15 Smart Ways to Make Money from 80 Acres of Land in South Texas
Owning land in South Texas is more than just a long-term investment—it’s a golden opportunity to generate real income. Whether you’re sitting on 80 acres of brush country, pasture, farmland, or something in between, there are plenty of ways to turn that dirt into dollars. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to make money from your South Texas land.
🐄 1. Lease for Cattle Grazing
South Texas has a long tradition of ranching. With 80 acres, you’re in a great position to lease your land to local ranchers for grazing. It’s a low-maintenance income and a win-win for both parties.
🌾 2. Crop Leasing or Farming
If your land has decent soil and access to water, leasing it out for farming can bring a steady seasonal income. South Texas often grow sorghum, cotton, corn, or even hay.
🦌 3. Hunting Leases
South Texas is known for world-class hunting—white-tailed deer, wild hogs, turkey, quail, and more. Leasing your land during hunting season (or even year-round) can bring in serious cash, especially if you already have a healthy wildlife population.
🌿 4. Wildlife or Game Ranching
Take your hunting lease to the next level by managing your land as a game ranch. Raise native or exotic animals (like axis or blackbuck antelope) and offer guided hunts or breeding programs.
🔥 5. Lease to a Beekeeper
South Texas’ wildflowers and long growing season make it perfect for honey production. Leasing space to a beekeeper can generate passive income while also helping with pollination if you grow anything.
🌞 6. Solar Energy Leasing
The South Texas sun is no joke. Depending on your location, solar companies might be interested in leasing a portion of your land for a solar farm. You don’t need to do anything—just sign the lease and collect a check.
📡 7. Billboard or Cell Tower Leasing
If your land is near a highway or has elevation, you might be able to lease space for a billboard or a cell tower. These deals can bring in long-term passive income and usually require just a small piece of your land.
🏕 8. RV Park or Campground
Got open space and decent access? An RV park or campground is a solid business idea, especially if your land is near a popular hunting area, lake, or natural attraction.
🏠 9. Build and Rent Tiny Homes
With 80 acres, you’ve got plenty of space for tiny homes or off-grid cabins. These can be rented on Airbnb to tourists, hunters, or people looking for weekend getaways.
🌵 10. Create a Native Plant Nursery
Cacti, succulents, and drought-resistant plants are always in demand. Use a few acres to grow and sell native plants to landscapers, nurseries, or directly to customers.
🛻 11. Host Outdoor Events
If you have good road access and space, you could host weddings, retreats, rodeos, or community events. All it takes is a cleared area, some basic infrastructure, and smart marketing.
🧱 12. Sell Dirt, Sand, or Gravel
Believe it or not, in some parts of South Texas, the soil itself is valuable for construction or landscaping. If your land has usable materials, you might be able to sell them or lease to companies who extract them.
🦅 13. Enroll in a Wildlife Management Program
Instead of paying high property taxes, you can switch to a wildlife management valuation and even earn income through conservation programs or grants while preserving the land.
🛢 14. Oil, Gas, or Mineral Leasing
This is hit or miss depending on your location, but parts of South Texas sit on valuable mineral deposits. If you haven’t already, check your mineral rights—leasing them out can be incredibly profitable.
🌎 15. Conservation Easements & Carbon Credits
If your goal is more long-term and passive, consider placing your land in a conservation easement or selling carbon credits. These programs reward you for preserving natural habitats or offsetting emissions.
Final Thoughts
Eighty acres gives you real flexibility. Whether you’re looking for passive income, a side hustle, or a full-blown business, your South Texas land is a powerful asset. The key is understanding your land’s strengths—location, soil, access, terrain—and matching them with the right opportunity.
Do you have a more specific goal in mind for your land? Drop a comment or shoot me a message—I’d be happy to help you brainstorm.
Oh wow you have a huge ranch. I’m so excited to follow your life, your tips, and to try your recipes as well.