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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.

Ashley Brandel
Lake Mills High School
Class of 2024
Straussdale Holsteins, LLC

Sports:

Brandel: Basketball

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Brandel:  I am thankful that I have the opportunity to work alongside my farm family at Straussdale Holsteins, with the support of my parents, siblings, uncle, cousins, and great-uncle. They understand the importance of school and being involved in athletics, along with taking time to be active in various organizations and volunteering my time. 

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

Brandel: All my hobbies and interests truly do surround being in the barn and agriculture, especially working with my siblings and raising registered dairy cattle, along with being active in several Breed Associations. Outside of raising dairy cattle, my siblings and I raise market lambs and beef; we have enjoyed diversifying into these livestock projects. 

How else are you involved in your local community?

Brandel: I have been a member of the South Side Eagles 4-H Club for 10 years, Lake Mills FFA member, volunteer with the Jefferson County Dairy Youth Group, assist with various activities at our church, Lake Mills Moravian Church, volunteer at the Jefferson County Dairy Breakfast, Jefferson County Fair Meat Animal Celebration, Cows on the Concourse and Wisconsin State Fair House of Moo. I am also involved in Jefferson County Junior Holstein Association, where I have participated in Dairy Quiz Bowl, Dairy Jeopardy and Dairy Judging. 

ON THE FARM

Tell us more about your farm:

Brandel: I am the 5th generation. Our family farm dates back to 1881, and we reside outside Lake Mills, Jefferson County. We milk 160 registered Holsteins and have added a few colored breeds in recent years. Milking Shorthorn is my favorite. We operate around 700 acres of land, growing alfalfa, rye, and corn. I have been involved in our family farm at a very young age, tagging along with my parents from when I was old enough to walk. 

What is your role on the farm?

Brandel: My current role consists primarily of milking cows, calf care, and working with replacement heifers.

Who do you farm with?

Brandel:  Straussdale Holsteins is operated by Jim Strauss, Bruce Strauss and his family, and my family. 

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

Brandel: My favorite part of being involved with the farm is raising calves into good cows, building pedigrees, and enhancing genetics. I would also add that I really enjoy working with my siblings and farm family. We understand that it takes all of us to make things go. 

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Brandel: DFA

What product is your milk turned into?

Brandel: Bottled for fluid milk, but right now being made into Cream Cheese. DFA is taking our milk to Kraft.

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Brandel: In recent years, we have updated the lighting in the freestall barns and parlor. Our farm is adjacent to several conservation areas, where we maintain grass waterways, plant cover crops, and maintain several pasture areas. 

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

Brandel: There are many moments that I am proud of, but there is nothing better than having a heifer calf born out of a cow that I am working to develop a deeper pedigree. Developing that heifer calf into a cow that makes milk but can also showcase that cow family in the show ring.

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.