October 2025 - Journal_FINAL_e - Flipbook - Page 16
Customers
Hansen Farms 昀椀nishes 26,000 head annually outside
Carroll, Nebraska.
what works and what doesn’t,” Tony explained. “That
gives us more time to be in the barns, and being there
is still the best way to manage a herd.”
Faith, Family, and Community
Faith and family have always guided the Hansens’
approach to farming. “Jon and AJ would come
down for barn visits, and they were always so polite
and professional. I’m sure they got back in the truck
and said, ‘We need to pray for that family—they’re
struggling,’ Tony says with a laugh. “And I’m sure they
did, that’s probably why we are where we are.” Both
Dan and Tony appreciate how invested the Pipestone
team is in the family’s success: “They want to see us
succeed as people, and that’s pretty important to us.”
Working as a family has shaped the farm’s culture over
their 40+ years. “If our employees are successful, I’m
successful. If not, then I won’t be. And so, I treat them
like family and with great respect,” Dan explained.
That philosophy has built loyalty and long-term
relationships—one employee has been with the farm
for 25 years—and Tony carries the same approach. “We
couldn’t do what we do without their help,” he said.
For the Hansens, faith and family are central, but
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they’re also part of a bigger picture—the health and
vitality of their rural community. “The more successful
smaller producers like us become, the longer our
communities and small towns stay around. Schools,
churches—it’s all connected,” Tony said. Producing
high-quality pork responsibly also serves a larger
purpose. “It’s a product that can be afforded most
places in the world. That means a lot more people have
something to eat, and that kind of makes a person feel
good,” Dan added.
Planning for the Future
Looking ahead, both generations see their role as not
just keeping the farm going, but raising the bar for
those who will follow. “We want the next generation to
see what’s possible and to understand the responsibility
that comes with it,” Tony said. For the Hansens, high
standards—whether in pig care, farm culture, or
community impact—are non-negotiable.
Tony returned to the farm in 2010 and gradually
stepped into a leadership role. Succession planning
was made a priority, and the Hansens worked with
trusted advisors to set the stage for a smooth transition.
This careful planning allowed Tony and Melissa to
