How to Earn Money in Rural Kentucky

Making money ideas comes from my own experiences as a person that moved to a rural area of Kentucky from the suburbs of New York. These ideas will work in other sparsely populated areas of America as well.

The economy is tough so jobs are scarce for those in the city but even tougher in the rural areas of the state. Kentucky country people have ways to make money that metropolitan areas don't.

I am frequently asked, "how do people make money outside of a city?" Farming is the first thing that comes to mind, but there are other options.

Manufacturing positions are usually available on a seasonal basis, with long 12 hour shifts on your feet. The summer work season is short with minimum pay with no benefits may help some, but it usually isn't enough. Waiting tables, short order cooking, marina help,cleaning houses, farm crop planting and harvesting are not high paying jobs. People have to be resourceful and country people are the most resourceful around.

Since I moved here 7 years ago I've discovered how resourceful and hardy the people are here. It's also helped me to become more resourceful. Money is not a luxury and the weather plays a large part in a farmers life. Here are some ways to make ends meet in rural Kentucky

Recycling is not new to those on a farm. Everything gets a second and third life.

I've seen an increase in the number of farmers now raising cattle on their land. The animals such as sheep, goats, llama, alpaca, rabbits, beef cattle all serve more than one purpose. Their fleece or hair is sheared for yarn. The wool is washed, dyed, spun into yarn and then sold at fairs, on line stores or at the flea market. Many enterprising people make sweaters, caps, mittens and scarves to sell on line.

Goats are becoming the second most popular livestock behind cattle in Kentucky. They are easy to raise, are good sources of milk and meat and are bought by people all over the world.

The beef cattle are brought to market and slaughtered for the meat and the hide is sold for leather. When the fleece or hair is no longer good, then they are butchered for their meat. Every part is used; even the hooves. The hooves and bones make good 'Ole Jell-O, a gelatin dessert everyone loves.

You may have heard people joke about pigs feet. Well there are people that think this is a delicacy. Not me.

Another idea to make some extra money is to grow vegetable gardens and sell them at the local farmers market. My mother told me that all her neighbors had "Victory gardens" during World War 2 , and now there is a return to the basic gardens. This is a Godsend for those with a market in town. It can make or break a family's chances to survive a long, cold winter.

Canning vegetables and fruits is becoming popular again. These, too can be sold for some extra cash.

Flowers are also a good money maker. There are far more farmers growing plants for sale now in this economy.

Fruit trees farms are a good tourist attraction. They like to get out in the country and fresh air to pick their own fruit.

Make wood products. There are some talented woodworkers in my area that can make better then factory products such as kitchen cabinets, tables and chairs, shelves, desks or custom trim and molding. These woodworkers have their own shops and are much easier to deal with than a large box store. You can find the best by word of mouth.

If you don't have a woodworking shop, but are handy with carving you can make crafts to sell. Just check out sites like Etsy and Artfire , or the State Artisan Center in Berea to see what is being made.

The Kentucky Artisan Center , located off I-75 in Berea, KY, is a wonderful way to see and support the states local artisans. The money they make at this center and other outlets helps to bring money into rural communities. Without this center, many talented craftsmen and artists would go unnoticed.

Handmade quilts are a favorite hobby and a money making venturefor many women here. Some men have started making themas well.The Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, has some wonderful samples. You can see many old and new handmade quilts are the crafts shows. Almost everyone I know has quilts handed down from each generation. You can get a beautiful quilt custom made.

Babysitting is a tried and true job that everyone can do and most parents need. Most people can have up to 4 children in their home before they have to qualify as a licensed daycare facility. Check with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. If you are working alone, it's probably best to keep it to four anyway. Toddlers have a lot of energy,so have plenty of toys,child-proof your home and have some playground equipment. Also have some non sugar snacks and be sure parents bring a bag lunch. Mats for nap time will come in very handy; for them and you!

Living near a large recreational lake allows these local fishermen with many years of experience to become fishing guides. They know where the best spots are and can bring weekend sport fishers to catch the "big one". Selling your catch to the local restaurants is a good way to make a few dollars as well.

If you want to take a trip to the largest cities in the state,you may be able to make some money.

Be a guinea pig. There are clinical trials that need paid volunteers to try out their new drug. The major Universities and Drug companies will advertise for paid volunteers form time to time. Try your luck and get some money helping to bring a new prescription to market.

Not every clinical study involves testing a new drug, though. There are also have non drug studies as well.

Writing online like I do is not as popular as you would think. More people are getting on the Internet now but you'd be surprised how many people still don't have a computer!

Writing articles and doing graphic design is an extra way for me and a few others I know, to make some extra money. The younger generation is computer-savvy so they are starting to write more and sites like Hubpages are gaining more followers.

Sell unwanted items and services on the local Swap Shop program. I listen to two local swap shop every week and it's amazing what people have and are selling.

Selling parts off an old car sitting in the barn is a lot more profitable than selling the whole car, many times. if you're handy with repairing there are collectors that scour the barns in Indiana and Ohio to locate sold cars sitting for years.

Providing services such as painting,cutting up and trimming trees, cutting the grass, or doing odd jobs keeps money in the local community.

Well, these are some way people in rural Kentucky can make some much needed extra money.Even though I geared this article to making money in Kentucky, these ideas can be utilized in almost any rural area. Raising animals such as sheep,goats, llama, alpaca, rabbits and beef cattle can provide many ways to earn cash.

Restoring old cars or parting out the car is a good way to earn some extra money.

Doing odd jobs or selling unwanted items such as old car parts is a favorite activity here.

Babysitting is always a good way to earn cash and provide valuable service.

Writing online and graphic design are fast becoming a favorite way to earn extra money for the younger people.

Fishing and boating on the lake is the main summer vocation for many. The factories don't always provide enough workers the hours and pay they need.

Even though,some of these can be done in more populated areas of the state, but trying to make it work here is twice as hard and I give the resourceful and hard working rural people a lot of credit!

I have developed my writing skills and renewed my love of art while living here. I now paint, create crafts, and make jewelry. The people are a great influence on my creative juices!

Stacie L (C)Copyright material