Why Pipestone
Our Mission — Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow
For over 80 years, Pipestone has been dedicated to its mission: Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow. We proudly serve over 1,500 farmers across the U.S. and globally, empowering family farms with expertise and resources in Health, Management, Nutrition, Research, and Business.
Recognizing that independent pig farmers face unique challenges in an ever-changing industry, we focus on enhancing their success in a competitive market.
Guided by our core values—Integrity, Caring, Commitment, Teamwork, and Growth—our dedicated team strives to help the independent farmer.
Our Story
Pipestone was founded in 1942 by Drs. E.A Schweim and P.A. Pinkert as a mixed animal veterinary practice. Dr. G.F. Kennedy joined the practice in 1960, laying the foundation for what would become the largest swine veterinary clinic in the United States.
Recognizing the growing needs of farmers, Pipestone started Pipestone Management in 1988, which took a groundbreaking step in 1990 by establishing Hiawatha Gilts, LTD — a farrow-to-finish sow farm owned by local farmers, managed by Pipestone with advanced methods to maintain high health and productivity.
As agriculture evolved, Pipestone introduced services in nutrition, research, and business to help farmers make informed decisions, increase productivity, and remain competitive.
Ground-breaking Partnerships
Farmer-owned partnerships emerged, including Wholestone Farms for pork processing and newer initiatives like GreenStone and YellowStone exploring regenerative agriculture and beef supply chain opportunities to support farmers’ growth and sustainability.
Continuously Improving How We Care For Our Pigs, People and Planet
