M E M B E R SC E N E
the pursuit y Agriculture Since he was big enough to attach the milkers to his family’s dairy cows, Steve Ackerman has been immersed in agriculture. At the ripe young age of eight, he already played an important role in helping with the twice-a-day milking on their dairy farm. While that may sound like a pretty tall order for most eight-year-olds, Steve thrived and it sparked a life-long connection to agriculture.
From paddling in the dark while snakes fell in their boat on War Eagle Creek, to exploring caves on their property, to coming face-to-face with a bear – if you have the pleasure of meeting the Ackermans, you’re sure to hear a thrilling story. In fact, the beginning of their relationship is a great story in itself.
Over the years, Steve’s worn many hats in agriculture and farming. He operated dairies in Arkansas and Wisconsin, hauled cattle across the country, rode horses in sale barns, worked in a tractor dealership, raised turkeys and even worked in a turkey production plant for a short time to see a different side of the food supply chain. He showed dairy cattle in FFA and was the third person from Huntsville High School to receive his American FFA Degree, a prestigious award that less than half of one percent of FFA members hold. Recently, Steve and his wife, Brenda, began a new adventure – raising pullets alongside their already established cow-calf herd. He says he’s also considering adding stocker cattle to his list of future ag endeavors.
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Farming isn’t the only adventure Steve and Brenda have embarked on. Since marrying in 2000, their entire relationship has been an adventure.
Steve and Brenda stand in front of one of their pastures that Steve planted in winter wheat.
