Bread Research

[Meadowlark]

. So glad I can obtain local grown flour that is not processed and not genetically manipulated from Amish farmers and then I make my own.

I've always wondered about the Amish techniques, especially as related to what food products they sell commercially.

A 2026 analysis reports that “the majority of Amish farmers rely on chemical pesticides and fertilizers to boost crop yield and control pests.”

Reference https://blog.plantids.com/are-pesticides-used-by-amish-farmers.html?utm_source=copilot.com

 

[Esther Knapicius]

I've always wondered about the Amish techniques, especially as related to what food products they sell commercially.

A 2026 analysis reports that “the majority of Amish farmers rely on chemical pesticides and fertilizers to boost crop yield and control pests.”

Reference https://blog.plantids.com/are-pesticides-used-by-amish-farmers.html?utm_source=copilot.com

I know they use LIme in the late fall to cover their soil. And the smell of horse crap happens as they fling it all about. or maybe its cow crap. The ones I go to label their produce as Organic.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

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Most Amish farmers do use pesticides, though practices vary widely, with some relying on organic or natural methods.​

Conventional Pesticide Use​

The majority of Amish farmers use chemical pesticides and fertilizers to boost crop yields and control pests, similar to conventional American farming practices Amish America+1. These chemicals are applied selectively, often as a last resort, and the types used depend on the crops grown and the prevalent pests in their region iere.org. Economic pressures, land scarcity, and the need to remain competitive in the market influence these decisions iere.org.

Organic and Natural Practices​

A growing number of Amish farmers are adopting organic farming methods, particularly in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana Amish America. Organic practices include crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of natural fertilizers such as manure, which help maintain soil health and reduce pest problems iere.org+1. Some Amish gardens avoid chemical pesticides entirely, instead using companion planting, beneficial insects like ladybugs, and birds to manage pests naturally completegardening.com+1.

Community and Regional Variations​

Amish communities are not monolithic; farming practices vary by district, geographic region, and individual farm philosophy iere.org. While some groups strictly minimize synthetic inputs, others integrate modern agricultural techniques to ensure sufficient yields for family and community needs. Certification as organic is less common, partly due to reluctance to engage with outside organizations iere.org.

Summary​

In conclusion, Amish farmers employ a spectrum of pest management strategies. Most use chemical pesticides and fertilizers, but an increasing number are turning to organic or natural methods, balancing traditional values with practical agricultural needs Amish America+3.







https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=d95a...zK3VzZStwZXN0aWNpZGVzJmZvcm09Q1NCUkFORA&ntb=1

 

[Meadowlark]

I guess it is like most things which turn out to be multiple dimensioned...some do some don't.

 

[Meadowlark]

I know they use LIme in the late fall to cover their soil. And the smell of horse crap happens as they fling it all about. or maybe its cow crap. The ones I go to label their produce as Organic.

I would tend to believe the label with the Amish...it just seems they wouldn't lie about it, or would they?

To use the organic label, they must meet USDA-certified standards.

I've never actually sought that certification myself although I fully qualify, but then I don't sell commercially either.

​

 

[Esther Knapicius]

I would tend to believe the label with the Amish...it just seems they wouldn't lie about it, or would they?

To use the organic label, they must meet USDA-certified standards.

I've never actually sought that certification myself although I fully qualify, but then I don't sell commercially either.

​

Also, a few of the Amish markets offer their own slaughtered animals in a freezer unit for sale, pork, beef and lamb. I did run across a non Amish cow farmer who has his own small butcher shop on property to sell his beef and lists no hormones etc. It is awesome to have that about here.

 

[Meadowlark]

Accumulating wheat seeds for an upcoming trial run on homemade chemical free flour.

The varieties thus far are Spelt, Hard Red winter, Soft Red winter, Soft white winter, and Georgia Gore.

The weather hasn't even begun to cool here, and I won't plant until it does...looking like it may be as late as late Oct. Meanwhile I'm getting seed beds ready to plant. I'm thinking of grinding some samples to make some bread for taste test.