307 | Dairy Legends to Next-Gen Leaders: How National Dairy Shrine is Honoring Pioneers & Leaders
This episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast features a partnership with the National Dairy Shrine to present interviews with the winners of the Pioneer Award. Executive Director Mike Opperman introduces the series, sharing insights about the organization's history, mission, and contributions to the dairy industry. Mike details his own journey within the dairy sector and discusses the various awards and initiatives hosted by the National Dairy Shrine, including scholarships, youth outreach, and the newly introduced Emerging Leader Award. The episode previews interviews with notable figures like Bonnie Ayars, George Wiggins, Scott Armbrust, and others who have significantly impacted genetics, genomics, and dairy advancement.
00:00 Introduction to a Special Series
00:40 Meet Mike Opperman: A Dairy Industry Veteran
02:51 The National Dairy Shrine: History and Mission
05:58 Supporting Young Dairy Professionals
08:00 Introducing the Emerging Leader Award
12:20 Honoring Dairy Industry Pioneers
20:30 Conclusion and How to Get Involved
Link to award applications: https://dairyshrine.org/awards/
Link to scholarship applications: https://dairyshrine.org/youth/#scholar
Link to donate to Dairy Shrine: https://dairyshrine.org/donate/
Link to YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@DairyShrine?si=dS_EVxaA1XhUXBhz
Information about webinar
Topic: “Avoiding Burnout in a 24/7 Industry”
Date: February 11, 2026
Time: Noon Central
Click here to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eTGV4PLeTe2gI4np7Lrlzg
