Title: Owner and Operator
Company: Ayers Farm Inc.
Location: Perrysville, Ohio, United States
Kathy Ayers Davis, Owner and Operator at Ayers Farm Inc., has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Business Owners for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Agricultural Management.
Ms. Davis has dedicated her professional life to Ayers Farms Inc., a family-run agricultural enterprise in Perrysville, Ohio. Since 1994, she has served as both the owner and operator, working alongside her mother, father, aunt, uncle and cousin to manage the seventh-generation farm. Ms. Davis’ tenure has been marked by a commitment to evolving the business while honoring its deep-rooted legacy. Notably, the farm, originally established as a small operation with horses, cows and pigs, was consolidated into its current form by her grandparents in 1947. Over the decades, it has grown into a specialized dairy operation with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
In her leading role since 1994, Ms. Davis has overseen significant changes that have enhanced productivity and improved the quality of life for both livestock and staff. Most notably, she has played a pivotal role in implementing technological advancements that streamline operations and foster a more inclusive environment for employees and future generations of farmers. Ms. Davis’ leadership has prioritized herd health and management practices that benefit both animals and people, reflecting her belief in the importance of understanding food origins and coexisting harmoniously with the land.
In addition to overseeing all operations at Ayers Farm Inc., Ms. Davis holds the position of young stock manager. In this capacity since 1994, she has been managing all aspects of young stock care from birth until pre-calving stages. Her responsibilities include overseeing heifer feeding, administering vaccination protocols, supporting breeding program operations, scheduling daily and long-range farm activities, and collaborating with veterinarians and animal nutritionists. Additionally, Ms. Davis manages forage and feedstock production, including winter rye and wheat crops, while also overseeing silage harvesting and feed quality control, and supporting general field operations. Her expertise in managing young stock is widely recognized within the industry.
Ms. Davis’ educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature and history with a minor in American studies from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, earned in 1994. Her academic pursuits provided her with critical thinking skills and a broad perspective that have informed her approach to farm management. After serving as an exchange student following high school, Ms. Davis initially did not plan to return to farming. However, she ultimately found renewed purpose in continuing her family’s legacy after completing her degree.
Active in her professional circle, Ms. Davis’ affiliations reflect her dedication to advancing agriculture on a broader scale. She is a member of the Resolutions Team for Dairy Farmers of America, participates in the Farm Credit Advocacy Group and is involved with Farm Bureau initiatives. Additionally, Ms. Davis maintains strong ties with the Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute, engaging with students whose questions inspire ongoing reflection and improvement within farm operations.
Beyond her professional commitments, Ms. Davis is deeply involved in civic life. She supports several scholarship committees, contributes to church activities and volunteers as a timekeeper for the American Rally Association. In July 2026, Ms. Davis will begin serving on the board of the Ashland County Community Foundation.
Ms. Davis’ achievements have garnered attention beyond her immediate community. In 2025, she was featured in “From Brew to Moo: The Sustainable Dairy Practices at Ayers Farm.” While she acknowledges the article’s positive portrayal of sustainable practices such as Wet Brewers Grain, which has been used on the farm since the 1980s, she emphasizes that these methods are long-standing rather than novel innovations. Ms. Davis’ perspective highlights a renewed interest in repurposing food waste within agriculture while clarifying the historical context of such practices.
Among her early accomplishments, Ms. Davis was recognized by the Farm Bureau as an Outstanding Young Farmer. Her farm was also honored as the Mid-East Cooperative of the Year by Dairy Farmers of America. Ms. Davis attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her family, who continually challenge her to strive for excellence rather than complacency. She also values the contributions of dedicated employees whose insights have shaped her leadership style.
Ms. Davis plans to assume full responsibility for Ayers Farm Inc. upon her parents’ retirement. Her goals include further modernizing operations through technology to benefit both employees and customers while maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainability as responsible stewards of animals and land. Furthermore, Ms. Davis seeks to establish a scholarship fund in partnership with the fair board to support individuals pursuing careers in agriculture and STEM fields.
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