Thrilled about rabbits: Courtney Akkerman, named queen by state association, celebrating all things rabbits – Austin Daily Herald

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Courtney Akkerman has taken her love of rabbits to new heights after she was named queen for a state rabbit program recently. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Courtney Akkerman is hoping to take her love of rabbits to loftier heights by being a mentor to others showing rabbits throughout the state. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Courtney Akkerman has a lot to her name already when it comes to showing rabbits. It mirrors a passion that has developed over the span of 10 years that has the 15-year-old thinking big things in the future.

Recently, Akkerman was crowned Minnesota Rabbit Breeders Association (MRBA) Queen, which acknowledges her dedication to caring for and showing rabbits.

“I’m a huge rabbit nerd,” Akkerman said from her family’s farm north of Rose Creek. “I love just showing rabbits. I love being at shows. Those are kind of my happy places. I love snuggling all the rabbits, seeing all the different breeds and varieties and helping youth is something I definitely enjoy.”

Akkerman’s rabbit journey began with some free Dutch rabbits, but admitted she wasn’t a big fan of the rabbits, but when she got her first Angora rabbits, things quickly changed.

She fell in love with all things rabbit and currently shows Havannas, which are her main breed.

“I primarily show them, but I do a lot of breedings as well,” Akkerman said. “I also sell a lot to people.”

Akkerman is primarily involved through 4-H, though sometimes she also shows through FFA. Later this year, she will be heading down the American Rabbit Breeders Association’s National Show in Indiana.

But it’s the MRBA recognition that will really open some doors as she travels throughout the state during her reign, doing what she can to advance rabbit showing.

“I get to help mentor youth in their rabbit project and I get to help kind of get more kids into it,” Akkerman said. “I go around and help at statewide shows.”

While rabbits tend to draw people’s attention for how soft and adorable they can be, Akkerman said that a lot of questions come along with caring for and showing a rabbit.

Part of her tour of the state and attendance at shows will be to help guide the youth through these questions.

“A lot of youth have a lot of questions, especially after they start getting into rabbits,” Akkerman said, explaining that common questions include best breed to start with, the most docile breed, health concerns and more. “A lot of kids ask me if this is okay to show? Is this not okay or what’s wrong with my rabbit here?”

Akkerman said she would also stand with younger showers when the time comes to help them become more comfortable with the process, which in turn will further help throughout their life.

She explained that it’s more than just showing an animal. It’s a chance to grow as a person.

“I say it gives you more compassion and it definitely helps you empathize with things more,” Akkerman said. “Most people who have animals in general tend to be more caring overall and they tend to hold more responsibility, especially in the workforce.”

Akkerman feels she is a perfect example of this and that through this process she wants to continue doing what she can to advance the world of rabbits.

“I think this will definitely help with the leadership aspect of things,” she said. “As soon as I age out of that I do want to still keep in rabbits pretty heavily, and I do want to be a board member for the MRBA some day if I can. I definitely think this will help me a lot.”

Looking back over the last 10 years and some of the things she’s been able to accomplish, including being named MRBA queen, Akkerman said she’s felt proud doing the things she’s been able to do.

“When I started I did not start out with great rabbits, so to be able to say I’ve won best in reserve and shows with my favorite rabbit is definitely something that’s made me a little proud of how I’ve grown,” she said. “It’s taken me 10 years to get to that point, but I’ve had a lot of great people helping me to get to that point.”