Lost Amish Skills: 10 Survival Techniques to Secure Your Future

In our modern world, we've grown accustomed to instant gratification, advanced technology, and readily available resources. However, if a crisis struck and we lost access to electricity, water, or the global supply chain, most of us would be ill-prepared to handle even the simplest tasks of daily living. That's where the timeless skills of the Amish come into play.

For generations, the Amish have lived a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle, thriving without modern technology. Their mastery of forgotten survival skills offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to prepare for the unexpected. Here, we'll explore 10 essential survival skills we can learn from the Amish that could mean the difference between life and death in a crisis.

Mastering Amish survival techniques complements the 22 essential survival skills you need to thrive in a crisis—learn the full list here.

The Amish are experts at growing their own food using organic, sustainable methods. In a long-term crisis, being able to grow your own food is vital. Not only does it reduce dependence on external sources, but it also ensures you have access to nutritious, fresh produce. You don’t need acres of land to start—container gardening and small-scale farming can be just as effective.

If you're serious about long-term food sustainability, consider learning from the Amish by planting crops that require little maintenance and provide high yields.

Growing resilient crops like the Amish is key to self-sufficiency—explore the best survival crops here.

To learn more about creating a sustainable food source in your backyard, check out My Survival Farm, which provides step-by-step instructions for growing nutrient-rich produce in any climate.

Seed saving is a critical survival skill that the Amish have perfected. By harvesting and preserving seeds from their crops, they ensure the continuity of their food supply year after year. For preppers, this skill is invaluable, especially when access to store-bought seeds may become scarce.

Start by learning how to harvest and store seeds from your garden, ensuring they remain viable for future planting seasons.

Pair seed-saving techniques with knowledge of wild plants for total food security—discover edible wild plants here.

Another skill passed down through Amish generations is the ability to raise livestock for food, milk, and labor. Raising chickens, goats, or even rabbits can provide a consistent source of protein, eggs, and dairy. These animals are low-maintenance and ideal for anyone looking to create a sustainable, self-sufficient homestead.

Livestock also play a key role in natural fertilizer production, further supporting your garden’s growth.

While we rely on fast fashion and store-bought clothes, the Amish have long mastered the art of making their own garments. Sewing, knitting, and mending clothes are critical skills for anyone preparing for long-term emergencies. Knowing how to repair or make clothes from scratch can save you in a situation where supplies are limited.

Basic sewing skills can be learned quickly and will be invaluable for those wishing to live a more sustainable, off-grid life.

Amish families preserve food using traditional methods like canning and fermentation, ensuring that their harvest lasts throughout the winter months. These methods of food preservation are essential for anyone preparing for a crisis, as they extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and meats without requiring refrigeration.

Fermentation, in particular, provides beneficial probiotics that can support gut health.

Amish food preservation techniques like canning and fermentation pair perfectly with methods for preserving meat—explore essential preservation tips here.

Master food preservation techniques with guidance from The Lost SuperFoods, which includes over 126 methods to store food for years without refrigeration.

The Amish are well-known for their craftsmanship, especially when it comes to building homes, barns, and furniture. Their knowledge of carpentry allows them to build durable structures with minimal tools. Learning basic carpentry and repair skills can be essential when dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster or when living off-grid.

Whether you’re building a shelter or repairing your home, these skills can be life-saving in times of need.

Without access to modern medicine, the Amish often turn to herbal remedies for treating illnesses and injuries. Learning how to use plants for medicinal purposes can help you care for yourself and your family when professional medical care is unavailable.

Herbal remedies like echinacea, elderberry, and garlic have been used for centuries to treat common ailments.

Herbal medicine, like the Amish use, can keep your family healthy in a crisis—explore natural remedies here.

Explore natural healing methods with The Doctor's Book of Survival Home Remedies, which offers practical solutions for treating common ailments without modern medicine.

The Amish live completely off the grid, relying on natural resources for energy, heating, and water. Solar power, wind power, and even manual labor can replace the conveniences we take for granted. Learning how to harness natural resources for power is an invaluable survival skill, especially when access to electricity is lost.

One practical way to ensure access to clean water is by using the Air Fountain, a device that pulls water directly from the air—providing an endless supply even in the driest environments.

Learning off-grid energy techniques like the Amish strengthens your self-sufficiency—explore how to generate off-grid power here.

Ensure access to clean water with the Air Fountain, a device that extracts up to 10 gallons of water daily from the air.

The Amish often barter for goods and services, which can be a critical survival skill when money becomes obsolete. Bartering allows you to trade skills, food, or handmade goods with others in your community.

Building strong networks with like-minded individuals and learning what you can offer in a barter system will strengthen your preparedness.

Understanding the value of bartering and trade can ensure you have what you need in uncertain times.

Bartering skills can complement your emergency kit and expand your preparedness options—discover essential car kit items here.

Blacksmithing is another lost skill that the Amish continue to use today. By working with metal, they can create tools, repair farm equipment, and build essential household items. While blacksmithing may seem outdated, in a crisis, this skill can be invaluable.

Basic blacksmithing skills allow you to be more self-sufficient and less reliant on store-bought tools.

For practical tips on self-sufficiency and tool crafting, refer to SpecOps Bushcrafting, designed by a U.S. Special Forces veteran to teach survival essentials.

The Amish have preserved invaluable survival skills that most of us have forgotten. From sustainable agriculture to off-grid living, these time-tested techniques can offer us the knowledge we need to thrive in a crisis. Learning and practicing these skills now will prepare you for any emergency and allow you to live a more self-sufficient life.