Leading Large Dairies With Clarity and Consistency: Lessons From the Experts
Why strong teams and disciplined execution matter more as dairies scale
As dairies grow larger and more complex, the margin for error narrows. In a conversation with Uplevel Dairy host Peggy Coffeen, Dr. Blaine Nicks, director of herd operations at Jager Ag, shared how leadership, people management and a relentless focus on fundamentals guide decision-making across multiple large-scale dairies.
From Veterinary Practice to Herd Operations Leadership
Dr. Nicks oversees nearly 9,500 cows across three sites in Colorado, managing both cow care and people. His path to that role was not linear. After veterinary school and time in private practice across Wisconsin, California and Colorado, he transitioned into herd operations, where leadership extends beyond animal health.
“I’m kind of a chief cat herder,” Nicks said. “Anything cow-related and people related essentially falls under me.”
That dual responsibility, he explained, requires setting clear goals, trusting others to execute and holding teams accountable to shared standards.
Doing the Simple Things Right, Every Day
Throughout the conversation, Nicks emphasized that success at scale does not come from shortcuts or silver bullets. Instead, it comes from consistently executing the basics.
“There’s no silver bullet,” he said. “You do the simple things right, and in general, things take care of themselves.”
That mindset shapes how teams approach milk quality, equipment decisions and daily protocols. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions, Nicks described adjusting strategies throughout the year based on weather, cow condition and on-farm realities.
People Are the Biggest Challenge and the Biggest Opportunity
When asked about the greatest threat to milk quality, Nicks did not hesitate.
“People,” he said. “People have good days, people have bad days. Trying to manage personalities and make sure everyone is working together is the hardest part.”
He explained that leadership requires flexibility. Some employees respond best to direct, brief instruction. Others need longer conversations and reassurance. Learning how to adapt communication styles has been one of his biggest growth areas.
Trust, Communication and Earning Buy-In
Nicks described trust as something that must be earned, not assumed. Early in his role, he spent long days working alongside employees, including during challenging periods that tested protocols and morale.
He explains how lending a helping hand early on builds trust and respect. Nicks adds that clear communication, often documented through messages and written plans, helps ensure expectations stay aligned across sites and teams.
Technology Supports Decisions but Does Not Replace Thinking
While optimistic about the future of technology, Nicks stressed that tools only add value when paired with strong people.
“The computer is not going to go fix those problems,” he said. “It’s going to help us identify them, but we still need the right people in place to act.”
He expects advances in data and feeding precision to improve efficiency, but said critical thinking and accountability will remain central to success.
Nicks’ approach underscores that even in the most advanced, multi-site dairies, long-term performance still depends on people who communicate clearly, execute consistently and take ownership of their roles.
For more insight from Dr. Blaine Nicks and this conversation on leadership, milk quality and managing large-scale dairies, listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch the full episode below.
