Arndt Family Farm
Irwin and Donna Arndt started the Arndt Family Farm in 1955. They operated a small dairy herd, farrowed and finished pigs, raised crops, and their ten kids. After graduating at 17, Irwin's son, Steve, joined the farm and not long after, his brother, Ken, did as well. In 1980, the dairy herd was expanded to 100 milk cows in a tie-stall barn and the boys added more row crop acres to the operation. Ten years later, Steve and Ken purchased the home farm from Irwin and Donna and continued the dairy and crops operation with the help of Steve's wife, Sharon, and their children Adam, Staci and Kyle. In 2011, the families decided to sell the dairy herd and a beef herd was added in its place. After Steve's passing in 2022, Adam began taking ownership of the operation alongside his uncle, Ken.
Today, Ken, Adam, and Sharon along with Adam's wife, Holly, and their children Callie, Sam, and Trevor, operate the Arndt Family Farm. They continue to raise beef cattle and grow crops and added some new farming techniques including strip till.
Ken and Adam handle the day-to-day operations including planting, harvesting, and hauling the grain along with caring for the beef herd. Adam also holds an off-farm job with the Steele County Soil and Water Conservation District. Sharon keeps the books up-to-date and fills in wherever needed; she has been very instrumental in the farm's operation over the years. Ken and Steve's younger brother, Irwin Jr. helps in the spring and fall with field work and provides valuable agronomic advice. Holly works off the farm but helps whenever and wherever she can.
Family members were involved with the Steele County American Dairy Association and participated in the DHIA program when the dairy was in operation. Adam, Staci, and Kyle were active 4-H members showing dairy cattle at the county and state fair along with poultry and a host of other projects. Adam's children Callie, Sam and Trevor are carrying on the 4-H tradition.
Steve and Sharon are very active at St. John Lutheran Church, both holding council positions over the years. Holly has also served on the council as the children and family youth chair. Adam is a promoter and educator of conservation in his role at the Soil and Water Conservation office and attends many speaking events throughout the year.
In 2011, the Arndts were honored with the Conservation Farmer of the Year award from the Steele County Soil and Water Conservation District.