What does a day look like on an Amish farm?

written by

posted on

January 15, 2021

I think it’s fair to say that you most likely do not live on a farm. Sure, you might have a garden, even a large one. Maybe you even have some chickens and a dog. But, you probably aren’t a farmer.

Americans are infatuated with the nostalgia of farm life. They are similarly fascinated with the Amish.

I mean, all of our ancestors had a hand in farming at some point in time. And, the thought of a candlelit dinner, a home heated with wood, and taking a break from devices sounds lovely, doesn’t it?

In reality, farming isn’t very glamorous. Being Amish certainly isn’t glamorous. But being an Amish farmer is absolutely rewarding.

Here’s a peek into what an average day on an Amish farm looks like:

4am: Wake up, get dressed, brush teeth, brush hair

5am: Feed the animals and milk the cows

6:30am: Clean the milking equipment

7:30am: Check voicemail and make some calls

8am: Breakfast

8:30am: Chores (muck manure, put on your snowsuit to get meat out of the sub-zero freezer, move some hay, fix some fences)

12pm: Dinner

12:30pm: Check voicemail and make some calls

1:30pm: Chores (chase the bull, put new bedding down for the animals, fix more fences, have pigs run through your legs and end up riding a pig backwards)

2:30pm: Business phone calls

4pm: Supper

5pm: Feed the animals and milk the cows

6pm: Clean the milking equipment

8pm: Snack and enjoying family

9pm: Bed

At the end of the day, farmer Aaron feels accomplished.

He’s lifted hundreds of pounds of meat or milk or ice or hay, listened to and left dozens of voice messages (it’s like super slow texting), taken care of 100 animals, packed lots of customers’ orders, and laughed with his family.

This is what it’s about. It’s not about being glamorous. It’s about being healthy and having a purpose. At Miller’s Bio Farm, we strive to inspire healthy generations.

That means producing healthy foods and fields and animals and people NOW so we can repair the damage done in past generations and look forward to a brighter future.

What does an average day in your shoes look like? Is there anything you do that is rewarding or inspiring? I’d love to hear from you.

Opinion

Farming Practices

The drama and quick problem solving at the Wise Traditions Conference.

Miller's Bio Farm attended the Weston A. Price Foundation's annual Wise Traditions Conference in Orlando, FL last weekend. Overall, we had an awesome time. But... the trip didn't come without some food freedom drama. This time (for once), it had nothing to do with raw milk or the laws. It was the Marriot's policies that held us back.Here's the story...After a 15 hour drive, the farm team arrived on Thursday with a trailer filled with all of our amazing natural food. At every other event we've attended, we've been able to keep perishables in the venue's cooler and freezer. Not this time! We were told by the hotel that we cannot store it inside.We couldn't let the food go to waste! We scrambled and rented a refrigerated truck that evening.At this point, we knew there was going to be more trouble.The next morning, we were told the reason why.The Marriot does not allow any dairy, meat, or ferments to be sold, served, or given away that's not from one of their vendors (like Cisco). We couldn't even keep a sealed example product on the table to display. It was a liability thing (in other words, corporate greed).And this was despite the fact that all of our food is 100% certified and legal. And, we were required to have $5M worth of insurance to be there. It was just awful. They wouldn't allow a waiver (they said there wasn't enough time). They didn't care if the food went to waste (not their problem). They didn't sympathize with the fact that the people there simply won't or physically can't eat the hotel's conventional food (not sure what's happened to humanity).Our food was not allowed on premises. So we thought fast. On Friday morning, we quickly opened a pickup location outside the hotel. It was a 30 second walk away, about 2 feet off their property on the side of the road. So... people purchased at our booth inside and then walked outside to get their food.Kinda hilarious... but within the Marriot's rules.We even hosted a super fun milk and cookies party outside at the pickup location!At the same time, many conference attendees motivated and spoke with hotel management. I think even Congressman Massie (a keynote speaker) reached out. They explained why we were all gathered together, the importance of real food from small farms, and how the Marriot's policies are a major food freedom issue.The next day, the Marriot decided to "turn a blind eye". We closed our short-lived pickup location, and our booth was back to what we planned!! We even made a butter pyramid and had an ice cream party to celebrate 🥳 As a community of real food eaters, we affected change... albeit small and for one weekend. It gives me hope for the future of food. To anyone who spoke up, shared on social media, or helped scoop 500+ cups of ice cream... thank you!!!Has your food access been held back by laws or policies, either private or public? What food freedom issues are important to you? What would you like to see change?I'd love to hear you from. Comment below (no account required) or contact us.-----PS: We'd love to start pickup locations in Florida and make our food more affordable and accessible in the sunshine state. If you have a spot (or can connect us with a spot) with refrigeration, let me know!

What does a day look like on an Amish farm?

More from the blog

Tips on how to thaw, prep, and cook your pastured Thanksgiving turkey.

Shopping for butter? Wondering what makes "the best" natural butter?

The drama and quick problem solving at the Wise Traditions Conference.

Do

Learn

Uphold

Connect

Miller's Bio Farm, 523 Valley Road, Quarryville, PA 17566