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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.

Rylan Bruins
Waupun High School
Class of 2024
Homeland Dairy

Sports:

Bruins: Golf and Basketball. I have been on Varsity for golf all four years. In basketball I play guard and forward.

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Bruins: It sometimes gets tough! I work full-time in the summer at the farm. I am thankful to work with family who will cover for me if I need to be at a practice or open gym. This year I was able to do an apprenticeship at our farm through school and receive class credits. This allowed me to go to school in the morning but also be able to help with harvest this past fall which I loved! I work most Saturday mornings during the school year and am glad my coach is flexible with my schedule as well.

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

Bruins: I love watching college and professional sports, golfing, and also enjoy spending time hanging out with family and friends.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Bruins:  I am involved in 4H showing dairy and beef, an FFA officer, and am in Youth Group, Praise Team, and a Video Tech at church.

ON THE FARM

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

Bruins: Our family farm, Homeland Dairy, is a multi-generational farm located in southwest Fond du Lac County. Rylan and my sister, Ashlan, were born and raised on the farm and are part of the fourth generation of farmers. We milk 700 cows three times a day and own/rent 1500 acres on which we grow corn, alfalfa, soybeans, and wheat. Homeland Dairy also has a beef division where we raise 300 steers per year. We also own and operate a trucking company, Bruins Brothers, where we haul milk and commodities for Homeland Dairy and other local farmers.   

What is your role on the farm?

Bruins: I scrape barns and haul manure on the weekends. You can also find me feeding calves, out doing field work, or working with our mechanic. I do a little bit of everything!

Who do you farm with?

Bruins: The owners of our farm are my parents, Joel and Tonya Bruins, my uncle and aunt, Jon and Michelle, and my cousin and his wife, Jake and Myah. My grandpa, Bill Bruins, can still be found on the farm most days as well.

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

Bruins: I love being able to work with my family and learning ways to make a farm business succeed.

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

Bruins: In 2018, I won Grand Champion cow at the Alto Fair.  I also won the Rate of Gain award for my steer in 2021.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Bruins: Saputo Cheese.

What product is your milk turned into?

Bruins: Mozarella cheese.

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Bruins: We have a nutrient management plan and have sustainable tillage practices in place.

Additional Information:

Bruins: I plan to go to college for Agri-Business and would also like to learn more about Ag Engineering Technology.

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.