Leadership, Culture and Next-Gen Growth at Vir-Clar Farms with JR Boyke
How Early Lessons, Humility and a People-First Approach Shape JR Boyke’s Leadership Today
JR Boyke of Vir-Clar Farms has built his leadership style around humility, patience and daily connection with his team. In a recent conversation with Uplevel Dairy host Peggy Coffeen, he reflected on his path back to the family dairy and the practices guiding him today.
A Family Legacy Built on Growth and Change
Vir-Clar Farms traces back to JR’s grandfather and a small herd of 28 Guernseys. His father transitioned the farm into registered Holsteins and later moved the dairy into a larger facility. JR recalled moving cows on that day, “Cows were running everywhere because the fencing we had set up did not work.”
To honor the farm’s history, teal barn boards from the original tie stall barn were used in the visitor center where the interview with Peggy took place. “Those are the barn boards from our old tie stall barn,” JR said.
Starting at the Bottom Shaped How He Leads Today
Before returning home, JR’s dad required him to work elsewhere. After the Farm and Industry Short Course, JR worked at Wilstar and Rosendale Dairy, gaining genetics, operations and startup experience. When he came back at 23, he had to earn his place. “I was going to be the low man on the totem pole until he (his father) felt the time was right,” he said.
Learning Patience When Bringing New Ideas Forward
JR said he was eager to change things early in his career, but the approach did not always land well. “At 24, I was not very good at how I brought things to the table,” he said. He now focuses on patience and persistence.
“I thought I had a great idea and we should just be doing it. That is not how it works when you are working with a group of people.”
A People-First Culture Focused on Respect and Daily Connection
Respect is central to JR’s leadership. “I always wanted to work as hard as my employees because I did not ever want to make them do something that I would not do,” he said. He and herdsman Joaquin prioritize greeting every employee each day. “We are always just saying hi,” JR said. “Our guys really appreciate it.”
Growth Through Opportunity at a Second Site
Vir-Clar expanded to a second dairy two and a half hours away. The transition worked because a strong leader was ready. He noted that expansion allowed employees to grow into new roles and created long-term stability for the operation.
Find the full conversation with JR Boyke on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and watch the interview below.
