice a day.

6. Start a camel farming business

7. Start a fruit butters and cheese business

Fruit butter and cheese is a unique and growing business opportunity for entrepreneurs. The process involves taking fresh fruit and pureeing it into a spreadable consistency, similar to jams or jellies. However, fruit butter is typically made with less sugar and is cooked for a longer period of time, giving it a deeper and more concentrated flavor.

Cheese is also a popular product in the fruit butter and cheese business. This can include soft and creamy cheeses made with fruit purees and harder and more aged options. The key to success in this business is sourcing high-quality ingredients and experimenting with different flavor combinations to stand out in the market.

To run a successful fruit butter and cheese business, it is important to focus on the following tips:

Research the market: Understanding your target audience and competitors is crucial for success. Research local farmers’ markets and specialty food stores to get a feel for what products are already available and what gaps in the market you can fill.

Source top-quality ingredients: The quality of your fruit and cheese will directly affect the quality of your products. Invest in fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Experiment with flavor combinations: Don’t be afraid to try new and unique flavor combinations. Consider using unusual fruits or pairing fruit with complementary flavors like herbs or spices.

Invest in proper packaging: Attractive packaging is important for attracting customers and protecting your products. Invest in high-quality containers and labels to stand out on store shelves.

Build a strong brand: Building a strong brand is essential for success in any business. This includes creating a cohesive brand image, developing a strong social media presence and consistently delivering top-quality products to customers.

Following these tips, entrepreneurs can successfully launch and grow a fruit butter and cheese business. This business can be a profitable and fulfilling venture with a focus on quality ingredients, innovative flavor combinations, and strong branding.

8. Start an animal feed exports business

The animal feed export industry involves the production and distribution of nutritious food for livestock, namely cattle, poultry, and pigs, to markets outside the country of origin.

The process entails the formulation of feeds that cater to the specific nutritional requirements of different animals.

In this industry, entrepreneurs source high-quality raw materials, manufacture the feed, and then export the final products to countries where there is a demand for quality animal nutrition.

This business opportunity is highly lucrative due to the increasing global demand for meat and dairy products.

The growing demand is driving the need for efficient and high-quality animal feed to support the rapid expansion of the livestock industry.

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

9. Start a tiger prawn farming business

10. Start a tilapia fish farming business

Tilapia fish have a high breeding rate and rapid growth. Under optimal growth conditions, tilapia fingerlings reach harvestable size in just 8 months. Starting and expanding a tilapia farming business is easier than you think. You need a fish pond, fresh water, fish feeds, and a few fingerlings to kickstart your business.

11. Start a snail farming business

Snail farming is one of the easiest, less involved, and most profitable agriculture-related businesses you can start today. With the current growth in the popularity of healthy eating, marketing snail products is easier.

More people are switching to snails as a source of essential nutrients, a trend that has created a bigger opportunity for snail farmers worldwide.

Therefore, starting a snail farm today can be a lucrative business opportunity. Unlike livestock production and subsistence farming, you do not need a huge piece of land to farm snails.

Depending upon the type of snail farming system you intend to use, some materials you will need will include free-range pens, mosquito nets, hatch boxes, trench pens, and moveable pens.

12. Start a pig farm business

13. Start a Poultry Farming Business

Poultry farming is a business that involves raising chickens and other birds to sell eggs. It is a very simple and easy business to start. You can even do it in your backyard.

Poultry farming is one of the world’s most lucrative businesses, especially selling eggs and meat. Anyone can start this business. You only need to invest in a place to keep the poultry, which you can rent or buy.

A farmer who raises poultry will have a steady income from his business. About 60% of chicken farmers earned household incomes that exceeded the U.S.-wide median, with the top 20% making an average of $142,000 per year.

14. Start a sheep farming business

15. Start a deer farming business

16. Start an ostrich farming business

17. Become an organic fertilizer producer

Fertilizers are an important addition to the soil as they replace the nutrients resulting in higher crop productivity. Without fertilizers, crop yields and agricultural productivity would be significantly reduced.

According to statistics, the global demand for fertilizer is expected to reach over 200 million metric tons. The increased demand is due to increased crop production to feed the growing population.

Therefore, starting a fertilizer production business can be a great venture.

18. Start a beef processing business

19. Start a livestock wholesaling business

20. Start a bread and milk delivery business

21. Start a pearl farming business

22. Start a cows breeding and rearing business

The cow breeding and rearing industry involves the intentional breeding, nurturing, and handling of cows for various purposes like milk production, meat, and other by-products.

This business opportunity offers the chance to raise healthy and productive cattle through controlled breeding methods and proper care.

This profitable industry is driven by the constant demand for dairy products and meat, providing a steady income stream for those interested in animal husbandry and agriculture.

To ensure the well-being of the cows and maximize the business’s profitability, a combination of knowledge in animal science, nutrition, and effective farm management is essential for success in this venture.

23. Start a catfish farming business

Unlike some forms of the fish farming, catfish farming involves substantial investment and requires daily attention. However, under the right growing circumstances, catfish farming can be a profitable business.

To start a catfish farming business, secure financing and acquire a flat land where you can set up a pond. Then, construct the pond and plant grass seeds around the pond.

24. Start a livestock transportation business

25. Start an ornamental fish farming business

Ornamental fish are very quiet, and they do not harm your indoor space. Keeping ornamental fish indoors boosts relaxation and keeps blood pressure at a normal level. Therefore, people love to keep ornamental fish in their homes and offices.

If you are looking for a fish-related business opportunity, you probably would like to take on ornamental fish farming. Your customers will be interior designers, residential and commercial property owners looking for unique décor for their spaces.

26. Start a duck farming business

27. Start a rabbit farming business

Like livestock farming, rabbit farming has become a popular business with the potential to generate a good primary income.

However, rabbit farming requires hard work and dedication to generate a good primary income and become profitable.

To start rabbit farming, you need sufficient space for your rabbitry. It would also help if you knew and chose the best breeds of rabbits.

If you are new to rabbit farming, it will help if you get a mentor to provide you with a guide and basic education so you can farm successfully.

28. Start an emu farming business

29. Start a mosquito repellent business

30. Start a livestock exports business

31. Start a goat rearing business

Goat rearing is one of the most profitable animal farming businesses with the potential for generating high returns.

Compared to other livestock farming, you do not need much money, nor do you need to put in so much effort to start goat farming. Besides, feeding them is easy since goats will eat almost anything.

To start goat farming, identify and select the most profitable breed depending on your goals. Then, choose the right place for your business and ensure you provide proper shelter for your animals. Providing the correct type of goat feed and watering to the species will help you maximize profitability.

32. Start a quail farming business

Are you passionate about raising birds but not interested in chicken farming? Or probably you are already doing poultry farming, but you are looking to diversify.

Quail farming can be a lucrative venture like other farming ventures. Quails are considerably smaller than chickens, ducks, geese, or turkeys, so they need much smaller space to keep. They also mature faster when provided with a clean environment.

With quail farming, you can make money by selling quail eggs to bakers or selling quail meat at a good price since the birds are considered a delicacy.

33. Start a cow renting business

34. Start a fish farming business

Fish farming, also known as aquaculture, is the practice of breeding, raising, and harvesting fish and other aquatic animals for food or other products. It is an increasingly popular and sustainable way to produce protein-rich food. It allows cultivating fish in a controlled environment, reducing the need to overfish wild populations.

To start a fish farming business, you will need a few key things:

A suitable location: You will need a location with access to water, either a pond or a tank. The water should be clean and have a consistent temperature.
Fish and other aquatic animals: You will need to decide what type of fish or marine animals you want to raise. Some popular choices include tilapia, catfish, and trout.
Equipment: You will need equipment such as tanks or ponds, pumps and filters to keep the water clean and oxygenated, and feeders to dispense food.
Expertise: It is helpful to have some knowledge of fish biology and aquaculture practices. You may want to consider taking courses or getting a degree in aquaculture or a related field.

Research the local regulations and obtain any necessary permits. It is essential to carefully plan and manage the operation to ensure the fish’s health and well-being and maximize your profits. Marketing and selling your products will also be necessary to run a successful fish farming business.

How much you can make: $3,750/month

Making $45K/Yr By Farming Fish in My Apartment

This case study explores how a Toronto-based freelance artist, Malik King, turned his childhood passion for fish farming into a profitable side hustle, generating an annual net revenue of $45,000.

About

They started Malik's Fishand Water Garden over 9 years ago

Revenue

They grew the business to $3.75K/month

Read this case study

Read by 777 founders

35. Start a drive-thru ice cream and frozen yogurt business

According to a recent survey, nearly 80% of American consumers prefer frozen yogurt to ice cream and other cold treats.

Experts report that the demand for frozen yogurt has experienced a huge surge because it is considered a healthier alternative.

Therefore, starting a drive-thru frozen yogurt business stands a huge potential for multiplying your profits. If you plan to start a frozen yogurt business, define the target market and choose a strategic location where they can reach you.

meet the author

Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.

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