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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.

Connor Larson
Darlington High School
Class of 2024
Larson Farms & Road View Dairy

Sports:

Larson: I play running back and defensive back in football and also participate in track and field, I have run every distance from the 100-meter dash to two-mile.

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Larson: I use my study halls at school to get my school work done. When not at practice, I help on the farm.

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

Larson: Four-wheel riding and snowmobiling with friends. Helping a friend with welding projects and custom farm work driving grain cart.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Larson: I am entering my tenth year in 4H. I'm also involved in my local FFA. I was recently awarded the James Crowley Award at the county level.

ON THE FARM

What is your role on the farm?

Larson: At both farms, I help with everything from feeding baby calves, milking cows and field work. I help with mixing of feed for the older heifers and cows.

Who do you farm with?

Larson:  At Larson Farms, I farm with my parents, Uncle Gordy and cousins Josh, Rachel and Ashly. At Road View Dairy, I farm with my Grandpa, Uncle Chad, Aunt Whitney, cousins and many different dairy interns. My grandpa’s farm works with a global intern company that has college students from all over wanting to learn more about the dairy industry.

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

Larson: My favorite part about being involved with the farm is being able to with with my family every day and being around the animals as well.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Larson: Larson Farms milk gets sent to Chula Vista Cheese in Browntown Wisconsin. Road View Dairy’s milk gets sent to Zimmerman Cheese in Wiota, Wisconsin.

What product is your milk turned into?

Larson: Both farms milk gets turned into cheese.  

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Larson: Some sustainability efforts that both farms practice is using animal manure instead of factory-made fertilizers.

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

Larson: My proudest moment is buying my first animal at 17 and learning genetics to help breed high-quality animals. Also, exhibiting and walking the colored shavings at World Dairy Expo this October. Another highlight for me this summer was making the cheese auction and winning supreme dairy animal at my county fair. I participated in the Master Showman which was also a great learning experience.

Additional Information:

Larson:  I plan on attending Southwest Tech and either focus on Agribusiness or Ag Science.

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.