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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.

Tessa Schmocker
Lakeside Lutheran High School
Class of 2025
Go-Sho Cattle Co.

Sports:

Schmocker: I participated in girls' golf for four years, all on the varsity team. In my freshman year, the team was the conference and regional champion, and in my sophomore year, the team was the co-conference and regional champion. In my junior and senior years, I was named second-team all-conference team, and for my sophomore through senior years, I was named to the Academic All-State team.

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Schmocker: It can be extremely difficult, but I always make an action plan for each day, setting aside time for my chores and homework. I also have had great academic success, so I must have time for that. I have great parents and my sister who are always willing to help if I need my chores covered for a night after a match or if I have lots of homework. The key is time management and making a to-do list.

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

Schmocker: Outside of dairy farming, I love reading, golfing, hanging out with friends, and spending time with my family. I also love going for drives and listening to music.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Schmocker: I am involved in the Stone School 4-H and served as the Secretary and President there. I am also part of the National Honor Society and enjoy volunteering in various activities, especially Twice is Nice, a local resale shop that benefits my high school. I am a member of the Lakeside Lutheran FFA Chapter, where I served as Secretary last year and am serving as Sentinel this year. Lastly, I am currently on my second year as a member of the Wisconsin Holstein Association Junior Activities Committee serving as Secretary.

ON THE FARM

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

Schmocker: My parents started Go-Sho Cattle Co. when they got married in 2002. It started with one cow bought from Thal-View and a few of my mom's cows from her parent's farm, Black-Lion Holsteins. Since then, we have bred and shown numerous class winners and champions. I have been a part of this operation pretty much from the time I was born in 2006, but I have been actively participating on the farm since around 2012.

What is your role on the farm?

Schmocker: I do just about anything on the farm from milking, pitching out pens, feeding heifers, and feeding milk to calves. More recently, I have been in charge of the young stock on our farm, feeding milk and grain. But my sister and I are also in charge of halter-breaking calves and working with them before the shows.

Who do you farm with?

Schmocker: Dad, Mom, and sister Stella

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

Schmocker: My favorite part of being involved with the farm is that I have learned so much about humility, work ethic, and taking pride in your work. My cows and being involved with my farm have shaped the person I am and the values I have.

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Schmocker: We only milk 4-6 cows at a time because our farmette is for raising dairy show cattle, not dairy production. So we do not ship our milk, we feed it to our calves or beef cattle instead.

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Schmocker: 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?

Schmocker: I am very unfortunate to have had much success in showing dairy. One of my favorite accomplishments has been being selected as the 4th overall Supreme Showman of the Wisconsin Jr. State Fair. My family and I have also been blessed with breeding the Junior Champion of the 2021 International Holstein Show, Ms Rebas Raven Beauty-ET. We have exhibited multiple champions and class winners from our about 30-head farmette, a very small pool to pick from. We have prided ourselves on breeding nice heifers with the genetics to make strong cows.

Future plans:

Schmocker: Attending Iowa State University majoring in Actuarial Science with a minor in Agricultural 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.