From “Never Dairy” to Feed Manager: Michaela Bethard’s Path at High Plains Ponderosa Dairy
How a Defining Career Pivot Led to Feedyard Skills, Team Growth and a Passion for Feeding Cows
A Return to the Dairy She Never Expected
Michaela Bethard never planned on working in dairy. In fact, she once said she would “never” do it. But today, she manages feed at High Plains Ponderosa Dairy (HPPD) in Kansas, a role that combines daily decision-making, hands-on observation and leadership of a growing team.
HPPD was founded in 2001, with Michaela’s family becoming partners in 2017. She officially joined the dairy about six years after and now oversees feed, silage support and data work.
Her path to this role was anything but linear. Growing up, she often accompanied her dad, a dairy nutritionist, on farm visits, but envisioned a different future. She planned to become a veterinarian until a pre-vet day at Colorado State University made her reconsider.
“I just went back to my dorm and cried. I was like, I didn’t know what to do with myself now.”
The Skill That Shaped Her Career
During her time at the feedyard, Michaela stepped into the feed manager role and developed what she calls the most valuable skill she learned there: reading bunks.
“You can save or lose a ton of money on reading bunks.”
That experience now defines her work on the dairy. Each day, she drives every feed lane, evaluating refusals, checking cow behavior and reviewing feeding history on her laptop. The combination of data and observation guides her adjustments.
Why the Human Eye Still Matters
As technology and AI continue to enter dairy management, Michaela believes there’s no replacement for a person physically watching cows, bunks and equipment.
“I think that there’s still value in having a human brain and human eyes on those types of things.”
She sees potential for tools like cameras or data systems to support, but not substitute the insight gained from being present. Whether it’s spotting a leaking waterer or noticing a cow that looks off, she says some things require human attention.
Growing Into Leadership
When Michaela first arrived at High Plains Ponderosa, the feed team was small and established. As the dairy expanded, she doubled the size of her crew and found herself learning how to lead people, which is something far outside her comfort zone.
To build trust, she spent her early weeks riding along with employees in trucks, loaders and silage equipment. Even though it felt uncomfortable, she credits that time with helping her understand the work and form stronger relationships.
What It Takes to Be Part of the Feed Team
For Michaela, two qualities matter most in new team members: skill with heavy equipment and genuine pride in the work.
She looks for people who care enough to do things right, communicate problems and stay late when breakdowns happen because feeding cows accurately and consistently is non-negotiable.
“Without feed, there is no dairy.”
Her Three Essentials for Feed Management
If she were training a new feed manager, Michaela’s playbook would focus on three priorities: bunk management, feed inventories and feed quality.
Support, Mentors and What Comes Next
Michaela credits both of her parents as her strongest influences, saying they were “unerringly supportive” throughout her decisions and detours. She also gained unique experience by studying dairy science in New Zealand during college.
Looking forward, she expects she may still be at High Plains Ponderosa Dairy 10 years from now, as long as she keeps learning.
She’s also entering a new personal chapter, with plans to get married in June and hopes of buying land and building a home. In other words, “Expect the unexpected.”
For more from this conversation with Michaela Bethard, stream the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or watch the complete interview below.
