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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.

Brennan Keyes
Belleville High School 
Class of 2025
Jeffrey-Way Holsteins

Sports:

Keyes: Throughout high school, I played football, baseball and wrestled all four years. I was a quarterback and linebacker and team captain in football and was selected all-conference after my Junior and Senior seasons. I am the catcher in baseball and was selected all-conference my junior year. Additionally, I wrestle and was selected captain my Junior and Senior years. I have earned an all-conference selection in wrestling all four years. 

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Keyes: I balance the farm, school, and athletics by spending most of my time on the farm during the summer. As a three-sport athlete, I do not get much time off during the school year. Additionally, as a 4.0 student during the school year I spend most of my time in the classroom or studying. 

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

Keyes: I have many hobbies outside of dairy farming, including hunting, fishing, skiing, and golfing. When I hunt, I spend most of my time hunting ducks, turkeys, or deer. When I fish, I spend most of my time trout or bass fishing on the Madison chain of lakes.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Keyes: I am a member of the Livestock Judging Team for the Belleville FFA, Treasurer for the Belleville National Honor Society, a member of the tutoring committee through Young Samaritans tutoring students with special needs, and a member of the German club. Last summer I was fortunate enough to spend 11 days in Germany and Switzerland with my German club. I am also a referee for football and umpire youth baseball. 

ON THE FARM

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

Keyes: I have been involved in the operation at Jeffrey-Way Holsteins for six years. I grew up helping my grandfather on his beef farm. During the pandemic, all athletics were canceled due to our school in Dane County. I contacted my cousin and asked if they needed help on the farm. Since then, I have worked at their dairy operation. 

What is your role on the farm?

Keyes: I am a farmhand specializing in feeding the cows and heifers, cleaning the barn, bedding the animals, and assisting with any other animal welfare tasks. 

Who do you farm with?

Keyes: The Hendrickson Family.

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

Keyes: My favorite part of being involved with the farm is the reward I get from helping with the animals and the physical strength farming builds. It also gives me a unique perspective on how important dairy operations are in supplying the country with milk and milk-based food products. The Hendrickson family have taught me hard work pays off. I am grateful they gave me the opportunity to help with their dairy operation. 

Where does your farm ship its milk?

Keyes: Klondike Cheese in Monroe, Wisconsin.

What product is your milk turned into?

Keyes: Yogurt and cheese.

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Keyes: The sustainability practices employed on the farm are land conservation programs, no-till practices, pasture for grazing the cows, and crop ground laid out in contour strips.

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

Keyes: The greatest achievement at Jeffrey-Way Holsteins was Jeffrey-Way Hardrock Twigs winning the World Dairy Expo Champion and the Royal Winter Fair Supreme Champion.

Future plans:

Keyes: Attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying Biology.

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.