Amish population is growing, moving west

Opinion

July 29, 2010

Anonymous THE GOSHEN NEWS The Goshen News Thu Jul 29, 2010, 12:04 AM EDT

The Amish are on the move.

According to a new study outlined on Page A1 today, the Amish are moving out from their traditional enclaves in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. The reason seems to be the search for less expensive farmland.

The study points out that farmland in Pennsylvania is running up to $12,000 per acre. That high price means that Amish farmers, who use old machinery or no machinery, must have a hard time turning a profit on such expensive land. But in the expansive West, farmland may only cost $3,000 per acre.

Also, the Amish population is growing. Large families are the norm in the Amish community and when it comes time to hand down the family farm to the oldest son, the other siblings must find their own farmland if they want to continue farming.

The Amish population in LaGrange and Elkhart counties numbers about 24,000, according to the study. And these Amish communities are very valuable to our local society. The Amish are noted for having a strong work ethic and tend to put in a good day’s work at whatever they do. They have helped make our recreational vehicle manufacturers successful and efficient because of this ethic. Also, their strong religious faith strengthens our communities every day and in times of need. Their sense of community and their devotion to their families set a good example for us all.

It is somewhat sad to learn that some Amish are having to leave their traditional cultural centers and move on to new states. But, wherever the Amish settle we know they will band together to build a community based on faith and hard work. We wish them well.

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Amish population is growing, moving west

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