Pipestone System Commitment to Employees
Pipestone System held meetings for employees for continuing education and company updates in Sioux Falls, SD and Independence, IA recently.
Dr. Luke Minion warmly welcomed 350 employees in Sioux Falls on June 13th. Dr. Minion shared the company goals, challenges and mission statement in the Pipestone System Update for 2012. “Our employees are key to our success” stated Dr. Minion during the session.
The employees were also addressed by Dr. Carissa Odland on the Pork Quality Assurance Plus program (PQA) and the Pipestone System Animal Welfare Policy. Dr. Odland has been instrumental in implementing and training on the PQA, the Animal Welfare Policy and the Transportation Quality Assurance Program. “First and foremost is the care we give to our animals”, stated Dr. Odland. The Pipestone System has taken a proactive approach to nationwide awareness for the well-being of animals. All employees within the Pipestone System are certified in the proper handling of pigs through the Pork Quality Assurance Plus® program and through the Transportation Quality Assurance program.
Dr. Scott Dee reviewed the latest PRRS virus research that was done during the height of the PRRS 2011 season. The results showed the virus is a greater viral risk than in the past. Dr. Dee also presented the plan for the high PRRS season of October 2012 to January 2013.
Also, during the meeting, Dr. Minion presented the winner of the 2012 David Neuberger II Core Values Award to Steve Kruse. Joining Dr. Minion was Jill Aldous, Director of Operations of the Hawkeye Sow Centers who shared the background on the award. This award is in memory of David Neuberger II, who exemplified our company core values and was instrumental in the development of a number of key people within our organization. David succumbed to cancer in 2011. “I was fortunate to have known David for a number of years while working the Hawkeye Sow Centers,” states Jill, “he was an outstanding individual both in the barn and in his community.”
The Pipestone System is proud to recognize staff whose special contributions to the Pipestone System mission have made a significant, innovative and sustainable impact on the companies and the clients they serve. This award will be given out yearly to one individual. Please visit our website www.pipestonesystem.com for a link to the application form. The applications must be received by January 1, 2013.
On June 20th, 100 Pipestone System employees joined together in Independence, Iowa for the program. Jeff Kinney, a supervisor with Pipestone System, was in the audience and was very pleased to be part of a company who is committed to the growth and development of their employees. “This is a great company to work for. I appreciate the fact that Dr. Minion and Dr. Dee take the time to update the employees, about the company and especially with the PRRS research and the various trials. This really shows that they care about us and want us to hear the news first. Dr. Odland’s commitment to the animal welfare policy and training employees in this area is great. The fact that the company is continuing to seek ways to improve production, train employees and set higher goals makes this a good career opportunity for anyone in the Ag industry.”
This is the second series of employee meetings held. The first one took place in November of 2011. Additional meetings will take place in the fall of 2012.
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