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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.

Ashlan Bruins
Waupun High School
Class of 2024
Homeland Dairy

Sports:

Bruins: Volleyball, where I am a Defensive Specialist.

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Bruins: My schedule is crazy most days. I do my best to rearrange my day to fit everything in. I have a part time job at Glamour Shop in Waupun as well, so I don’t spend as much time on the farm as I’d like to, especially during volleyball season.

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

Bruins: I love music! I am in choir at school, I participate in school musicals and I also play the piano.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Bruins:  I am involved in 4H, taking dairy and beef projects. I am an FFA Officer, and a member of the National Honor Society. I love to sing the National Anthem at sporting events! I am in Youth Group, and also am the leader/pianist of our Youth Praise Team 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 south Fond du Lac County. Ashlan and brother Rylan (this month's Male Dairy Athlete of the Month) were born and raised on the farm and are part of the 4th 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 help with calf feeding on the weekends when I am able to. I also love spending summer days working with my 4H cow or steer.

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 preparing my 4H animals for our local Alto Fair. I love cows and enjoy spending summer days on the farm.

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

Bruins: Last summer, I had the Grand Champion Cow at the Alto Fair! It was so fun to finally achieve an award at the fair.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Bruins: Saputo Cheese.

What product is your milk turned into?

Bruins: Mozzarella 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 attend UW-Whitewater for a degree in Elementary Education and hope to obtain a Music Minor as well.

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.