January 2025 - Journal Final - Flipbook - Page 20
Our Team
DAVID NEUBERGER II
Core Values Award
Samuel Morales Zarate
Production Supervisor
When he joined Pipestone in 2015 after moving to the
United States from Mexico, the transition was anything
but easy for Samuel. He faced the challenge of learning
a new language, adapting to a different culture, and
昀椀nding his footing in a foreign country. Yet, despite the
obstacles, he hit the ground running.
Samuel studied for 昀椀ve years to become a veterinarian
in Mexico, where his work primarily involved poultry.
However, his passion for animals and eagerness to
learn drew him to Pipestone. “I had heard about
Pipestone and was so interested to learn. I love animals
and really wanted to see sow production,” he recalls
with a smile.
While his veterinary training provided a solid
foundation, his 昀椀rst job at Mustang Pass, a managedsow farm near Brookings, South Dakota, introduced
him to a whole new world. There, he worked closely
with Site Manager Joe Hadley. “I am grateful to have
worked with Joe. He gave me a lot of opportunities,
and a lot of times I said, ‘I’m not ready, but I can do
it!’” Samuel’s 昀氀exibility and determination to take on
challenges proved instrumental in his early success.
Over time, Samuel’s professional and personal growth
accelerated. He built strong relationships with his
team and eventually met his future wife, Pamela, who
was also a Pipestone team member. Together, they
navigated new opportunities and milestones, growing
both their careers and their family. Today, Samuel and
Pamela have four children and have moved several
times to take on new roles. “A lot of my growth is
thanks to my wife. She has always been working with
me, and if she says ‘no,’ we don’t go,” he says with a
laugh.
As Samuel’s career progressed, he took on increasingly
challenging roles. He transitioned from Farm Manager
at Hiawatha to positions in North Dakota, ultimately
Samuel Morales Zarate recognized with the prestigious David
Neuberger Core Values Award. He is grateful for the support of
his wife, Pamela, and their four children.
landing his current role as Production Supervisor
based in Philipsburg, Kansas. Along the way, Samuel’s
colleagues came to admire his adaptability, work ethic,
and positive outlook. “I don’t think I could’ve done
it without them,” he says, crediting mentors like Joe
Hadley, Alejandro Araya, and Troy Woelber for his
success. “I’m very proud to have learned from them
how to manage people and apply the importance of
each core value on the farm. I know if my team does
their best by the core values, we will be successful.”
Samuel’s leadership has not only made a difference
in his own career but also in the lives of those he has
mentored. “I am so proud to see the growth in my
teammates because I know they will continue to be
successful without me,” he says.
Re昀氀ecting on his journey, Samuel is grateful for
the lessons he’s learned and the challenges he has
embraced. “Alejandro taught me to enjoy my day,
every day. It’s work, but it is important to enjoy setting
goals and achieving them. So that is what I do, and I
love a challenge.”
Samuel’s story is a powerful example of how
determination, hard work, and an openness to new
opportunities can lead to success.
“Samuel’s growth has been steady and purposeful from the beginning. His
dedication to the farmers he serves and the teams he works with is incredible.”
Troy Woelber, EVP Pipestone Management
20 | PIPESTONE JOURNAL
