Thousands of Amish Turn Out For Ohio “Family Farm Field Days” (13 Photos)
Earlier this month, Sugarcreek Budget Publisher Milo Miller brought us a look at the latest edition of Horse Progress Days. He’s back with a look at another popular Amish event, this time Family Farm Field Days, held in Apple Creek, Ohio.
It’s a gathering built on a simple idea: that farming can still be a viable living for a family, whether they’re working hundreds of acres or just a handful. And as you’d expect from the name, this is an especially family-focused event, with a lot of activities for children as well.
Here’s a description of the event from Berlin Seeds, one of the vendors at the event:
This well-loved event draws thousands each year and features a wide range of speakers, demonstrations, and activities centered around homesteading, gardening, farming, beekeeping, and homemaking.
It’s a great opportunity to learn, connect, and enjoy time with others who share a passion for simple, sustainable living. The event is family-friendly, with plenty to see and do for all ages—including a popular children’s activity tent.
Your Ohio News also gives more background on the event, stating that “the focal point is promoting innovative ways farmers can find success.”
About this year’s edition, Milo adds:
The 22nd annual event was held on the Joseph M. Nisley Family Farm in Apple Creek, Ohio. This is an 80 cow, organic, grass-fed, dairy on 94 acres. The event was held on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18. The 2027 event will be held in the same location.
More from Milo on the latest edition of the event:
As for the 2026 event, it was a great turnout. While I don’t have numbers, my impression is it was a record crowd.
Like Horse Progress Days, I attend Family Farm Field Days annually and The Budget is a platinum sponsor and has a booth. I believe this is my 16th year attending the event.
It rotates between family farms in the Holmes County settlement (Apple Creek, Sugarcreek, Walnut Creek, Baltic, New Bedford, MT Hope, etc.) and is housed at a farm for two consecutive years before moving to another location.
It is a free event. All food is by donation and proceeds benefit the community’s special education schools.
It is a fantastic event with tremendous volunteers. It truly is a family, farm, field day!
Let’s take a look at more of Milo’s photos from the event.
The beekeeping tent ran a series of topics from early morning til afternoon, covering everything from beginning beekeeping through queen rearing and wax processing.
Horse training is one of the event’s highlights. These sessions run throughout both days. Organizers note they’re a great place for youngsters to learn the basics.
In the homemaker tent, Jonathan and Nancy Laudon spoke on eating healthy as a family.
Here comes some of the fun kid stuff. Petting pens area, note the sign for “Pony Rides.”
Meeting a goat at the petting pens.
Chick hatching is always a favorite with the little ones. Families gathered around to watch.
The chicks under the warming lamp are just naturally going to draw the children.
Balloons, a scavenger hunt, lollipop toss, and rope making, all under one tent.
The bow shooting range. Carefully-arranged hay bales provide a backstop, with a bunch of balloons waiting to be popped.
The barrel train, with each car branded with the logos of local sponsors.
And last but not least, preparing to launch down the hay bale slide. A good note to end the day on.
Thank-you to Milo for the latest fun set of photos and report from another Amish family event. These events really do reflect how important family is to the Amish with their emphasis on having activities for the children, in addition to the meatier farming-focused content.
If you missed it, check out Milo’s photos from the latest Horse Progress Days. And for more on the newspaper Milo publishes, check out our interview on The Budget and more.
Question
Are the family fun field days just for Amish families or can outsiders join?