Prepper Insights: What Can We Learn from the Amish?

The Amish are often admired for their self-reliant, resilient way of life. While they don’t call themselves “preppers,” their lifestyle aligns with many values embraced by the prepper community. For those of us dedicated to preparedness, there’s a lot we can take away from how the Amish live day-to-day. Here are key principles and practices to consider:

1. Self-Sufficiency Is Key

The Amish are a prime example of self-sufficiency. They grow their own food, raise livestock, and preserve surplus for the harsher seasons. For preppers, this is a reminder to focus on building skills like gardening, canning, and raising small livestock. Even if you don’t have a big plot of land, container gardening or urban farming techniques can get you started. Ensuring you can provide for yourself in a crisis is one of the most important pillars of preparedness.

Actionable Steps:

• Start a garden tailored to your growing zone and climate.
• Learn to can, pickle, and dehydrate foods for longer shelf life.
• Raise chickens for eggs or other small livestock if space permits.

2. Community Is a Survival Tool

Amish communities are built on cooperation and shared resources. When emergencies arise, they come together to support one another. For preppers, this highlights the importance of building a network. Whether it’s with family, neighbors, or a local prepper group, having trusted individuals around can make a significant difference during emergencies.

Actionable Steps:

• Establish relationships with like-minded individuals nearby.
• Organize group skills workshops (e.g., first aid, carpentry, foraging).
• Create a mutual aid or bartering system within your network.

3. Mastering Useful Skills

The Amish thrive through hands-on skills such as woodworking, sewing, blacksmithing, and farming. These trades ensure their survival even without modern conveniences. Preppers can follow their example by learning practical, time-tested skills to reduce reliance on technology and outside systems.

Actionable Steps:

• Learn skills like carpentry, basic sewing, or soap making.
• Practice repairing items rather than replacing them.
• Take workshops or online classes focused on sustainable living.

4. Living Simply Reduces Dependence

The Amish lifestyle is intentionally simple. They avoid excess and waste, choosing to focus on needs rather than indulgences. Minimal reliance on electricity or electronics means they are less affected by grid failures or shortages. Preppers can incorporate this mindset by simplifying their own lives and focusing on what is necessary for sustainable living.

Actionable Steps:

• Reduce unnecessary expenses. Focus on purchasing tools, supplies, and skills over luxury items.
• Identify critical needs in your prep plan (e.g., water, food, shelter).
• Practice living without certain modern conveniences to build resilience.

5. Sustainable Practices Are Vital

Amish farming methods are rooted in sustainable practices. They maintain soil health, rotate crops, and use animal power for plowing, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels. Their lifestyle shows that renewable resources and eco-friendly practices are critical for long-term survival.

Actionable Steps:

• Use compost to enrich your soil.
• Try permaculture techniques like crop rotation and companion planting.
• Invest in renewable energy sources like solar panels or learning how to operate without power entirely.

6. Develop a Stable Food Supply

Amish households rarely rely on grocery stores for their food, giving them resilience against supply chain disruptions. They grow what they eat and preserve it for the future. Preppers can learn the value of maintaining a well-stocked pantry, complete with shelf-stable, homegrown, and preserved items.

Actionable Steps:

• Build a pantry with items that can last for years (e.g., rice, beans, canned goods).
• Grow food crops suited to long-term storage, like potatoes and winter squash.
• Practice food rotation to ensure nothing expires.

7. Faith and Mental Resilience

While the Amish incorporate religion deeply into their lives, there’s a larger lesson here about resilience. Their faith and close-knit families provide emotional strength in uncertain times. For preppers, this underscores the importance of mental well-being and having a source of inner strength to face challenges.

Actionable Steps:

• Have a mental health plan as part of your prepping strategy.
• Practice mindfulness or meditation to build emotional resilience.
• Lean on strong family or community connections for emotional support.

Final Thoughts

The Amish lifestyle reminds us that true preparedness isn’t about hoarding supplies or going it alone. Instead, it’s about cultivating self-reliance, fostering community, and maintaining the skills necessary to thrive without modern conveniences. By taking a page out of the Amish handbook, preppers can work toward a more sustainable and resilient way of life that isn’t just for emergencies—but for every day.

Are there any principles from the Amish lifestyle you already incorporate into your prepping? Share your insights or tips in the comments below! Let’s continue the conversation and learn from each other. Remember, preparedness is not a one-size-fits-all approach, so finding inspiration and guidance from different communities can be valuable in developing a well-rounded prepping plan. Keep learning, adapting, and connecting with others to strengthen your preparedness journey. Stay safe and be prepared!