The Pursuit of 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.

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.

Farming isn’t the only adventure Steve and Brenda have embarked on. Since marrying in 2000, their entire relationship has been an adventure.

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.

Steve and Brenda stand in front of one of their pastures that Steve planted in winter wheat.

Lindsey Holtzclaw | Farm Credit of Western Arkansas

After driving by Brenda’s house many times and seeing her work cattle, mow the yard and do a variety of farm chores, Steve stopped and offered a helping hand. While working alongside Brenda, he quickly realized how much they had in common. On Christmas, he dropped by with a gift of cheese (fitting for a former dairy farmer) and asked her on a date. The rest is history.

Before recently retiring, Brenda worked in the medical field as a lab and x-ray technician. Like many involved in ag, she carried responsibilities on the farm in addition to her off-farm career.

Her roots in agriculture are equally as strong as Steve’s. Brenda grew up on the farm they manage today. Her family raised cattle and various livestock and a tended garden. The family grew much of their food and Brenda was driving a tractor and helping with daily chores at a young age.

The Ackermans’ Huntsville farm in Madison County has been in Brenda’s family for over 80 years. They have since appropriately named it True Grit Farm – a fitting description of the couple’s drive and determination.

Lindsey Holtzclaw | Farm Credit of Western Arkansas

Over the years, Steve’s grit has included doing whatever was needed to make ends meet to provide for his family.

When choosing the name, the Ackermans went through pages of notebook paper, jotting down ideas. One night Steve woke up Brenda to share the name “True Grit”. Brenda agreed that it was perfect.

As a John Wayne fan, the name appealed to Steve. For Brenda, it has a deeper meaning, reminding her of the hard work her parents and others before her put into the farm. It also communicates her and Steve’s faith and commitment to the operation.

When you turn down the dirt road to True Grit Farm, you’re first met with rolling pastures, freshly covered with bright green winter wheat. Their charming red metal home sits atop the hill, with their newly-constructed pullet houses sitting off to the left in matching red tin. Every part of their farm is picturesque, with the War Eagle Creek running alongside the lush pastures and tall, rocky bluffs framing the property.

The Ackermans' rural home, built by Steve and Brenda with the help of a few family members.

Lindsey Holtzclaw | Farm Credit of Western Arkansas

While the farm is naturally beautiful, it’s clear much of its beauty is thanks to having great managers.

Like many producers, Steve is devoted to his work. He spends significant time deciding how he can improve their operation. Serious thought goes into everything from planting and preparing fields for seasonal grazing, to bringing newborn calves inside on cold nights, to spending hours in the pullet houses determining how to grow birds more efficiently.

Steve pets Henry, a calf that stayed in their house when a winter storm hit Huntsville. Brenda says the babies on the farm are always Steve's favorites.

Lindsey Holtzclaw | Farm Credit of Western Arkansas

“I love to do anything where I can see results,” Steve says. And their farm’s results speak for themselves.

While raising turkeys, Steve was repeatedly a top grower, his cattle approach him without hesitation (a clear sign of the amount of time he spends with them), their farm is immaculate and although they’re only on their second batch of pullets, the Ackermans are quickly finding their groove and success in raising chickens.

Brenda says she most admires Steve’s work ethic and perseverance when it comes to farming and life in general.

“When I think it can’t be done, he’ll do it,” Brenda says. “When he puts his mind to something, he is unstoppable.”

Lindsey Holtzclaw | Farm Credit of Western Arkansas

Unstoppable is the perfect word to describe the Ackermans and their career in agriculture.

After accepting an offer to sell their turkey farm, the couple began to work with other poultry companies to obtain a new grower contract. After promised deals fell through, they spent a few years talking to various integrators.

Their original plan was to grow broilers or raise laying hens, but that changed the day George’s, Inc. asked if they would be interested in building four pullet houses.

“That call was a God send,” Brenda explains. She says the call came after much time in prayer trying to decide what the next step on the farm should be.

Ready to move forward with building pullet houses, Steve called Farm Credit Huntsville Loan Officer, Trey Villines, to research financing options. Construction began in June 2020 and the couple received their first flock of birds in September.

Steve and Huntsville Loan Officer, Trey Villines

Lindsey Holtzclaw | Farm Credit of Western Arkansas

In addition to their chicken houses, the Ackermans use Farm Credit financing for their rural home and cattle as well. The couple designed and built the open-concept home themselves with the help of family. The focal point is a sophisticated covered, pillared entrance featuring large, wooden double doors. That unique style carries throughout the home.

“I’ve had loans with every bank in Northwest Arkansas,” Steve says with a laugh. “Trey is the first loan officer I’ve ever had in my home.”

When asked why he chose Farm Credit, Steve simply points at Trey and says, “Because of him.”

A native to Huntsville, Trey has known the Ackermans for years. Brenda says she enjoys working with him because of his ability to help them feel comfortable.

“Farm Credit has been a blessing,” she says. “We were able to save on interest and fees and Patronage Cash is an extra bonus.”

Steve added, “Sometimes it’s hard to get to the office, especially during Farm Credit’s regular business hours, so Trey has met me on the farm to finish signing papers or discuss details about our loan options.”

Lindsey Holtzclaw | Farm Credit of Western Arkansas

Steve and Brenda agree that Jo Upson, Financial Services Specialist, rounds out the Huntsville office dream team, noting that Jo and Trey are always easy to work with.

Trey and Jo echo that sentiment in regards to serving the Ackermans’ lending needs.

Trey says his favorite part of the job is the opportunity to help farmers and ranchers. Since he farms himself, Trey understands the need for flexible hours and loan programs. He also says working with members like Steve and Brenda makes his job easy.

Lindsey Holtzclaw | Farm Credit of Western Arkansas

“The Ackermans are the type of people who go above and beyond when it comes to their operation,” Trey says. “They are some of the hardest working people I’ve ever met and are dedicated to producing the best they can.”

While farming comes with its fair share of challenges, Brenda says they’re blessed to do what they love.

“Even though we have to get up at 5:30 every morning and there are difficult days, I love this farm,” she says.

Whether it’s raising poultry, cattle, building their own home or taking on the adventure of life together, one thing is for sure - the Ackermans do everything with a lot of heart and will always walk away with a great story to tell.

Lindsey Holtzclaw | Farm Credit of Western Arkansas

Story and photos by Lindsey Holtzclaw