And every good Amish farm has a windmill. They certainly don't look at it that way, but it does distinguish their best farming operations. Wayne Jackson, UT Agricultural Extension Service leader in Lawrence County, said that each Amish family farms an average of 20 to 30 acres. They rear cows, chickens, and a declining number of feeder pigs. They milk their cows by hand and sell the milk.
Fresh vegetables are among their biggest cash crops.
They also grow hay, corn, and a variety of grains including spelt, a wheat alternative used for feed. A common misperception is that the Amish grow their produce organically. Some do, according to Jackson, but most use pesticides on a limited basis. Although the Amish don't typically seek outside expertise, they occasionally visit the county Extension office with questions about weed, insect, and disease control. In October, it's interesting.