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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.

Caleb Salentine
Luxemburg-Casco High School
Class of 2025
Salentine Homestead Dairy

Sports: 

Salentine: Football (Center- OL, Nose Tackle-DL, Team Captain)
Wrestling (Varsity 215#)
Baseball (Catcher)

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Salentine: I am fortunate to have the flexibility at home to work on my family's farm on the weekends and for my Youth Apprenticeship through school two to three days each week for a few hours. I am able to be here for a full afternoon block before going back to school for practice.

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

Salentine: I show pigs at local shows, our County Fair, and the Wisconsin State Fair. I also exhibit dairy cattle and compete on a Dairy Judging Team. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling and seeing new places. I also like to play cornhole with friends whenever I have the chance.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Salentine: I am the President of my 4H Club, Pilsen Skylighters. I serve on the Kewaunee County Livestock Association Committee currently as the Youth Dairy Rep and previously as the Youth Swine Rep. I often volunteer for Kewaunee County Dairy Promotion events. I am Vice-President of our FFA Chapter as well as Vice-President of our Senior Class. At school, I am also an active member in Sting Cancer, FBLA, Sources of Strength and Mock Trial. I also play alto-sax in the pep-band.

ON THE FARM

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

Salentine: Our farm is located one mile outside of Luxemburg, Wisconsin. Our farm has been in our family for over 100 years. I am the fifth generation and I've been working around the farm for as long as I can remember.

What is your role on the farm?

Salentine: I complete field work such as planting and harvesting crops and I help maintain facilities as well as equipment. I also assist in the milking parlor when needed. My day to day work consists of feeding with our TMR Mixer and cleaning out the cow yard.

Who do you farm with?

Salentine: I farm with my parents, Josh and Jenny, as well as my Grandpa. We have five part-time employees and during our busy season, I work alongside my two cousins. I also have two sisters who help when needed.

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

Salentine: Working with my family, the satisfaction of witnessing your hard work payoff, and building relationships with members of our community.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Salentine: Our milk is sold to Belgioioso Cheese in Denmark, Wisconsin. Our milk is shipped by DeJardin Trucking.

What product is your milk turned into?

Salentine: Our milk is made into Hard Italian Cheeses, mainly parmesan cheese.

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?:

Salentine: In the fields, we recently started implementing a no-till program, as well as cover-crops when possible. We also have invested in field tile to further maintain the health of our fields. On the farm we recycle our water from the plate-cooler, after cooling the milk, the water is then stored in a secondary tank and used in our feed rations and waterers in the free-stall barn. With the addition of our feed-pad in 2019, we also installed a leachate pit to collect all run-off which is then used for nutrients in our fields.

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

Salentine: Our family had the honor of hosting Kewaunee County's Breakfast on the Farm in 2023 where we served 5,800 guests. We received a Century Farm Award in 2020. Over the years, I have received various outstanding member awards in both 4H and FFA.

What are your plans for the future?

Salentine: Pursue an Ag Degree at UW-River Falls

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.