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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.

Cecelia Dittrich
Cochrane-Fountain City High School
Class of 2025
Anchorage Acres

Sports:

Dittrich: Cochrane-Fountain City Track Varsity Athlete-Long Jump, 55, 100, 200-yard dash and high jump; Cochrane-Fountain City Basketball Varsity Athlete; Cochrane-Fountain City Cross Country Varsity Athlete

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Dittrich: I was raised that farm work is just part of family life. Between my siblings and I, we work around all of our schedules. This is just how I was raised. We help each other out when needed.

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

Dittrich: I love showing. I like to show at the District 2 Holstein Show and also the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, along with the Buffalo County Fair. [I am also a member of the] Junior Jersey Association and Holstein Junior. I also work at Fleet Farm, Sun Crest Pizza farm during the summer and am a lifeguard at the local pool.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Dittrich: Golden Hornets 4-H Cochrane-Fountain City FFA

ON THE FARM

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

Dittrich: I am the 5th child of 7. I live on a 100-head registered Holstein farm. My passion is showing dairy. Even though we have Holsteins I do own three of my own Jerseys. Being from a larger family I was constantly showing against my siblings. I wanted to do something different and bought our first colored breed on our farm. I show at the county, district and state shows. I show under the Golden Hornets 4-H at the county level. At the district level, I show under Buffalo County Jr. Holsteins.

What is your role on the farm?

Dittrich: When I am not working at one of my many part-time jobs, I also have responsibilities at home. I am currently in charge of all our newborn calves. This involves feeding them morning and night. I also must keep them dry and bedded. This is year-round. Before and after school as well. All our calves are tagged when they are born and registered. They will stay in a hutch until they are about 12 weeks old. I also help with relief milking in our double six milking parlor. I will normally milk two relief shifts a week.

Who do you farm with?

Dittrich: I farm with my family.

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

Dittrich: I love working with the animals and take great pride in my own animals.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Dittrich: Ellsworth Creamery

What product is your milk turned into?

Dittrich: Cheese

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Dittrich: We practice in a nutrient management program and animal welfare.

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

Dittrich: Champion Jr. and Sr. Jersey Buffalo County Fair (2023), Supreme Dairy Cow Champion Jr. Holstein (2024), Buffalo County Fair Senior Champion Jersey (2024), Buffalo County Fair Senior Showmanship (2024), State Dairy Handler 5th Place (2022), World Dairy Expo Dairy Judging 15th Place Team (2024), Dairyland Conference Team Champions (2023-2024).

Regional Track Champions (2024), Regional Champions (2023), School Record Indoor 55 Meter Dash (2023-2024), Dairyland All-Conference Award Girls Long Jump (2022-2024), Dairyland All-Conference Award 100 Meter Dash (2024), Dairyland All-Conference Award 200 Meter Dash (2024).

Future plans:

Dittrich: Committed to Winona State to run track and continue my education.

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.