Ever wondered how the Amish make a living in today’s world? Let’s take a peek into their world and discover some clever ways they earn a living.
Farming
Many Amish families are farmers, growing crops like corn, wheat, and vegetables. These crops are sold to markets, local stores, or at roadside stands.
Many Amish set up roadside stands where they sell their fresh produce and other homemade goods to passersby. Amish vegetables were organic before organic was cool.
Some Amish families focus on dairy farming. They milk cows to produce milk, cheese, and butter, which are then sold to dairy processors or directly to customers.
They also raise livestock such as chickens, pigs, and cows. These animals are sold for meat, eggs, and dairy products.
They also sell hay.
Many Amish families operate greenhouses where they cultivate various plants and flowers. Amish often sell their plants and flowers at local markets, farmers’ markets, or roadside stands.
They typically have seasonal sales, especially during spring and early summer when planting and gardening are in high demand.
Craftsmanship
Skilled artisans create handmade furniture, quilts, and other crafts. They use these skills to create unique and high-quality products such as furniture, quilts, baskets, and home décor.
Amish craftsmen often sell their handmade goods at local markets, craft fairs, and roadside stands within their communities.
General Stores
The Amish not only rely on farming but also engage in various other businesses to earn a living.
Some progressive Amish individuals own and operate general stores. These stores sell a wide range of products, including groceries, household items, and handmade goods.
Bakeries
Amish bakeries are known for their delicious homemade bread, pies, and pastries. They sell these baked goods to their local community and often to tourists as well.
Construction and Carpentry
Some Amish work in the construction industry, helping with building projects. Amish carpenters build structures like barns, sheds, and homes.
They’re affordable and work incredibly fast thanks to excellent teamwork.
Blacksmithing
Amish blacksmiths create various metal products, including tools, hardware, and decorative items. They often take custom orders from both their community members and outsiders.
Apart from creating new items, they provide services to repair metal objects, such as fixing farm equipment or household tools.
Auctions
Amish communities often hold produce auctions where they sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and other farm products. Buyers, including local stores and community members, purchase these items.
They also have auctions for livestock like cows, pigs, and chickens. People come to these auctions to buy animals for meat or breeding.
Sawmills
The Amish generate income by owning and operating sawmills to cut lumber.
The cut lumber is then sold locally to community members, construction companies, furniture makers, or anyone in need of wood materials.
They may also take custom orders, where customers specify the type and size of lumber they require.
Buggy Makers
The Amish earn money by crafting and selling horse-drawn buggies. They often take custom orders from their community members.
As a rough estimate, a basic Amish buggy can start at around $3,000, but larger or more elaborate models can cost considerably more, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
In addition to creating new buggies, they provide services for repairing and maintaining existing ones.
Farriers
Amish farriers provide essential services for horses. They trim hooves, shoe horses, and ensure the health of these animals, which are crucial for Amish transportation and farming.
Tourism
The Amish generate income from tourism by offering visitors a glimpse into their unique way of life.
Some Amish families open their farms to tourists, allowing them to see firsthand how Amish agriculture works. They may offer guided tours and explain their farming practices.
Many Amish communities have craft shops where they sell handmade products like quilts, furniture, and wooden crafts to tourists.
Tourists often enjoy horse-drawn buggy rides through Amish countryside, which provides an authentic experience and a source of income.
Working Outside Their Communities
The Amish, known for their strong work ethic, sometimes take jobs outside their communities that are approved by their church leaders.
For example, Amish men work in factories owned by non-Amish people in rural areas or small towns. Most of these factories either put together RVs or provide parts like cabinets and windows.
They often become valued employees due to their strong work ethic and reliability.