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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.

Derek Grossman
Pittsville High School
Class of 2024
Dan Grossman LLC

Sports:

Grossman: 

• Cross Country - 2x State Qualifier, 2023 Team MVP, first-time male state qualifier from Pittsville.
• Basketball - Guard, 2023 Captain
• Baseball - Outfielder

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Grossman: I try to get all of my homework done at school. It gets a lot busier during the school and sports time of year. I still do night chores and weekend chores during sports.

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

Grossman: Apart from farming, I have many hobbies. I like watching and playing many different sports. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends and doing things with my siblings.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Grossman:  Over the past 4 years, I have been involved with the FFA, serving as an officer for the last two years. I was a member of the student council for two years. I also referee youth basketball and umpire youth baseball.

ON THE FARM

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

Grossman: I am the second generation on our farm. My dad purchased our farm in 2007. We milk around 65 cows in a tie-stall barn. Our herd mostly consists of Holstein cows, but we have a couple of jerseys and other breeds as well. We also crop around 300 acres of corn and alfalfa. I have been involved in the farm my whole life. 

What is your role on the farm?

Grossman: I can do pretty much any job on our farm. During the school year, I do the feeding and milking every night. In the summer I do morning and night chores, along with driving tractor in the planting/harvesting season.

Who do you farm with?

Grossman: I farm with my dad, mom, and my 5 younger siblings (7-17 years old).

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

Grossman: I like seeing the farm evolve and how it has changed over the years. I also really like driving tractors.

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

Grossman: I qualified for the state cross country meet in my junior and senior years. I also made the All-Conference team for cross country two times. Last year I earned the team MVP award in cross country.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Grossman: We send our milk to Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese in Rudolph, Wisconsin.

What product is your milk turned into?

Grossman: Our milk is made into a variety of cheeses.

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Grossman: We use crop rotation, water management and conservation tillage. We are also planning on installing drain tile in the near future.

Future Plans:

Grossman: UW-River Fall, Farm and Industry Short Course.

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.