October 2024 - Journal F e - Flipbook - Page 25
Our Team
IN ACTION
Safeguarding Animal Welfare
Kelly Kortleever, Health Tech Manager
For nearly 15 years, Kelly Kortleever has played a key role at
Pipestone Veterinary Services as a Health Technician, focusing
on auditing biosecurity, safety, and animal welfare at sow
farms. “Health is one of the most important drivers of success
for farmers, and it starts with the health of their sow herd and
wean pigs,” she explains. “The team’s goal is to help farm
staff implement effective disease prevention measures, including training pig
care specialists and ensuring proper facility management.”
Kelly starts her day before sunrise, traveling between farms to conduct onfarm audits. “We meet with the barn crews to review their audits and provide
training on improving biosecurity and welfare practices,” she says.
Kelly’s love for both animals and people is evident in her work. “The staff
at the farms have such unique backgrounds, it’s just a pleasure to visit them
daily,” she shares. Her passion for biosecurity and dedication to her team
ensures that the farms and animals she serves remain protected and healthy.
Her advice for those in the 昀椀eld? “Farms should start with strong biosecurity
practices and lead by example. If leadership doesn’t believe in it, it’s hard to
get the team to follow.”
Biosecurity from the Truck Wash
Dean Lueck, Truck Wash Manager
After 21 years with Frito-Lay, Dean Lueck made a career
shift and joined Pipestone Management as the Truck Wash
Manager over six years ago. Today, he leads a 12-person team
responsible for washing and disinfecting 85 to 90 livestock
trailers each week, a critical step in maintaining biosecurity
and preventing the spread of disease between farms.
“We follow strict cleaning protocols—pre-soaking, power washing, 昀氀ushing,
and inspecting each trailer to ensure it’s 100% clean before disinfecting,”
Dean explains. His team operates two wash bays, with the goal of pushing
out a freshly cleaned trailer every hour. “A clean trailer plays a crucial role in
protecting the health of our farms.”
Dean is proud of his team’s dedication to biosecurity and the positive
culture at PIPESTONE. “The company is built on caring for its people, and
it’s rewarding to see how each person brings their own personality to their
role,” he shares. “I’m always impressed with the farmers’ commitment. It’s
not a job just anyone can do, so if you’re passionate about helping farmers,
PIPESTONE is a great place to be.”
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