When most people think of Mennonite farmers, they picture a man walking behind a horse and plow. In reality, almost all Mennonites have adopted technology to some degree. In general, there are five modern creations that Mennonites can no longer do without.

1. Tractors: As Mennonites progressed, one horse wasn't enough anymore. And too many horses was a hassle, not to mention inefficient, so why not pack the power of many horses into a steel cage? The styles differ but almost all Mennonites have some form of a tractor. The poorer, more traditional Mennonites will use ancient steel stallions with rubber-less metal stud tires. From there, it goes all the way to the most up to date gadgetry of the cash crop Mennonite Farmers who've spent the last few generations in North America. These more modern Mennonites live mostly in North America and are not distinguishable in a crowd.


2. Planters: Once you've got a tractor, you don't need to walking behind with a plow anymore. Now you can get a machine that not only breaks the land, it sows the seed and puts the dirt on top again all in one fell swoop.


3. Pesticides: Now that you've planted a lot of crops, they need to be tended to. It's much too big to weed yourself and there's no way you can afford to hire enough bodies to complete the task. Enter, pesticides. Unless you're growing just enough food for your household, Mennonites tend to use sprays. Having the equipment, it also offers you the opportunity to fertilize as well so some farmers will toss a bit of the nitrates on the field too.


4. Combines: With a beautiful spread of crops, it is harvest time. Again, your family and you, each a sickle in hand, will not be able to gather all your wheat before winter arrives. You're going to need a combine. If you're growing cotton, you'll need yet another different harvester!


5. Trucks: Finally, you're now going to need to figure out some transportation method to ferry your supple harvest into the co-op. If you're running a Mickey Mouse farm show, you'll just pull a wagon behind your tractor but the larger farms usually have either dump trucks or larger freight tractor trailers.

The Mennonites have adapted modern farming into their lifestyle, however many still remain secluded from the outside world in their "at home" life. The general opinion in the community is that as long as technology is relegated to your work, it's okay