TheWisconsin 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 byclicking here.
Logan Brand, Ellsworth High School
Logan Brand
Ellsworth High School
Class of 2024
Brandvale LLC
Sports:
Brand: I played football and basketball for all four years. I played golf for one year. In football, I was an offensive tackle. In basketball, I played the 5 man spot. I was a team captain for the 2023-2024 season and was voted for a leadership award and “team first” award.
How do you balance farm, school and athletics?
Brand: It is hard to balance school and the farm and It really made me realize that you need to set priorities. Having to pick between hanging out with friends and working is hard but there is always work that needs to be done. When I am playing sports, I am spending time with my friends and I do spend more time with my friends in the summer which is great.
What hobbies / interests do you have outside of dairy farming?
Brand: My hobbies include golfing, hanging out with friends, and playing cards.
How else are you involved in your local community?
Brand: I have been a member of 4-H for nine years. I showed dairy cows and rabbits. I work at the Pierce County Farm Bureau Milk and Cookies Red Barn at our county fair and also help with our county dairy promotion’s June Dairy Breakfast.
ON THE FARM
What is your farm story and how long have you been involved in the operation?
Brand: My dad bought our farm in 1988 and it has grown ever since. Both mom and dad are 4th generation who grew up on dairy farms in Minnesota. Mom and dad (Steve and Mary Brand) started with 64 cows and currently dad and his team milk 1,800 cows on two locations in Pierce County.
In addition to family help, dad relies on his team of dedicated employees, some who have been with us for ten years or more. Producing a quality product while taking the best care possible of our cows, land and people is the goal every day at Brandvale Dairy. My three siblings (Alex, Lauren and Austin) and I all grew up helping on the farm and the three of us are pursuing careers in agriculture.
What is your role on the farm?
Brand: I help out with milking and other chores as needed. In addition, I help dad with forms he needs to submit because he is a CAFO operation. I also help mom feed heifers most days when I get home from school and on the weekends. If I have games, then I am unable to help. I’ve learned how to drive and back a cattle trailer by helping mom and I appreciate that skill.
Who do you farm with?
Brand: My dad, but also my mom on her small farm where she raises dairy heifers. I also milked cows with my brother, Austin, as he is only 18 months older than me.
What is your favorite part of being involved with the farm?
Brand: My favorite parts are just getting to work with animals every day. I also love the gratification I get after a hard day's work. It feels good to see results from hard work such as pens cleaned and animals milked and fed.
What is your most proud moments or farm achievements/awards?
Brand: My most proud moment would be when I was selected as the male Middle Border Conference scholar athlete for our school. This award is given to one male and one female for having outstanding grades and athletics. This was rewarding for my years of studying and hard work.
Where does your farm ship its milk?
Brand: My dad has two farm locations, the milk goes to Associated Milk Producers, Inc. and Eau Galle Cheese factory.
What product is your milk turned into?
Brand: Cheese
What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?
Brand: We recycle water through a plate cooler in the parlor and follow a manure nutrient management plan to determine best crop practices for our soil. Using the latest technology to improve how we do things on our farm is important to us.
Future Plans:
Brand: I will attend Iowa State in the fall for Agricultural business.
Nominate a high school athlete for the Wisconsin Dairy Athlete of the Month byclicking 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.
