Although the idea for writer Michael Schur to be Dwight's cousin Mose had been a joke among the writers since the first season, B. J. Novak pitched the idea when writing "Initiation." Schur had to grow out his beard for three months and wear wool clothes on a hot day as part of his character. Mose was based on an actual participant in the UPN reality show Amish in the City (2004).
Pam tells Jim that she types 90 words per minutes. Having worked as a receptionist at several jobs, Jenna Fischer types 85 words per minute.
The figure that Mose whittles for Ryan is a replica of the Venus of Willendorf, a prehistoric figurine that dates back approximately 25,000 years.
Even though this episode aired after the fourth episode, "Grief Counseling," it's filming took place before that episode due to the availability of shooting on Dwight's fictional beet farm.
Andy sings part of "Lovefool" by The Cardigans and then says "Wonder what ever happened to those guys?" The Cardigans released a new album a few weeks before this episode aired.