Hutterite colonies are almost exclusively farming communities, though many have diversified their operations in the last 10 to 20 years. Some farm very little land, but most colonies farm on average about 4000 acres.  Crops planted vary according to soil types and climatic regions, as one would expect. Wheat, barley, oats, and canola, along with corn, soybeans, peas, and flax are grown. 

Because most Hutterite colonies also have livestock (either poultry, hogs or beef), grain grown is often used for livestock feed.  Many colonies have feedmills in which they mix their own feed for their livestock.

Colonies have had to adapt to changing and challenging farming conditions over the past many years.  Highly technical equipment, such as global positioning systems (GPS) coupled with auto-steer are utilized regularly.