October 2025 - Journal_FINAL_e - Flipbook - Page 20
Our Team
Commitment & Expertise in Action
Building the Farms of Tomorrow
Brandan Alfson, Director of Repairs and Maintenance
After growing up in Pipestone and earning a degree in business
management, Brandan Alfson found his way back home in a role
that touches nearly every part of the company. For the past three
and a half years, he has served as Director of Pipestone Repairs
and Maintenance (PRM), leading a team of more than 50 people
responsible for supporting over 80 sow farms across 11 states.
Brandan and his team handle a wide range of responsibilities including new
construction, remodels, daily maintenance, automation, and emergency
response. “I like to tell people, if it’s not pigs, it’s PRM,” he says. No two days are
alike, one might be spent in the of昀椀ce, another traveling, and the next on-farm—
but the focus always comes back to communication and ensuring farms operate
safely, ef昀椀ciently, and sustainably.
What Brandan values most is the opportunity to support both people and
farmers. “It is ful昀椀lling to see employees grow into new roles, and when
shareholders put their full trust in us and we execute consistently, that is
completely rewarding,” he explains. He credits Pipestone’s strong culture
and leadership for keeping him motivated. “Every day I wake up with the
opportunity to help a farmer, better myself, and support the people around me.
That’s all the ful昀椀llment I need.”
Financials That Fuel Decisions
McKenzie Koch, Senior Financial Coordinator
Raised on a family farm near Pipestone and holding an economics
degree with a business focus from South Dakota State University,
McKenzie Koch has spent the past six and a half years helping farmers
make informed 昀椀nancial decisions at Pipestone. As a Senior Financial
Coordinator, she helps manage the 昀椀nancials for sow farms managed
by Pipestone and farmer owners, providing critical information that
helps guide decisions and ensure farms run ef昀椀ciently.
McKenzie’s work covers a range of responsibilities, from preparing shareholder-facing
昀椀nancial reports and annual reports to analyzing costs, budgets, and other 昀椀nancial
scenarios. “Accurate 昀椀nancials and strong communication are essential,” she explains.
“Our team ensures that producers understand the 昀椀nancial impact of their operational
decisions so they can make informed choices.” While her role is largely of昀椀ce-based,
McKenzie participates in shareholder meetings, walking farm owners through the
numbers that directly affect their farms.
McKenzie takes the most pride in helping farmers succeed and helping guide her
team along the way. “It’s rewarding to see the impact our work has—helping farmers
make better decisions, understand their costs, and ultimately be more competitive in
the marketplace,” she says. She believes Pipestone’s culture is what drives teamwork,
personal development, and ongoing progress. “The company encourages learning
and gives you the tools to succeed. That makes every day ful昀椀lling.”
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