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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.

Hayden Wierenga
Central Wisconsin Christian High School
Class of 2025
Wierenga Dairy LLC

Sports:

Wierenga: Soccer, defensive outside back.

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Wierenga:  I use my extra class time to review assignments and tests so I can spend after school hours either practicing my sport or working. I have been lucky to work for family and friends who are flexible and understanding of the need to balance sports and academics.

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

Wierenga: I enjoy hunting deer, turkeys, and pheasants. Anything outdoors interests me. I also enjoy supporting friends who are participating in winter or spring sports in the student cheering section.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Wierenga: I'm involved as the Vice President for the second year in a row for my school's Ag Club, I am involved in showing Dairy and Swine through Alto All-Stars 4H, I shoot Trap with both Waupun Warrior and CWC Trap Clubs, and I am enrolled in the Youth Apprenticeship program for the second year in a row.

ON THE FARM

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

Wierenga: I have been involved in the farm since I can remember. My great grandpa purchased the farm in 1966. It was later acquired by my grandpa and then transitioned to my dad and uncle. Today the farm is jointly operated by my dad, uncle, and two cousins. Grandpa still helps too. My role became more prominent during 2020 when I was stuck home with nothing else to do.

What is your role on the farm?

Wierenga: My role is to clean heifers at our heifer facility, bed calves at the Dairy facility, assist during baling seasons, operate machinery, observe overall health of the herd, and many other duties as needed.

Who do you farm with?

Wierenga: I work alongside my dad, uncle, cousins and grandpa.

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

Wierenga: I love that each day brings something new. There is a lot of variety of things to learn about electricity, plumbing, Diesel Tech, welding, ag mechanics, agronomy, and herdsmanship.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Wierenga: Mullins Cheese in Mosinee.

What product is your milk turned into?

Wierenga: Mainly cheese, but one of the family members also opened a distillery where they use by-product to craft spirits.

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Wierenga: We use cover crops to prevent topsoil runoff, and to act as a natural fertilizer which we can also turn into forage for our animals. We tile our fields to help prevent erosion and funnel excess water directly to waterways.

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

Wierenga: My favorite moments: 1. Grand Champion Grade Holstein 2. Senior Showmanship winner 3. Herdsmanship awards 4. Ag Club Honors 5. Milk Quality Award

Future plans:

Wierenga: Entering the workforce.

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.