Being a dairy herd manager is more than just a job—it’s a calling. The task comes with long hours, an unwavering commitment to the animals, and the ability to lead a team through the ups and downs of farming. It takes grit, passion, and above all, teamwork – three traits that perfectly describe Joaquin Vasquez, the 2024 MILK Business Employee of Excellence Award winner.
A Journey of Growth
Vasquez’s journey to excellence began 14 years ago when he joined Vir-Clar Farms in Fond du Lac, Wis., as an assistant herd manager.
“I was born in Veracruz, Mexico, and moved to the U.S. with my parents when I was 13 years old,” Vasquez recalls. “Even at a young age, I was interested in the farming industry and was hungry for new opportunities. I didn’t have a ton of experience, but I had heard good things about Vir-Clar, so I took a chance and applied for the assistant manager position, and I’ve been here ever since.”
For Katie Grinsted, co-owner of Vir-Clar, hiring Vasquez was an easy decision the day he stepped through the office door.
“I remember Joaquin as being somebody who was very eager to learn,” Grinsted says. “He was someone with a great personality, a positive attitude, and an awesome smile, and he shows that smile often, which is great for everybody.”
Vasquez got his start by managing and caring for sick cows while also assisting in other areas of the dairy. Grinsted remembers that it didn’t take long for his talent and drive to shine through.
“He’s always been a go-getter,” she recalls. “We joke and say that he’s hard to keep up with because he’s go, go, go all the time. He’s ambitious and motivated – qualities that can sometimes be hard to find.”
Just a few years after getting his feet wet, Vasquez was quickly promoted to herd manager, a position he has now held for a decade. In this role, Vasquez oversees multiple areas of the farm, including the milking parlor, hospital parlor, maternity area, and bedding facilities. He currently manages a team of 25 employees and helps ensure that every aspect of the 2,500-cow operation runs smoothly.
Leading by Example
As Vir-Clar’s herd manager, Vasquez helps set the tone for the entire operation. For him, leading by example isn’t just about putting in the hard work—it’s about building trust and fostering a team environment where everyone feels valued, no matter what position an employee may have on the farm.
Grinsted says this effort never goes unnoticed and credits Vasquez’s work ethic and positive attitude for elevating the entire operation. “His willingness to learn and do whatever it takes to get the job done sets the bar for excellence,” she says. “He gives 100% every single day.”
When Vasquez first transitioned to the head herd manager, not only did he take on new responsibilities when it came to caring for the cows, but he also had to learn how to manage a team of 25 people.
“Managing cows is easy,” Vasquez jokes. “Managing people is the tough part, but it’s also the most essential.”
Determined to succeed at this new leadership role, Vasquez took the approach of gaining mutual respecting and prioritizing clear communication seriously.
“It took me a while to get comfortable with the position and figure out ways to talk with people,” Vasquez says. “I had to learn how to approach them, how to deal with situations, but mainly learn how to continue to gain their trust in me. It wasn’t easy, but eventually, we kept working together and I figured out ways to earn their respect. But I also had to let them know that they had mine – I didn’t want to be their boss, I wanted to be their teammate.”
Vasquez understands that effective leadership goes beyond delegating tasks—it’s about connecting with his team on a personal level. He makes it a priority to check in with employees, not just about their work, but about their lives outside the farm as well. Whether it’s a quick conversation in the parlor, a word of encouragement during a long shift, or simply taking the time to listen, Vasquez ensures that his team knows they are valued as individuals, not just workers.
“It’s important to me that my team feels comfortable coming to me,” he says. “If something’s wrong—whether it’s at work or at home—I want them to know they can talk to me. When people feel supported, they do better work. And when they do better work, the whole farm runs better.”
Employees know that Vasquez isn’t just someone who assigns tasks—he’s someone who understands their challenges, recognizes their hard work, and is willing to step in and help when needed.
“He doesn’t just tell people what to do—he works alongside them,” Grinsted notes. “That’s what makes him such a strong leader. His team knows he’s right there with them. He cares about the cows, but he really cares about his people. And he didn’t need us to teach him that—it’s something he inherently believes. That’s why he’s such a great fit for our team.”
In The Trenches
For Vasquez, leadership isn’t about standing on the sidelines —it’s about rolling up his sleeves and getting the job done right alongside his team. His own journey, from an eager assistant herd manager to the head of Vir-Clar’s dairy team, has shaped his leadership style in a way that’s both relatable and inspiring.
“I know what it’s like to be new, to feel like you have a lot to learn and to want to prove yourself,” he says. “When I started, I didn’t know everything—but I had great people around me who helped me grow into the role I have today. I make it a point to do the same for my team. I want them to see that if they work hard, if they care about what they do, there’s always room to grow.”
Training new employees is a process Vasquez takes seriously. He believes that investing in his team’s development is essential not only for their individual success but for the overall efficiency of the farm. When a new employee joins the team, Vasquez first takes a few moments to really get to know the person behind the job.
“I always take the time to get to know the person that’s walking in the door,” Vasquez shares. “I want them to feel welcome, to feel like they’re part of something bigger. When you create an environment where people feel comfortable and at home, they do better work. And I think we’ve done a really good job with that. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but making sure our team feels supported is a top priority.”
Vasquez doesn’t just help train employees—he helps develop leaders. Rather than simply telling his team how to solve a problem, he encourages them to think critically and work through challenges together.
“I like creating leaders,” he explains. “I don’t just want to solve problems for my team—I want to work through solutions with them. I like to pick their brains, hear their thoughts, and let them be a part of the decision-making process. When you do that, they feel important. They feel like they’re contributing to something bigger. And that’s what makes a strong team.”
Vasquez’s leadership doesn’t stop after an employee’s first few weeks on the job. He consistently checks in, offering support, answering questions, and fine-tuning skills along the way.
“I never want my team to feel like I’m asking them to do something I wouldn’t do myself,” he says. “At the end of the day, we’re all working toward the same goal—healthy cows and a well-run farm. The best way to get there is by working together.”
Expanding Operations
In October, the team at Vir-Clar took a major step forward, acquiring a second dairy site in Ridott, Illinois—about two hours south of their home farm. The new facility features a cross-vent barn and a double-12 parlor, expandable to a double-20, with nearly 900 cows currently being milked. The expansion not only increased the farm’s capacity but also created new opportunities for employees looking to grow within the operation.
The transition was a team effort, with three key employees from the home farm stepping into leadership roles at the new site. Joaquin played an integral role in ensuring a smooth transition, from training employees to implementing Vir-Clar’s protocols.
“Joaquin has been instrumental in working with the employees and making sure everything transitioned seamlessly,” Grinsted shares. “He was their leader up here, and then when they moved down, he went down and helped work with them to learn their next role.”
With team members taking on new responsibilities, Joaquin ensured they were prepared, helping one key employee transition from an assistant role at the home farm to taking charge of herd management at the new location.
Beyond training, Joaquin played a crucial role in adapting the site to Vir-Clar’s management systems.
“Joaquin has helped get everybody trained and up to speed, and now the guys down there are working on training other employees on our protocols,” Grinsted says. “His leadership in streamlining operations and problem-solving ensured a seamless transition.”
While any expansion comes with challenges, the results have been overwhelmingly positive. Since the transition, cow health and production have improved and the employees who moved down have thrived in their new roles.
“I love going down there and seeing them,” Grinsted says. “They’re just so excited to show us what they’ve accomplished.”
Joaquin’s leadership has been a key factor in the site’s success.
“He was very much a part of the decision-making process when we first began talking about a second site. We needed him to be on board and be on our team to make this all happen,” Grinsted adds. “He brings so much knowledge and is always looking to learn more, which is an awesome characteristic. He’s willing to dig into information and find ways to improve things.”
Vasquez’s dedication, problem-solving skills, and team-first attitude have been instrumental in making the Illinois site a success.
Recognition Well Deserved
Beyond his leadership and dedication to his team, Vasquez continually seeks opportunities for growth. He encourages his employees to take advantage of educational resources and training programs, leading by example by attending workshops and industry events himself. He believes that a well-educated team is a stronger team and works hard to create an environment where learning is not just encouraged but expected.
“He never stops learning,” says Grinsted. “And he wants that for his team, too. He’s always looking for ways to improve, whether that’s through new technology, better cow management, or simply strengthening communication among employees. That kind of drive is rare, and it makes a huge difference in the success of our farm.”
After being recognized among industry leaders at the Milk Business Conference, Vasquez remains as humble and dedicated as ever, using the experience as motivation to continue improving, learning, and supporting his team back at Vir-Clar Farms.
“I don’t do this job for recognition,” he laughs. “I do it because I really love it—the cows, the people, the farm. But knowing that my hard work means something to others makes it all worth it.”
To learn more about the MILK Business Conference, click here.
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