Farming

Hutterite colonies are almost exclusively farming communities, though many have diversified their operations in the last 10 to 20 years. Farms in Alberta and Saskatchewan are often substantially larger due to the dryer climate which is more suitable for raising cattle. In Manitoba, South Dakota and North Dakota, where very few colonies own cattle, most of the land is used for raising crops, typically resulting in smaller farms, averaging around 4000 acres. In the west, the number of acres would be about 8000 on average.

Crops grown by Hutterites vary according to soil types and climatic regions, as one would expect. Wheat, barley, oats, and canola, along with corn, soybeans, peas, and flax are grown.

Loading B-train with canola.

Because most Hutterite colonies also have livestock (either poultry, hogs or beef), grain grown is often used for livestock feed. Many colonies have feedmills in which they mix their own feed for their livestock.

Colonies have had to adapt to changing and challenging farming conditions over the past many years. Highly technical equipment, such as global positioning systems (GPS) coupled with auto-steer are utilized regularly.

Hutterites have readily adapted to the changing farm challenges, and have shown a willingness to learn and experiment with new ideas in order to remain competitive.