Heidi Ackerman
Farm Systems Viability Manager
heidi.ackerman(at)practicalfarmers(dot)org
Heidi (Dittmer) Ackerman joined PFI in January 2025 as the farm systems viability manager. She supports the team that delivers technical and financial support to farmers who want to diversify their farms.
Growing up on a small family farm in southern Iowa, Heidi enjoyed growing her own food from a young age. Home gardening led to FFA, which led to soil judging and to Iowa State University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 2013 and 2016. Her education in agronomy, soil science and education led to a career in conservation and education.
Heidi gets really excited about her faith, prairie, books, puppies, knitting, homegrown strawberries, crafting and getting local produce delivered to her door. She loves being part of a big-tent organization that values Iowa’s communities and natural resources.