Independence, IA – Pig Care Conference 2026
Meet the Speakers
About Dr. Rachel Stika-Jensen
Host & Speaker — “Better Air, Better Pig: Slat-Level Care”
Dr. Rachel Stika Jensen is the Managing Veterinarian for Pipestone Veterinary Services in Independence, IA, where she supports independent producers with herd health planning, diagnostics, biosecurity, and practical on‑farm care. She joined Pipestone in 2021 and is known for her producer‑focused approach and commitment to helping farms raise healthier pigs.
Raised on a diversified livestock operation near Cresco, IA, Rachel earned her animal science degree and DVM from Iowa State University. An internship in swine production solidified her passion for herd health and the pork industry.
Rachel serves as Co‑Chair of the Student Engagement Committee for the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) and leads Pipestone’s veterinary internship and student rotation programs. In 2026, she was recognized as the Iowa Pork Veterinarian of the Year.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys baking, hiking, and caring for her small Highland cattle herd. She lives in Independence with her husband, Derek, and their daughter, Lainey.
Dr. Rachel Stika Jensen is the Managing Veterinarian for Pipestone Veterinary Services in Independence, IA, where she supports independent producers with herd health planning, diagnostics, biosecurity, and practical on‑farm care. She joined Pipestone in 2021 and is known for her producer‑focused approach and commitment to helping farms raise healthier pigs.
Raised on a diversified livestock operation near Cresco, IA, Rachel earned her animal science degree and DVM from Iowa State University. An internship in swine production solidified her passion for herd health and the pork industry.
Rachel serves as Co‑Chair of the Student Engagement Committee for the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) and leads Pipestone’s veterinary internship and student rotation programs. In 2026, she was recognized as the Iowa Pork Veterinarian of the Year.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys baking, hiking, and caring for her small Highland cattle herd. She lives in Independence with her husband, Derek, and their daughter, Lainey.
About Bill Steenstra
Speaker — “Better Air, Better Pig: Slat-Level Care”
Bill Steenstra is a Veterinary Physician Assistant in Independence, IA, where he brings more than 30 years of hands‑on experience in pig care, production management, and animal handling. Since joining Pipestone in 1993, Bill has worked across sow farms, nurseries, and grow‑finish systems.
Raised in Leota, MN, Bill earned his Associate of Arts degree in Natural Resources from Brainerd Tech and has continued additional coursework toward a Bachelor of Science degree.
He is a certified PQA and TQA advisor and has conducted hundreds of farm assessments across five states, helping producers improve performance, animal well‑being, and on‑farm safety. Bill was recognized as a Master Pork Partner by the Iowa Pork Producers Association in 2016.
He and his wife, Kim, have two daughters, Micaela and Dennise. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, woodworking, and volunteering within his community.
Bill Steenstra is a Veterinary Physician Assistant in Independence, IA, where he brings more than 30 years of hands‑on experience in pig care, production management, and animal handling. Since joining Pipestone in 1993, Bill has worked across sow farms, nurseries, and grow‑finish systems.
Raised in Leota, MN, Bill earned his Associate of Arts degree in Natural Resources from Brainerd Tech and has continued additional coursework toward a Bachelor of Science degree.
He is a certified PQA and TQA advisor and has conducted hundreds of farm assessments across five states, helping producers improve performance, animal well‑being, and on‑farm safety. Bill was recognized as a Master Pork Partner by the Iowa Pork Producers Association in 2016.
He and his wife, Kim, have two daughters, Micaela and Dennise. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, woodworking, and volunteering within his community.
About Jon DeJong
Speaker — “Precision at the Bin: Feed and Bin Technology”
Dr. Jon De Jong is the Executive Vice President of Pipestone Nutrition and is a partner in Pipestone Holdings. Since joining Pipestone in 2011, he has built a strong reputation for science‑based decision‑making and practical field insight that helps producers strengthen performance through sound nutritional programs.
Raised in Orange City, IA, Jon grew up working on his family’s farm. He earned his B.S. from South Dakota State University and completed his M.S. and PhD in Swine Nutrition at Kansas State University.
Jon was recognized with the Outstanding Early Career Agribusiness Award by the American Society of Animal Science in 2025. He is a collaborative leader who values multidisciplinary teamwork and applied commercial research.
Jon and his wife, Karis, live in Orange City, IA, with their five children: Brooks, Adaline, Hayes, Vaughn, and Mack. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hiking, and spending time with family.
Dr. Jon De Jong is the Executive Vice President of Pipestone Nutrition and is a partner in Pipestone Holdings. Since joining Pipestone in 2011, he has built a strong reputation for science‑based decision‑making and practical field insight that helps producers strengthen performance through sound nutritional programs.
Raised in Orange City, IA, Jon grew up working on his family’s farm. He earned his B.S. from South Dakota State University and completed his M.S. and PhD in Swine Nutrition at Kansas State University.
Jon was recognized with the Outstanding Early Career Agribusiness Award by the American Society of Animal Science in 2025. He is a collaborative leader who values multidisciplinary teamwork and applied commercial research.
Jon and his wife, Karis, live in Orange City, IA, with their five children: Brooks, Adaline, Hayes, Vaughn, and Mack. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hiking, and spending time with family.
About Kiah Berg
Speaker — “Precision at the Bin: Feed and Bin Technology”
Dr. Kiah Berg is the Vice President of Nutrition at Pipestone and is a partner in Pipestone Holdings. She oversees swine diet formulation, business development, and research initiatives. She joined Pipestone in 2020.
Originally from Philomath, Oregon, Kiah grew up raising and showing pigs. She earned her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Applied Swine Nutrition from Kansas State University, where she developed strong applied research experience.
Kiah, her husband, Andrew, and their children, Harper and Miller, live in Pipestone, MN, where they raise sheep and cattle. Outside of work, she enjoys livestock, family time, and life on their acreage.
Dr. Kiah Berg is the Vice President of Nutrition at Pipestone and is a partner in Pipestone Holdings. She oversees swine diet formulation, business development, and research initiatives. She joined Pipestone in 2020.
Originally from Philomath, Oregon, Kiah grew up raising and showing pigs. She earned her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Applied Swine Nutrition from Kansas State University, where she developed strong applied research experience.
Kiah, her husband, Andrew, and their children, Harper and Miller, live in Pipestone, MN, where they raise sheep and cattle. Outside of work, she enjoys livestock, family time, and life on their acreage.
About Erin Little
Speaker — “Lifting the Lows: Boosting Barn Performance”
Erin Little is the Director of FarmStats at Pipestone, where she leads data analysis, benchmarking, and business optimization tools that support producers in making more informed, profitable decisions. She began her career with Pipestone Research in 2015, managing day‑to‑day research barn operations and later overseeing research protocols, trial design, and data interpretation as Director of Research Operations.
Erin earned her B.S. in Animal Science (2015) and M.S. in Swine Genetics (2019) from South Dakota State University. Her background in applied research and genetics gives her a strong foundation for guiding data‑driven improvements in grow‑finish production systems.
Erin plays a key role in connecting research and production insights with field application through FarmStats, helping producers strengthen performance, efficiency, and business planning.
Erin and her husband, Derek, live south of Brookings, SD, where they raise sheep and cattle on their acreage. They have three children, Finn, Colly and Briar. Outside of work, she enjoys livestock, agriculture, and time spent on the farm.
Erin Little is the Director of FarmStats at Pipestone, where she leads data analysis, benchmarking, and business optimization tools that support producers in making more informed, profitable decisions. She began her career with Pipestone Research in 2015, managing day‑to‑day research barn operations and later overseeing research protocols, trial design, and data interpretation as Director of Research Operations.
Erin earned her B.S. in Animal Science (2015) and M.S. in Swine Genetics (2019) from South Dakota State University. Her background in applied research and genetics gives her a strong foundation for guiding data‑driven improvements in grow‑finish production systems.
Erin plays a key role in connecting research and production insights with field application through FarmStats, helping producers strengthen performance, efficiency, and business planning.
Erin and her husband, Derek, live south of Brookings, SD, where they raise sheep and cattle on their acreage. They have three children, Finn, Colly and Briar. Outside of work, she enjoys livestock, agriculture, and time spent on the farm.
About Justin Roelofs
Speaker — “Building to Last: Retrofitting Assets”
Justin Roelofs is the Vice President of Relationship Management for Pipestone Management. He joined Pipestone in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer for Pipestone Management after seven years in agricultural lending focused on large‑scale swine operations.
Justin grew up immersed in swine and agricultural production, which shaped his early understanding of livestock, business, and farm management. He earned his B.S. in Finance and Accounting from the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State University, Mankato, graduating in 2008.
Throughout his career, Justin has been known for his practical understanding of farm finance, strong producer relationships, and ability to help operations navigate growth, risk, and long‑term financial success.
Justin and his wife, Jenna, have three children—Paxton, Quinn, and Audra. Outside of work, he enjoys supporting their activities, including baseball, tennis, and soccer.
Justin Roelofs is the Vice President of Relationship Management for Pipestone Management. He joined Pipestone in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer for Pipestone Management after seven years in agricultural lending focused on large‑scale swine operations.
Justin grew up immersed in swine and agricultural production, which shaped his early understanding of livestock, business, and farm management. He earned his B.S. in Finance and Accounting from the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State University, Mankato, graduating in 2008.
Throughout his career, Justin has been known for his practical understanding of farm finance, strong producer relationships, and ability to help operations navigate growth, risk, and long‑term financial success.
Justin and his wife, Jenna, have three children—Paxton, Quinn, and Audra. Outside of work, he enjoys supporting their activities, including baseball, tennis, and soccer.
About Hannah Walkes
Panel Host
Hannah Walkes is the President of Pipestone Services. Since joining Pipestone in 2007, she has built a career focused on advancing science‑based solutions that support independent family farms.
Raised on a crop and livestock farm near Lakefield, MN, Hannah earned degrees in Microbiology and Chemistry from South Dakota State University. She began her Pipestone career as a biosecurity coordinator, implementing and auditing biosecurity procedures on sow farms, and later served as President of Pipestone Veterinary Services.
Hannah remains actively connected to South Dakota State University through athletics and alumni involvement. Hannah and her husband, Dominic, live in Brandon, SD, with their three children—Caden, Logan, and Briggs. They enjoy sporting events, time on the water, and cheering on the SDSU Jackrabbits every chance they get.
Hannah Walkes is the President of Pipestone Services. Since joining Pipestone in 2007, she has built a career focused on advancing science‑based solutions that support independent family farms.
Raised on a crop and livestock farm near Lakefield, MN, Hannah earned degrees in Microbiology and Chemistry from South Dakota State University. She began her Pipestone career as a biosecurity coordinator, implementing and auditing biosecurity procedures on sow farms, and later served as President of Pipestone Veterinary Services.
Hannah remains actively connected to South Dakota State University through athletics and alumni involvement. Hannah and her husband, Dominic, live in Brandon, SD, with their three children—Caden, Logan, and Briggs. They enjoy sporting events, time on the water, and cheering on the SDSU Jackrabbits every chance they get.