Homesteading is a rewarding endeavor. But like many aspects of prepping, it can be a little hard to stock up on supplies if you're on a tight budget.
If you're looking to save money on your preps, look for homesteading supplies at a farm auction. If you're patient enough, you might catch a great deal on essentials like canning supplies or cookware. (h/t to HomesteadSurvivalSite.com)
Homesteading essentials you can buy at farm auctions
While you can score some cheap supplies at flea markets and yard sales, the selection is a bit limited compared to what you can find at farm auctions.
Cast iron cookware
You can find aged and seasoned cast-iron cookware at farm auctions.
Even if the cookware you find is rested, it's still worth buying some since you can clean them using a sanding bit on a power drill. (Related: Prepping basics: A 10-item checklist for beginner preppers.)
Canning supplies
Water bath and pressure canning supplies are also commonly offered at farm auctions. If you find a set for your homestead, be sure to pick up some Mason jars as well.
You can clean and reuse canning jar rings, but you may need to buy new lids since there's a chance that the rubber on old lids may be damaged. Additionally, used lids may not seal properly.
Butchering supplies
If you plan on raising and selling your own meat, you'll need butchering supplies so you can process it as well. Take note that operating a home butcher shop may require permits or zoning restraints, depending on where you live.
Livestock
As you may have guessed, you can also buy livestock at farm auctions. If you want to raise livestock on your homestead, check out farm auctions for chicks, ducklings, goats, sheep and cattle.
Seeds and produce
You can also get seeds and produce at a farm auction, which will be a great addition to your home garden. Keep an eye out for heirloom seeds and farm-fresh produce for canning.
Hunting and fishing supplies
When SHTF, you might need to add to your garden and preps by hunting or fishing so you have enough to eat.
Look for items like fishing rods and reels or bows practice targets at a farm auction so you have options when it comes to putting food on the table.
Manual tools
In a post-SHTF without electricity, you will need quality manual tools.
If you chance upon a farm auction, look for these useful manual tools:
- Axes
- Bolts
- Hammer
- Hoe
- Horse-drawn wagons
- Logging and agricultural machinery
- Machete
- Manual drill
- Maul
- Nails
- Nuts
- Rake
- Pruning shears
- Screwdrivers
- Screws
- Scythe
- Shovel
- Sickle
- Washers
- Watering can
- Wrenches
Power tools
While you still have electricity, power tools will make repairs a lot easier to accomplish.
Bid for useful power tools such as:
- Band saws
- Miter saws
- Power drills
- Table saws
- Welding equipment
Hay baling equipment
If you already have livestock in your homestead, you can keep them well-fed with hay baling equipment.
Look for hay baling equipment like daisy rakes, conditioners and wagons. When SHTF, your livestock will also be counting on you for their food and water so you need the right equipment.
Heavy equipment
You will need different kinds of heavy equipment to build, maintain and repair your homestead in a post-SHTF world.
Look for things like a brush hog, seed spreader, skid steer, a dump truck, or a backhoe. If you're in a rural area, you can also earn extra money by renting out your heavy equipment services.
Wagons and trailers
You can purchase a hay wagon, firewood wagon, or livestock trailer for your homestead at a farm auction, especially at Amish farm auctions.
All-terrain vehicle (ATV)
If your homestead is big enough that patrolling it on foot is tiring, you may benefit from an all-terrain vehicle.
Look for a four-wheeler or a side-by-side style vehicle at a farm auction so it's easier to inspect your homestead. You can also hitch a trailer to an ATV and use it to haul more items compared to a standard pickup.
Lastly, when SHTF you can turn an ATV into a bug-out vehicle by attaching a trailer.
Tractors
Some farm auctions may be a great place to score a tractor for your homestead. But manage your expectations since the tractor you find may be an older model.
Rifles
If you're looking for firearms that you can use to protect your family and your property, check out farm auctions near your area.
Firearms are usually sold alongside other traditional farming supplies at auctions. Note that not all auctioneers allow the weapons to be tested before the bidding starts.
Gunsmithing supplies
If firearms are offered at a farm auction, you might also stumble upon gunsmithing supplies.
You'll need the following tools to keep your guns in good working condition:
- Ammo molds
- Black powder
- Empty casing for reloading
- Gun parts
Before you attend a farm auction, make a list of things you want and need so you know what to prioritize once the bidding starts.
Visit Preparedness.news for more tips on how to save money when buying tools and supplies for your homestead.
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