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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.

Garrett Ulness
Valders High School
Class of 2023
Ragnar Holsteins

Sports: 

Ulness: I participate in wrestling where I am a captain.

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Ulness: I help in the barn in the morning before school and after school on off-meet nights. School work is important to me, I always get that done after dinner at night. I am the proud Salutatorian of the 100th graduating class at Valders High School, maintaining a 3.99 GPA.

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

Ulness: I enjoy watching Badger sports - Football & Basketball.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Ulness: Liberty Go Getters 4H club, National -Wisconsin – Manitowoc County Junior Holsteins Associations, Youth representative on our Church Board, VP of National Honors Society, President of Valders FFA, and Tuba Section leader – Valders Band.

ON THE FARM

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

Ulness: Ragnar Holsteins is our farm. We milk 76 Registered Holsteins and care for 70 young stock while operating 240 acres of corn, alfalfa, and wheat. I have had a keen interest in the farm since I was little. Started out riding in the tractor with my dad and uncle and that blossomed into showing my first calf. I have been hooked ever since. I am proud that I will be the fifth-generation dairy farmer on both sides of my family.

What is your role on the farm?

Ulness: I take care of mixing and feeding the TMR (Total Mix Ration) out to the dairy herd and feeding heifers. In addition, I milk and do daily chores. I enjoy the genetics side of Registered Holsteins and showing at local and state shows.

Who do you farm with?

Ulness: My family- parents: Mark and Angie and three siblings-Clarissa, Whitney and Walker.

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

Ulness: I enjoy working outside and caring for animals.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Ulness: Foremost Farms USA

What product is your milk turned into?

Ulness: Cheese.

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

Ulness: My most proud achievements are raising animals that I have bred, I have invested in embryos in multiple high-profile cow families and I take pride in seeing the results of the next generation.

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.