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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.

Natalie Sunita
Clintonville High School
Class of 2024
Sunita Farm

Sports:

Sunita: Throughout my high school career, I have participated in swimming (1 year), volleyball (3 years) basketball (4 years), and softball (3 years). I was awarded All-Conference in my junior year basketball, swimming, and softball. I tore my ACL in my sophomore year during basketball coming down from a rebound. I am a member of the student athlete leadership team.

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Sunita: My parents have always been very supportive of my sports because they both played high school sports. They know the mental, social, and physical importance of being a part of a team. I learned from a very young age that balancing school, farming, and athletics can be extremely busy. I have a strong work ethic that helps me focus on farming, schoolwork and sports. 

Our family works together, so if I have a game my sisters will do my chores and if they have games, I do their chores. I also learned from a very young age that the cows won’t milk themselves and when the alarm goes off it’s time to get going. I stay up late to get homework completed and to study for classes. There isn’t a lot of downtime, that's for sure.

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

Sunita: I enjoy hunting. I hunt deer, turkey, and bear. I also enjoy playing sand volleyball, hanging out with friends and family, and watching my sisters play sports. I love to spend time in my local library picking out my next book series.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Sunita: I am a member of the National Honor Society. With this group I volunteer raking leaves in the community, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and have participated in roadside cleanup. Through my church I have volunteered at the Compassionate Care Center. I helped with their clothing drive and their backpack program. I have gone on several weeklong service mission trips. I have helped distribute food at Ruby’s Pantry. I have sorted toys and food for our local Goodfellows program. I have served food at our community meal. I participate at King Veterans Home in Wreaths Across America. I have numerous volunteer hours assisting with youth basketball tournaments. I assisted in our FFA petting zoo during the Bear Creek Fire Department Fundraiser. I participated in the Waupaca County Fair through my 4-H group.

ON THE FARM

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

Sunita: I was born on our small family dairy farm. The farm has been a part of my family since the 1940’s. My dad has helped his uncles on this farm since he was a boy. When they both became sick with cancer, he took over the farm. We have 240 acres, 120 acres of tillable land and the rest is hunting land. We have dairy cows and also raise steers. Our milk goes to Dupont Cheese Factory in Marion, WI.

I was born into farming. Since the time I was 3 months old I was out in the stroller watching my dad milk cows. My grandpa was my babysitter while my mom worked, and both him and my dad taught me how to take care of animals and the land. Our family has always tried to make farming fun. We enjoy working together.

What is your role on the farm?

Sunita: I have helped with everything. I have milked cows. I feed and water calves. I plough fields and harvest crops. I bale hay and unload it. I help with putting up or taking down fences. I clean the barn.

Who do you farm with?

Sunita: I farm alongside my dad, mom, and sisters Ele and Kennedy.  

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

Sunita: I love being together with my family. I love animals, especially the new baby calves. I enjoy being outside and listening to the sound of the farm. It is extremely peaceful sitting out in a pasture watching the cows graze.

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

Sunita: Returning back to sports 9 months after I tore my ACL and then receiving all conference in three sports that next year. Becoming a member of the National Honor Society. Being able to help with all the farm chores while my dad was sick in the hospital, allowing him to have time to heal and have peace of mind that everything was taken care of.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Sunita: Dupont Cheese Factory, Marion, WI.

What product is your milk turned into?

Sunita: Cheese.

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Sunita: Rotating crops, planting cover crops, minimal tillage, management of land for wildlife and native species.

Additional Information:

Sunita: I plan to go on for further schooling in 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.