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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.

Makena Christian
Hartford High School
Class of 2025
Christian Hill Dairy

Sports:

Christian: The sports I participate in are basketball, softball, and track. When playing basketball for AAU my main position is a shooting guard. When playing on my high school team I am able to play all 5 positions. I also play an important role as a team captain and a leader both on and off the basketball court. For the past two years I have done Track and Field. I have thrown shot put and achieved several personal records. I am looking forward to playing softball this spring and getting back into pitching.

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Christian: When I don’t have basketball practice, I help my Dad on the farm, mostly on weekends, my days off of school, and during the summer. I balance all three pretty well and school is always my first priority.

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

Christian: I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, watching movies, and playing sports.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Christian: I am a member of the H-Club which supports the community in many ways. For example, the club decorates downtown Hartford prior to the holiday season, working in concession stands at sporting events, volunteering for local walks/runs, and other great volunteer opportunities throughout the community. I am also currently coaching a 3rd grade girls youth basketball team by leading practices and helping them in skill development.

ON THE FARM

Tell us more about your farm:

Christian: Christian Hill Dairy is a dairy farm located just south of Lomira, Wisconsin. The dairy milks approximately 3100 Holstein, Jersey, and Brown Swiss cows three times a day and 3100 heifers. The farm has 3700 acres of land which is mainly used to feed the animals. The crops harvested include wheat, corn silage, shell corn, hay, and oats.

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

Christian: I’ve been involved in the farm my whole life. I am currently 16 and started working on the farm when I was around 5 helping my grandma feed calves.

What is your role on the farm?

Christian: My current role consists of helping my Dad move cattle to different buildings based on their age group, washing calf hutches, cleaning buildings, and in the summer hauling bales.

Who do you farm with?

Christian:  I farm with my three uncles, dad, sister, and my grandparents.

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

Christian:  My favorite part of being involved in the farm are the close relationships I have with my family. I enjoy working with my grandparents, uncles, cousins, sister and my dad. I also enjoy working closely with the animals.

What is your most proud moments or farm achievements/awards?

Christian: Christian Hill Dairy celebrated 100 years in April 2019, in which they received the Century and Sesquicentennial Farm Award.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Christian: We ship our milk to Foremost Farms USA. 

What product is your milk turned into?

Christian: When the milk is shipped to Foremost Farms USA it is then made into the following products.
    • Cheese
    • Butter
    • Dairy Ingredients
    • Milk

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Christian: The farm uses variable speed motors on all fans and pumps, we utilize LED lights, the usage of manure and very little fertilizer, and tillage practices to conserve the soil. In 2024 we are putting in a digester to make renewable natural gas.

Additional Information:

Christian:  I plan on going to a four-year college to play basketball, at this time I am looking at a few options. I want to study communication, education, or agriculture. 

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.