Josiah sells milk to the co-op for $1.50/gallon. In stores it costs $4.50. The difference ($3) goes to: pasteurization, packaging, transport, storage, store profit, co-op profit. Josiah gets 33% of the price. For 100% of the work.
His cow. His hay. His hands (at 4:30 AM). His barn. His vet bills. 33%.
Josiah doesn't complain. But thinks. And more Amish sell milk directly — at market, roadside, hand to hand. $3.50/gallon (cheaper than store, more than co-op). Customer happy. Farmer happy. Co-op — not. But co-op isn't community.