Eichers gather to butcher beef and celebrate new babies

Family comes together to process meat and welcome new additions

Mar. 4, 2026 at 5:06am

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The Eicher family gathered to butcher a whole beef, processing the meat into various cuts and canning some as well. They also celebrated the births of new babies in the extended family, including a set of twins born to one of the couples. The day included a turkey dinner and quality time playing games together.

Why it matters

This story highlights the close-knit nature of the Eicher family and their Amish community, where they come together to help each other with tasks like butchering and celebrate important life events like new babies. It provides a glimpse into their traditional lifestyle and values centered around family, faith, and hard work.

The details

The Eichers spent a full day processing the beef, with several family members pitching in to grind the hamburger, slice the steaks, and package the meat. They also canned some of the beef. For lunch, they enjoyed a casserole, sliced cheese, and a family favorite called "rare beef" - thin slices of steak that are quickly fried in hot oil. Later, the family gathered again for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, playing games together while the turkey cooked on the grill.

  • On Saturday, the Eicher family butchered the beef.
  • On Sunday afternoon, Joe Eicher put a turkey on the grill.

The players

Lovina Eicher

The author of the article and an Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife and mother of eight.

Joe Eicher

Lovina's husband, who helped with the beef butchering and cooked the turkey.

Lovina and Daniel

The couple who raised the beef that was butchered.

Dustin and Loretta

A couple in the Eicher family, whose beef cow had twin calves.

Ben and Crystal

Lovina's nephew and his wife, who welcomed their first daughter Brinley Ranae.

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What they’re saying

“We have so much to be thankful for. Do we appreciate all the blessings we are given? Life gets so busy, but we still need to take time to thank our Heavenly Father for his many blessings and for sending our dear Savior Jesus Christ.”

— Lovina Eicher, Author

What’s next

The Eichers will need to start planning and preparing for the church services that will be held at their home in six weeks.

The takeaway

The Eicher family's story demonstrates the importance of community, faith, and tradition in the Amish way of life, where they come together to support one another, celebrate life's milestones, and maintain their deep-rooted values.