Year: 2013

Almost a decade ago, the Pipestone Management validated its transportation sanitation protocols against the PRRS virus. This fall, we conducted similar trials at South Dakota State University to determine if the protocols we have in place are effective against PEDV, which has been detected just this year in the U.S. and is spreading rapidly. These…

Dr. Luke Minion is a finalist in the Vance Publishing Corporation 40 Under 40 in Agriculture Awards. These individuals were selected for the leadership and commitment in advancing the cause to double food production by 2050. More details

Last August, a group of independent pork producers interviewed Rick Berman, who runs a public relations firm based in Washington, D.C., and who is also the Executive Director of the Center for Consumer Freedom. The producers were interested in learning more about an ongoing education campaign called Humane Watch run by the Center to counter…

System Grow Finish, a division of Pipestone, offers regular visits by field supervisors, a complete records service and veterinary consultation in a full management package or a la carte. The objective of System Grow Finish is to identify opportunities for greater profitability on the farm of each participating swine producer. “For instance, we’ve been able…

First identified in England (in 1971) and more recently in China, Korea, and Japan, PEDV had not been detected in the U.S. until a couple months ago. No one is sure how it entered, but by early August 434 positive cases of PEDV were confirmed in 16 states. There are likely many more cases since…

PRRS season is almost upon us. Across the United States, the months of October, November, and December see the largest increases in cases. We don’t know exactly why, but there is speculation that it may have something to do with weather conditions changing in the fall, allowing the virus to remain in an aerosol form.…

Dave Hamm’s long-term goal, after farming for 37 years, is to pass the opportunity to a new generation. But at one point in Dave’s life, it looked like his own opportunity to farm had disappeared. Dave and his wife Brenda took over his father’s farm near Leota, MN, in 1977 and decided in 1981 to…

“If a person is willing to relocate to an area of need, there is always opportunity,” says Nicole Paulsen, senior human resources supervisor for the Pipestone Management. That is because the System is growing rapidly, and trained individuals necessary to staff that growth are in demand. Nicole points to several 5,000-sow farms being built in…

The Pipestone Management has officially launched a Web-based teaching tool called MyPipestone that offers consistent on-demand education for employees. The courses and educational materials on My Pipestone will provide basic knowledge for new hires as well as continuing education and career advancement to seasoned employees. Content of this on-demand educational tool will consist of proprietary…

Last fall we reported that Dr. Barry Kerkaert had been given the opportunity to work with the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) in their Swine Veterinarian Public Policy Advocacy Program. At that point, he had finished the first of a three-stage study of public policy—after which he agreed to act as a swine industry spokesperson.…

Animal welfare continues to be a priority at Pipestone Management sow farms. In the past year and a half since we began our Animal Care Program, major packers like Tyson, Hormel, and Swift have rolled out their own programs with specific welfare requirements. These programs come in response to consumers requesting a better understanding of…

Troy Woelber has been recognized as the David Neuberger II Core Values Award winner for 2013. The award seeks to extend the legacy of David Neuberger II and is given annually to an individual who best exhibits the core values of Pipestone Management (Integrity, Caring, Commitment, Growth, and Teamwork) in all aspects of work, family,…

Read more about the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea with information from the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.

Dr. Joel Nerem PRRS control is critical to the overall health of the pig and to the financial success of pig producers. As a management company and a veterinary clinic, we’re focused on the control of PRRS for our shareholders and customers. We must control PRRS at Pipestone Management sow farms to provide a PRRS-negative…

Sean Simpson General Counsel – Pipestone Management Some Pipestone Management sow units have operated for a number of years, and the original owners want to transition their interests to the next generation. You may be wondering, “How do I do that?”, “Can I do that” or “How do I value my shares?” In addition to…

Pork industry organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota honored the following Pipestone Management shareholders in January at separate events. The Iowa Pork Producers Association gave the title of “Master Pork Producer” to Craig and Karen Wulfekuhle of Earlville, IA at the 41st annual Iowa Pork Congress Banquet in Des Moines. Ceremonies included a brief…