Wisconsin High School Sports | Wisconsin Sports Network | WisSports.net

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.

Emery Borchardt
Edgar High School
Class of 2025
Borchardt Farm

Sports:

Borchardt:
Volleyball - Middle Hitter, Team Captain 
Basketball - Guard, Team Captain 
Softball - 2nd Baseman, Team Captain

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Borchardt: As a three-sport student-athlete, I typically live a very busy life while working on the farm. Whether it's volleyball, basketball, or softball, practices and games always fall after school hours which is initially "chore time" in the barn. I have always been taught "school comes first"; so with school being my priority, I make sure to stay on top of things so I don't have my responsibilities piled up. I then dedicate my free weekends to helping my dad out on the farm along with whenever extra help is needed after school/sports activities.

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

Borchardt: Being a three-sport athlete, I occupy a lot of my life around sports along with dedicating a lot of my attention to my education. I also love to spend time with my family and friends, go on fun trips, attend church on Sundays, and shopping.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Borchardt: I am involved in FFA, FCCLA, NHS, and Student Council.

ON THE FARM

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

Borchardt: In 1989, my dad bought over the farm from his grandparents. He farmed for sixteen years until his first daughter (my sister, Reagan) was born and two years following, I was born. So, altogether, he has been dairy farming on his own for thirty-five years.

What is your role on the farm?

Borchardt: I work as a farm hand on my family's farm. My responsibilities include feeding cattle, cleaning the barn, milking cows, and other miscellaneous jobs associated with the seasons, like picking rocks and bailing hay.

Who do you farm with?

Borchardt: My dad (Jason Borchardt) farms alone with my sister and I being farm hands whenever we are available.

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

Borchardt: Escaping the indoors and my electronics to spend time and work in the barn is definitely the best part of being involved with the farm. Being in the barn feels like a sense of relief that takes my mind off of everything else that goes on in my life. I also see it as a way to give back and help my dad, while additionally seeing all the farm animals is a plus.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Borchardt: Our farm ships our milk to Nasonville Dairy in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

What product is your milk turned into?

Borchardt: Our milk is turned into cheese, whey drinks, and certain kinds of milk.

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Borchardt: We apply no-till planting and the 590 plan (manure management).

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

Borchardt: My proudest moment of being a farmer was when our family farm hit our 150th year of being in the family. As of this year, we are at 154 years.

Future plans:

Borchardt: Attending Northcentral Technical College for Dental Hygiene

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.