Bridging Generations in Dairy and Education with Bonnie Ayars
A Lifetime of Teaching, Mentorship, and Leadership Shaping the Future of Dairy
From classrooms to cattle barns, Bonnie Ayars has spent decades shaping the people behind the dairy industry. In this episode, she reflects on education, leadership, and why mentorship remains critical as the next generation steps forward.
A Career Built on Education and People
Bonnie Ayars has spent her career connecting education to real-world dairy production. In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, she reflects on the path that led her into teaching, extension work, and mentorship, and how those roles shaped her view of leadership in agriculture.
Ayars emphasized that her work has always centered on people first, whether that meant students, young professionals, or dairy producers navigating change.
“As educators, our job is not just to teach content,” Ayars said. “It’s to help people see what’s possible for themselves.”
Education as a Foundation for Industry Progress
Ayars described education as one of the most powerful tools available to dairy’s future. From formal classrooms to hands-on learning, she believes exposure and opportunity matter just as much as technical knowledge.
She noted that when young people are given responsibility early, they develop confidence that carries into leadership roles later on.
“If you give someone the chance to lead, they often rise to it faster than you expect,” she said.
Mentorship That Spans Generations
Throughout the conversation, Ayars returned to the importance of mentorship. She highlighted how meaningful progress often happens when experienced leaders make space for younger voices.
Rather than focusing on titles or resumes, Ayars encouraged mentorship rooted in trust and shared responsibility.
“You don’t have to have all the answers,” she said. “Sometimes you just need to listen and let someone grow into their role.”
Lessons That Extend Beyond the Classroom
Ayars also discussed how leadership lessons learned in dairy education apply far beyond the industry. Accountability, communication, and respect are universal skills that translate across careers and communities.
She stressed that adaptability has become increasingly important as agriculture evolves. Leaders who remain open to learning are better prepared to guide teams through change.
Looking Ahead to Dairy’s Next Chapter
As the industry continues to evolve, Ayars remains optimistic about the next generation of dairy leaders. She believes the combination of education, mentorship, and hands-on experience will continue to move the industry forward.
Her message is clear: progress happens when knowledge is shared and leadership is cultivated intentionally.
Those themes of education, mentorship, and shared responsibility run throughout Bonnie Ayars’ career and remain just as relevant today as they were decades ago.
To hear the complete discussion with Bonnie Ayars, stream now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch the full conversation on YouTube.
