According to Mike, "having the ability to work with other farmers in this cooperation has given us the freedom to concentrate on moving forward in a conscientious manner, improving our output while concentrating always on a cultivating the system of raising the pigs in an environmentally sound way. The Pipestone System enabled us to have a quality of life that we were lacking for a long time. We grow corn and soybean on our fields, harvesting when ready, and sending it to the processor to turn into feed for the pigs. This ensures that they get a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of roughage.
Mike emphasized that growing feed on site for their pigs isn’t where their sustainable production efforts end. "In order to keep the loop full circle, we inject the waste into the fields. This enables the plants to get the fertilizer base that they need, while minimizing runoff and odor. This ensures not only a healthy environment for the pigs, but also for our family, and the community."

"My wife Cyndy takes care of the nursery barn- paying special attention to the piglets needs until they reach about 60 pounds. I take over where the selling is concerned. Loading the pigs and bringing the new ones in have always been my favorite part of the job. It’s a turn of the new season-a fresh start every quarter."

"Just think- we’ve increased our output from one share of 4,000 in 1996 to three shares of 12,000 today! The Pipestone System saved us, just like it has saved many others. We have three children- Shawna, who is 19 and away in college, Amber, who at 14, is in the 9th grade, and Erik, at 12 years, is in the 7th grade. With the kids growing up so fast, now we’ll be able to provide for their college educations."

"They’re getting big now, and I expect at least one of them will be back on the farm when they get older! And as for me…I’d like a time share in Cancun!"