Master Pork Partner

As a managing veterinarian at Pipestone Veterinary Services in Independence, Dr. Rachel Stika Jensen has built her career around one central mission: helping Iowa pig farmers raise healthy pigs and produce safe, high-quality pork. Her work centers on delivering exceptional veterinary care, advancing herd health strategies, and empowering producers through hands-on education. Serving nearly 60 independent producers across Iowa and the Midwest, she provides support to operations ranging from small niche-market farms to large wean-to-finish systems, each with unique challenges and goals.  

Raised on a diversified livestock operation near Cresco, Iowa, Dr. Stika Jensen learned early the value of dependable animal care. Surrounded by everything from sheep and pigs to honeybees and rabbits, she developed a deep interest in veterinary medicine. That passion grew into a clear career path: study animal science at Iowa State University and pursue veterinary school. An internship at a sow farm solidified her commitment to the pork industry, sparking a love for swine health, herd management, and the people who care for pigs every day.  

Today, Dr. Stika Jensen’s role is anything but static; each day, she steps into whatever role producers need. She creates herd health plans, diagnoses illness, manages treatment protocols, and helps producers navigate everything from welfare standards to helping with financial decisions to ensure longevity on sow farms. A core part of her work focuses on disease prevention through strong biosecurity practices, ensuring both herd health and responsible stewardship.  

Dr. Stika Jensen is also deeply committed to shaping the next generation of swine veterinarians. She coordinates Pipestone’s veterinary internship and fourth-year rotation programs, mentoring students from Iowa State University through hands-on fieldwork, research projects, and farm-level veterinary training. She also leads educational outreach with middle schools, high schools, and community colleges, using necropsy demonstrations and industry overviews to help students discover the diverse career paths available in pork production.  

At home, she is supported by her husband Derek, whom she met during their first year at Iowa State, and their one-year-old daughter Lainey. Their encouragement fuels her commitment to making a positive impact on animal health, food safety, and the future of the pork industry. 

Marv Schut has spent nearly five decades hauling livestock with care, consistency, and a deep respect for the farmers he serves. Marv has built his career around doing things the right way. From his early years on a dairy and cattle farm in Buchanan County to operating a fleet of trucks, he has remained grounded in agriculture and devoted to the people who rely on him.  

Marv and his wife, Cinda, married shortly after high school and spent their first three years together in Alaska before returning to Iowa. Back home, Marv began hauling livestock for others and eventually expanded his business to six trucks and seven drivers. No matter the distance, Marv treated every load with care, a commitment that earned him the trust of countless producers.  

A significant part of Marv’s career has included hauling for Killduff Supply Company. Het takes great pride in helping ensure their high expectations for biosecurity are met. Marv appreciates Killduff’s investment in a thorough truck wash and baking system, which gave him every tool needed to start each haul with a clean, safe trailer.  

For more than 13 years, Marv has partnered closely with AMVC and its growers, a relationship he deeply appreciates. Marv considers himself fortunate to work with farmers who take pride in their facilities and respect the biosecurity requirements of modern pork production. He matches that commitment by maintaining a spotless trailer for each haul, starting every day with clean bedding, disinfected equipment, clean boots, and fresh coveralls. His diligence protects every farm he visits from unnecessary risk and reflects his strong sense of responsibility to the families who care for their animals.  

Marv is also grateful for the family who supported every mile of the journey. He and Cinda raised their children in a close rural community where hard work was part of everyday life. His kids grew up understanding the long hours and irregular schedules that came with hauling livestock, and they have always been proud of the reputation their dad earned. Their encouragement remains one of Marv’s greatest blessings. Even after decades on the road, he still enjoys the work, values the relationships he has built, and remains committed to representing Iowa’s pork industry with integrity. 

Throughout his career, Troy Peterson has been a steady and trusted resource for pork producers across Iowa. In his role with Waukon Feed Ranch, Troy leads agronomy sales and manure management planning for hundreds of farms. His work helps producers maximize the value of manure while protecting water quality, maintaining compliance, and strengthening the long-term sustainability of swine and crop production.  

Troy grew up on a farrow-to-finish farm in Buchanan County, where he and his brothers cared for pigs, helped in the fields, and developed a respect for the work required to raise livestock. After graduating from Iowa State University, he joined Waukon Feed Ranch as a salesperson and applicator, quickly becoming the point person for manure planning during a time of rapid regulatory change. He adapted to new state rules, new technology, and an ever-growing scope of responsibility while building strong relationships with producers who depend on his knowledge and guidance.  

Troy has spent 25 years with Waukon Feed Ranch in various roles. Today, his role includes developing and updating manure management plans, assisting producers with field inspections, interpreting regulations, running agronomic calculations, and helping farmers make the most economical and environmentally sound decisions possible. Troy’s commitment to continuous learning has made him an industry resource.  

He stays current with emerging manure technologies, soil conservation strategies, application equipment, mapping tools, and nutrient stabilization products. He uses real-time data from precision agriculture platforms to improve application accuracy and reduce environmental impact. His willingness to adopt new tools and participate in sustainability pilots has provided valuable insights for producers, environmental partners, and industry organizations.  

Beyond the office, Troy is deeply involved in his community and the pork industry. He volunteers with the Allamakee County Pork Producers, supports the Waukon FFA test plot, and serves on the Iowa Pork Producers Environmental Committee. His relationships span generations of farm families, including his own. He credits his wife, Jody, and their extended families for supporting his work and sharing his commitment to agriculture.