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Wisconsin Dairy Athlete of the Month: Ian Brown, Auburndale

12/05/2022, 11:30am CST
By WSN

The Wisconsin Dairy Athlete of the Month sponsored by WisSports.net (WSN) in partnership with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) aims to connect consumers with Wisconsin’s dedicated dairy farmers and the youth who grow and raise food for their local communities.  

DFW and WSN are recognizing high school student-athletes who are actively involved on a Wisconsin dairy farm and participate in at least one WIAA-sanctioned varsity sport. Dairy is a vital part of the economy in nearly every Wisconsin county, whether urban or rural. Family-owned farms, dairy processors and dairy-related businesses generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of economic activity while contributing to local income and tax revenues.

Nominate a high school athlete for the Wisconsin Dairy Athlete of the Month by clicking here.


Ian Brown, Auburndale High School

Ian Brown
Auburndale High School
Class of 2023
Tree-Hayven Holsteins

Sports: 

Brown: I have played basketball since third grade and have played baseball beginning in 4k. In baseball I am the catcher and I pitch for the Auburndale Eagles. In my junior year I was Honorable Mention All Conference in the Marawood-South . As a senior I went out for football for the first time. Was always hard to play football and take part in the fair. The fair won out for many years. This year I just had to balance my time between the two.  

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Brown: For the last four years I have played sports all year, summer, spring, winter and fall. My parents did a lot of running with me. Once I got my license it was easier as far as transportation. As a senior I am in “School to Work”. This allows me to work at the farm from 6am-9am, Monday-Friday. I also help out on the weekends when I am not at practice or a tournament. 

What hobbies / interests do you have outside of dairy farming?

Brown: Playing and watching football, basketball and baseball. Playing video games with friends. Spending time with family and my girlfriend.

ON THE FARM

What is your farm story and how long have you been involved in the operation?

Brown: Tree-Hayven Holsteins has always been my second home. Ever since I can remember I have loved riding/driving the tractors. I started driving the John Deere 4020 and now I drive the John Deere 8100. Learning from my uncle Adam has given me confidence in working with dairy cows, breeding for traits that will make money for the farmer, whether for selling, for showing or for milk. The production of the crop is my favorite part of the farm. I am attending UW-River Falls in the fall of 2023 pursuing a degree in Agronomy. 

What is your role on the farm?

Brown: My role on the farm varies from set up and take down at dairy cattle shows to planting crops to milking in the mornings. I also assist with the decisions on what type of seed to use as well as planting and harvesting all crops.

Who do you farm with?

Brown: My uncle Adam Borchert is the owner of Tree-Hayven Holsteins in Auburndale. Adam has sold genetics all over North America and is in the top 25 for BAA in the country for farms his size.

What is your favorite part of being involved with the farm?

Brown: My favorite part of the farm is planting and harvesting the crops. I have planted over 1000 acres of Pioneer corn the last four years just for my uncle with the 8100 John Deere. 

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Brown: Nasonville Dairy, Marshfield, Wisconsin.

What product is your milk turned into?

Brown: Fluid milk and cheese.

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Brown: Reduce tillage, plant cover crops, rotate crops.

Please share your most proud moments or farm achievements/awards?

Brown: Harvesting 245 bushel to the acre corn that I planted which is a farm high for us. Also helping Tree-Hayven win premier breeder and Exhibitor at our District 4 show this summer and a number of times over the years. 


Nominate a high school athlete for the Wisconsin Dairy Athlete of the Month by clicking here.

One athlete will be selected from nominations received each month.  Selected student athletes will be featured on www.wissports.net as well as DFW and WSN social media channels. 

About Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

Funded by Wisconsin dairy farmers, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is a non-profit organization that focuses on marketing and promoting Wisconsin's world-class dairy products. For more information, visit our website at wisconsindairy.org. 


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