For Justin Weber and his family, farming is more than just a business—it’s been a way of life for generations. “I’m a fifth-generation farmer and the fourth-generation on this land here in Jesup,” Justin explains. His great-great-grandfather farmed near Monticello, Iowa, but in the 1920s, the family moved to their current location. Justin’s father, Irv, remembers milking about 65 cows as a boy, but when milk prices dropped, the family had to pivot. “They got out of dairy and started farrowing pigs, but struggled with Transmissible Gastroenteritis (TGE),” Justin recalls. By 1975, the family had found their niche—buying and raising feeder pigs.
From a young age, Justin was immersed in farm life, tagging along with his dad to sale barns—experiences that sparked his love for farming. In 1996, Irv built the family’s first finishing barn, and another was added in 2001, setting the foundation for pig production. By 2015, however, Justin realized they needed to make a decision: either grow or get out. “We were only finishing about 3,000 pigs a year, and it was kind of like, what are we doing here?” That’s when Justin and Irv bought shares in Thunder Ridge, a sow farm in South Dakota that is managed by PIPESTONE on behalf of farmer-owners. In 2019, they expanded further, investing in Timberwolf, a similar sow farm in Wisconsin.
Investing in sow farms has allowed Justin to connect with like-minded farmers. “We often bounce ideas off each other,” he shares. “I’m in a group text with other farmers about the Timberwolf pigs, and it’s interesting to see what works for everyone. The exchange of ideas is invaluable.”
Beyond the collaboration, the partnership with PIPESTONE provides financial and operational security. “Having multiple sow farms means if there’s a disease outbreak in one, we still have healthy pigs from another,” Justin explains. “It’s a big improvement from the challenges Dad faced growing up.”
Expanding the Farm’s Reach
As the farm’s workload increased, Justin realized they needed extra support and took a leap with FarmTeam, a service offering through Pipestone Business. At first, he was hesitant about giving up some of the daily tasks, but working with FarmTeam member Luis eased his concerns. “Luis isn’t just a body in the barn. He really cares about the pigs and our farm’s success,” Justin says. “Thanks to him, I thoroughly enjoy choring pigs again and have been able to make it to more of my kids’ events.”
Despite the changes and growth, the family remains at the core of the Weber farm. Justin’s father, Irv, is still deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, while his mother, Jane, is anticipating a more hands-on role as she retires from her banking career this fall. Justin’s wife, Nicole, and their three children—Peyton, Jada, and Brady—also help out on the farm, contributing to the daily operations.
Sustainable Growth
As Justin and his family look to the future, sustainability remains a top priority. “You can’t sit still in farming,” he says. “It takes more pigs or more acres to make a living these days, so we’re growing at a pace the family can manage.” One key benefit of raising pigs is the manure, which plays an essential role in growing crops. “Manure is vital for fertilizing crops. It creates a cycle—we fertilize the fields, feed the pigs, and start the process over again. Our fields that get manure always outperform the ones that don’t. You can never have enough manure, that’s for sure,” Justin laughs.
For Justin, sustainability isn’t just about environmental responsibility—it’s about ensuring the farm’s long-term success. “Sustainability, to me, means doing what’s right for the soil and water so the farm can thrive not just tomorrow, but ten years from now,” he says. His goal is to grow in a way that keeps the farm family-run for future generations.
A key factor in this strategy is data-driven decision-making, and Justin has found that FarmStats has become an invaluable tool in achieving this.“Back in the day, you just worked hard and made money, but that’s not how it works today,” he explains. With FarmStats, a service offering through Pipestone Business, tracking metrics like feed conversion, medication usage, and average daily gain has allowed Justin to closely monitor each group of pigs and make informed decisions. “It’s the little things, like adjusting feeders or hitting target weights, that really add up.”
Partnership with PIPESTONE has also proven instrumental in the Weber family’s growth plans. The depth of knowledge they offer—from veterinary expertise to nutrition and financial advice—has been a game-changer. Justin values the research and practical trials Pipestone conducts, which give him the confidence to implement new strategies on the farm. “The trials they do aren’t things we wouldn’t consider trying ourselves, but it’s nice to have someone else to test it on a larger scale,” he says. Together, these resources help ensure that the farm is well-positioned for future growth and success.
The Joy of Harvest and Looking Ahead
Harvest time is one of Justin’s favorite seasons. “It’s rewarding to see the fruits of your labor,” he says. “This fall has been fantastic—yields have exceeded expectations, and the weather has been kind. Plus, it’s a fun time because the pigs come off their summer slump and start really thriving.”
For Justin and his family, farming has always been more than a business—it’s a family affair. The bond between him and his father has deepened through years of working side by side. Reflecting on his journey, Justin recalls, “I was lucky. During my senior year of high school, our neighbor asked Dad about renting his farm. Dad’s response was, ‘I won’t, but Justin will.’” This pivotal moment set him on his path in agriculture and laid the foundation for growing the farm while honoring that spirit of collaboration.
His vision for the future is clear as he watches his son, Brady. “He’s driving the skid loader around the farm, just like I did when I was young,” Justin says with a smile. “I don’t want him to grow up too fast, but I can’t wait until he’s out here every day with me and Dad.”
