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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.

Braelyn Witcpalek
Kewaunee High School
Class of 2025
Pagels Ponderosa Dairy

Sports:

Witcpalek: I have participated in track and field every year of high school. I played basketball and volleyball my freshman and sophomore year and then cross country junior and senior year. I am team captain of my cross county and track team. I lead my team in good directions and help them do the best they can. I am proud to have earned that role as I continue to learn from good role models and a leadership class I am in.

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Witcpalek: I am in a youth apprenticeship program, which allows me to work at the farm in the morning before I go to school. After school is done I go to the gym and workout to get ready for the season. During the season, with practice and meets I figure out how to balance my homework, studying, etc around it.

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

Witcpalek: I like to hangout with my friend's, travel and go hunting. I also enjoy spending time with my family and dog, Neko. Science is an interest of mine as well.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Witcpalek: I have been in clubs such as FFA, HOSA and FBLA. I am also a member of the National Honor Society. I donate my time participating in the clubs and events but also within our local community. I have been volunteering for Breakfast on the Farm ever since I was little. I also volunteer serving ice cream in the red barn, handing out cheese in parades and for our church events.

ON THE FARM

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

Witcpalek: I am the fourth generation on our family farm Pagels Ponderosa Dairy. However, our family farm goes beyond just our farm. Our Pagel Family Businesses include cheese processing on the farm, cheese store, four other milking sites, milk hauling and heifer raising too. My great grandpa purchased Pagels Ponderosa Dairy in 1946. When my grandpa John took over, he continued to develop and provide opportunities so his kids could come back to the farm. When my mom started working at the farm as kids we got to go to work with her sometimes. Once I started school, the bus dropped us off at the farm. My cousins and I would make signs and draw pictures for the employees. We could watch the cows in the parlor, learning something new every day. As I got older, I got to do miscellaneous jobs and I started to pick stones. When I turned 12, I was responsible for taking care of eight calves at the Calf Ranch. Every day I would mix their milk and teach them how to drink out of a pail and clean pens. I learned about the importance of taking good care of the animals and more about the farm. Now, I am working in the office with my family.

What is your role on the farm?

Witcpalek: I am in the youth apprenticeship program and working as an intern in the farm office. Here, I am learning about taking care of our employees, animals, environment and different aspects of the dairy industry.

Who do you farm with?

Witcpalek: I get to work with my mom, two uncles, two aunts and cousin along with other employees.

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

Witcpalek: Being able to spend time with my family and getting to be part of our family business. I love that I have the opportunity to learn and share my knowledge about Pagel Family Businesses. I also love the animals.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Witcpalek: Saputo and Agropur

What product is your milk turned into?

Witcpalek: Cheese

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Witcpalek: We have a sustainability initiative which consists of conserving water, planting cover crops, no-till practices, improve soil health, utilize technology to reduce energy consumption and measure our carbon footprint.

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

Witcpalek: I had the opportunity to run state for cross country this year and our team of seven also won the Academic All-State award for our high GPAs. I earned a Greenhand Degree in FFA my freshman year. I also received an award for dairy cattle judging for FFA.

Future plans:

Witcpalek: I am going to get my Bachelor Degree, hoping to major in Radiologic Science and minor in Business.

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.