Change in Dairying Among Wisconsin’s Old Orders Since 2018

Keywords: Amish, Mennonites, Old Order, dairying, Wisconsin
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 08:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 09:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 14

Abstract

The number of Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite dairy farmers in Wisconsin steadily increased until early 2018, at which time Wisconsin had 1,160 Amish and about 445 Old Order Mennonite dairy herds. Since 2018 the number of Amish dairy herds has fallen by over 200, while the number of Old Order Mennonite dairy herds has increased.

This paper explores the spatial patterns of change among these two Old Order groups. It identifies those Amish settlements that have experienced the greatest declines in dairying, while noting slow growth in several areas where settlements continue to receive new arrivals. Change in the number of Amish settlements which have involvement are also shown. Increased involvement with other occupations, particularly produce farming and woodworking, are noticed within those Amish settlements that have declining involvement with dairying.

The continuing engagement in dairying by members of all three conferences of Wisconsin’s Old Order Mennonites is compared. In addition the paper assesses whether the pattern is the same within both areas of the state where Mennonite settlements are concentrated: the Clark County area of north central Wisconsin and the Grant County region of southwest Wisconsin.