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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.

Nick Olson
Boyceville High School
Class of 2024
Maple Hills Dairy

Sports:

Olson: I play football, basketball, and baseball. In football I am the running back and left outside linebacker, in basketball I am the point guard, in baseball I play third base and outfield and I'm also a team captain for all three sports.

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Olson: Most of my farm responsibilities are over the summer which allows me to focus on my academics and athletics during the school year.

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

Olson: Anything outdoors such as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, etc.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Olson: I am a member of the National Honor Society and I have been a FFA and student council member throughout high school. I also referee youth football and baseball.

ON THE FARM

Tell us more about your farm:

Olson: Maple Hills Dairy consists of 540 acres and an additional 100 rented acres. We currently milk 95 cows with over 200 total head.

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

Olson: Maple Hills Dairy is a fourth-generation dairy farm that my dad bought in 1998. I started showing cattle at the age of five at the Dunn County Fair and began operating equipment at the age of 10.

What is your role on the farm?

Olson: My role is primarily feeding cattle, round-baling hay, chopping corn silage, and other general field work, as well as general building maintenance and construction.

Who do you farm with?

Olson: I farm with my dad, Steve, our cattle dog, Ruby Redd, and our employees Jeremy, Ben, and Eddy.

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

Olson: Working outdoors, sense of accomplishment, and there is always something different that needs to get done.

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

Olson: We have received numerous milk quality awards for having an average somatic cell count under 200,000 annually. We were honored to receive the “2022 Farm family of the Year” award from the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce. We have also had the privilege of being a two-time host of the “Dunn County Dairy Breakfast” in 2015 and 2023.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Olson: Our milk is shipped to AMPI in Jim Falls by Nelson Ag Transfer of Boyceville.

What product is your milk turned into?

Olson: Our milk is turned into different types of cheese.

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Olson: We crop about 400 acres of alfalfa, corn, oats, and soybeans, all of which are fed back to our livestock. We graze all our youngstock on 80 acres of pasture.

Additional Information:

Olson: In the fall of 2024, I will be attending UW-River Falls, majoring in conservation and playing football.

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.