Samuel Morales Zarate Recognized with the David Neuberger II Core Values Award
When he joined Pipestone in 2015 after moving to the United States from Mexico, the transition was anything but easy for Samuel. He faced the challenge of learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and finding his footing in a foreign country. Yet, despite the obstacles, he hit the ground running.
Samuel studied for five years to become a veterinarian in Mexico, where his work primarily involved poultry. However, his passion for animals and eagerness to learn drew him to Pipestone. “I had heard about Pipestone and was so interested to learn. I love animals and really wanted to see sow production,” he recalls with a smile.
While his veterinary training provided a solid foundation, his first job at Mustang Pass, a managed-sow farm near Brookings, South Dakota, introduced him to a whole new world. There, he worked closely with Site Manager Joe Hadley. “I am grateful to have worked with Joe. He gave me a lot of opportunities, and a lot of times I said, ‘I’m not ready, but I can do it!’” Samuel’s flexibility and determination to take on challenges proved instrumental in his early success.
Over time, Samuel’s professional and personal growth accelerated. He built strong relationships with his team and eventually met his future wife, Pamela, who was also a Pipestone team member. Together, they navigated new opportunities and milestones, growing both their careers and their family. Today, Samuel and Pamela have four children and have moved several times to take on new roles. “A lot of my growth is thanks to my wife. She has always been working with me, and if she says ‘no,’ we don’t go,” he says with a laugh.
As Samuel’s career progressed, he took on increasingly challenging roles. He transitioned from Farm Manager at Hiawatha to positions in North Dakota, ultimately landing his current role as Production Supervisor based in Philipsburg, Kansas. Along the way, Samuel’s colleagues came to admire his adaptability, work ethic, and positive outlook. “I don’t think I could’ve done it without them,” he says, crediting mentors like Joe Hadley, Alejandro Araya, and Troy Woelber for his success. “I’m very proud to have learned from them how to manage people and apply the importance of each core value on the farm. I know if my team does their best by the core values, we will be successful.”
Samuel’s leadership has not only made a difference in his own career but also in the lives of those he has mentored. “I am so proud to see the growth in my teammates because I know they will continue to be successful without me,” he says.
Reflecting on his journey, Samuel is grateful for the lessons he’s learned and the challenges he has embraced. “Alejandro taught me to enjoy my day, every day. It’s work, but it is important to enjoy setting goals and achieving them. So that is what I do, and I love a challenge.”
Samuel’s story is a powerful example of how determination, hard work, and an openness to new opportunities can lead to success.
“Samuel’s growth has been steady and purposeful from the beginning. His dedication to the farmers he serves and the teams he works with is incredible.”
– Troy Woelber, EVP Pipestone Management
Samuel Morales Zarate works as a Production Supervisor for Pipestone Management.
