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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.

Summer Hammann
Barron High School
Class of 2024
Triple H Holsteins & Jerseys

Sports:

Hammann: I participate in volleyball, hockey, softball, and this year I am playing soccer instead of softball. Leadership roles I have had are captain of my hockey team this year, alternative captain last year, and I was a softball captain last year.

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Hammann: It’s a lot of long days. I help with morning chores before school, do my best to complete homework during the school day, and practices after school. During hockey season it’s an hour and 10 minutes one way to Hayward to practice which is home base for the girl’s co-op program. After practice it’s outside to finish up any chores then homework if I have that to complete.

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

Hammann: I like to go turkey and deer hunting, travel, and enjoy being outdoors.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Hammann: I am the current president of the Barron FFA chapter, president of our 4-H club the Poskin Jets, and vice president of Barron Co Jr Holsteins, an officer in National Honors society, my class president, a member of student senate, and a junior member of Wisconsin Holstein Association. All of these programs keep me very involved in the community.

ON THE FARM

Tell us more about your farm:

Hammann: We live on my dad’s home farm. He is third generation on this farm. He stated at the age of 19 after college. My mom also grew up on a dairy farm near Demark, Wisconsin and is third generation farmer. We milk registered Holsteins and Jerseys, and raise all of our youngstock including steers. There are around 500 acres of tillable land that crops are grown on. 5 years ago, we cut the herd back from 70 to 35 milk cows and started a herd of beef. My dad and grandma have also raised turkeys for Jennie-O as a contract grower for over 20 years.

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

Hammann: I was born and raised on the farm, so I have been in the barn with my parents daily from early on. My siblings and I were always in the barn with mom and dad twice a day at chore time and all have our roles in helping. 

What is your role on the farm?

Hammann: I assist in the day-to-day chores, we milk in a tie stall set up. I’m in charge of feeding calves, help with milking, and help in the care of youngstock. During the show season, many extra hours are spent working with the animals.

Who do you farm with?

Hammann: My family including my mom, dad, and three siblings.

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

Hammann: I love working with dairy cattle and just being outside in the fresh air. It has taught me that determination, responsibility, and hard work can be rewarding. It also teaches you the life cycle and how to keep moving forward even after a hard day.

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

Hammann: Being a Scholar Athlete in 2021, 2022, and 2023 and being All-Independent Honorable Mention Forward in Hockey this season. My dairy showing achievements I am proud of are being 1st place Intermediate Showmanship at NAILE, Junior Champion of Junior Jersey Show at Midwest National Spring Show 2022 & 2023, Honorable Mention of Junior Holstein Show Minnesota State Fair 2023, Best Bred & Owned Jersey & Third Overall Supreme Heifer at Wisconsin State Fair, Best Bred & Owned Holstein at NAILE Jr. Show in 2023, and Jersey Junior All- American Nomination in Fall Yearlings, Winter Yearling and Fall Heifer categories. I am also proud of building up my animal’s genetics throughout my years as a junior to get where I am today.  

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Hammann: AMPI

What product is your milk turned into?

Hammann: Our milk is mostly turned into cheese and butter.

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Hammann: We use a lot of no-till, and follow a nutrient management program for rotation of crops and healthy soils.

Additional Information:

Hammann: Proper nutrition is key to being a great student, athlete, and active community member. With a busy schedule it’s sometimes hard to keep that in mind, but no one puts cheap gas in a race car and expects high performance. Remember to fuel up properly, and replenish after workouts.  

After graduation, I plan to attend UW- Madison to major in Dairy Science and Agricultural Business Management in hopes to become a herdsman.

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.