I will be posting a series of questions posed by Country Guide magazine in attempt to gain insight into the Hutterian Brethren. The responses are compiled by the famous Paul Vetter and myself. Comments are welcome along with any further questions you may have. Louie.
Q1) I realize that a colony is subject to the same weather, production, and
market variables as any farm so there are good years and bad years, as well as some colonies are more successful than others. But overall I personally believe colonies in general are as successful if not more so than most farms. What factors contribute to making Hutterite farms such successful farming operations?
A) There are approximately 31000 Hutterites in Canada, with 340 Colonies that are made up of approx 18 families each, who farm an average of 8800 acres per colony which divides into 490 acres per family. That is not enough acres per family (farm) to be sustainable with today's machinery. On a colony, since there are more than enough operators, equipment costs are minimized by sharing fewer pieces of machinery.
Also with that many families on those few acres, Hutterites have the ability to be self-sustainable in many areas. With food; they are able to raise and process their own beef, pork, poultry, dairy etc. On farm carpenters, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, welders take care of building and repair needs. The ladies can full time moms, homemaking, housekeeping, cooking, canning, etc.
2) Well managed farms usually have goals or objectives they want to achieve and that the farm manager uses to judge the success of the farm. Do Hutterite colonies set goals for the farm and if so, what are they?
A) Some Colonies work close with financial advisers, keep good records and are continually monitoring the cost of production. The goals Hutterites colonies set are very simple ones. Our whole objective is to put a roof over our head and food on the table. Like any other Family farm we are consciously aware and pay attention to planning They are not the get-rich quick type; retire, build a mansion or travel the world to enjoy or savor the fruits of a hard well-earned career or endeavor . No, its about leaving the colony (land and barns) in better shape than we first got them for the next generation. Preferably in a environmentally friendly and sustainable way, for we are working with God's creation (the land, earth) and we respect and honor that. Yes, its all about caring for our children and children's children.
3) Is there a farm business strategy common to most colonies that is
typically followed?
A) As a general rule, yes. The basic Hutterites model is mixed farming,
consisting of dairy, beef, poultry, hogs and agricultural land. But we have to take into consideration that some colonies are situated in areas that may better suited for let's say farming, or ranching, or closer to certain markets such as a hog slaughtering plants, oil field manufacturing or other opportunities.
What is the Hutterite doctrine of salvation?
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