Jr Farms

A stand alone petting farm may not be economical through out the year, but combined with other activities , it can be a profitable business.  Most of the revenue from visitors to the petting farm is seasonal, as parents and children visit the farm in spring and summer.

A fee is charged for entrance to the farm, and group discounts are usually offered. Visitors have to purchase corn, hay and other food to feed the animals, and this is often sold at a high price. Farm related T-shirts, mugs and other momentos can also sold to supplement the income.

Other farming related activities like hay rides, crawling through hay mazes, building scarecrows, walking through a pumpkin patch, milking a goat or cow can also be promoted. After the visiting season is over, the animals may be slaughtered for meat.

It is often difficult to make money from small farms due to lack of economies of scale and high fixed overheads. This can be overcome by starting petting farms, where different types of  farm animals are kept. Children in urban areas consume animal produce , but rarely see the real animals. Petting farms allow them an opportunity to actually see the animals, pet them and feed them.

Some of the animals kept in a petting farm are:
1. Cows
2. Chicken of different varieties
3. Pigs and piglets
4. Goats
5. Sheep
6. Rabbits
7. Donkeys
8. Horses and ponys

Miniature animals are more popular with the children. The animals should be familiar with humans and not harm the visitors, especially the children.  Hygiene is very important and a handwashing station should be available at regular intervals. Insurance coverage may be required to protect the farm owner against legal action if any visitor to the farm is hurt by the animals