January2024 - Journal-No PN Final WEB - Flipbook - Page 16
Our Team
DEDICATION,
GROWTH & COMMITMENT
Mark Uilk Receives Prestigious
David Neuberger II Core Values Award
Integrity, Caring, Commitment,
Growth, and Teamwork –
these are the core values of
PIPESTONE. They serve as a road
map for all employees in pursuing
the company mission of Helping
Farmers Today Create the
Farms of Tomorrow. The David
Neuberger II Core Values Award
is an honor bestowed upon
individuals who exemplify the
Core Values in all facets of their
lives. This year, the deserving
recipient of this award is Mark
Uilk, a dedicated member of the
PIPESTONE family.
A Journey Unplanned
A career in the swine industry
was not the plan for this young
Mark Uilk and the team at Dakota Superior.
16 | PIPESTONE JOURNAL
dairy farmer. However, his
aspirations of returning to the
family farm were altered by
a challenging dairy market.
Embracing new opportunities,
and a suggestion from Dr. Barry
Kerkaert led Mark to transition
from cows to sows. The shift
marked a signi昀椀cant 昀椀rst step in a
career that now spans decades.
“The love of the job just turns
into a way of life and once you
get to that point, suddenly time
just 昀氀ies, and next thing you
know it’s 20-some years later.
One thing in my life that has
always been solid is PIPESTONE.
The leadership we have here is
amazing - they make sure we stay
solid,” comments Mark.
On April 1st, 1999, Mark started
as a Swine Tech with PIPESTONE
at a farm that was then called Red
Rock/Split Rock. Over the next
few years, he expanded his swine
knowledge - learning the ropes
as a farrowing tech and gestation
lead, steadily climbing the ranks
until securing the position of a
site manager in 2005.
Facing Challenges
with Resilience
Even an experienced site
manager can be thrown a
curve ball and 2023 did just
that as Mark was challenged
to lead multiple teams through
devastating PRRS outbreaks. His
resilience and commitment to the
