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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.

Dawson Meissner
Marshfield High School
Class of 2025
Norm-E-Lane Farm

Sports:

Meissner: I have played a number of sports throughout my life, but currently play football and baseball. I play inside linebacker for my team along with long snapper and a variety of special teams. I was chosen as a captain for our 2024 team and will be continuing to play at Eau Claire next fall. I play centerfield for our baseball team and also catch occasionally. 

How do you balance farm, school and athletics?

Meissner: My school, work, and athletic life can get overwhelming at times, but my parents and teachers have helped me develop a great time management system. For farm work during the week I have a program in school that takes the second half of my day and allows me to come home and help out on the farm. My schooling and athletics are what takes up most of my day during the week.  With school starting at 8 and practice ending at 6, it keeps me very busy and on my toes, which is a good thing.

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

Meissner: Outside of the farm I like to hunt, fish, lift weights, in the winter snowboard, and obviously I like to play football.

How else are you involved in your local community?

Meissner: The community surrounding us is what makes everything what it is, so it is very important to not just be a part of it, but be a contributor to it.  Every year our farm hosts a field trip for the 4th graders in the district and surrounding areas.  It’s nice to see the kids eager to learn about the business and also have fun with the various demonstrations we have with the different aspects of the farm. I also play guitar for our church on Sundays.

ON THE FARM

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

Meissner: Our farm, Norm-E-Lane, was founded by my great grandparents in 1948.  My grandpa Jerry Meissner then took over the operation with his brothers, and he and his family led the way to the next generation.  He stayed involved with the farm right to the end, even if it was just being in the office in the mornings.  Sadly we lost Grandpa to cancer in December of 2021. Now my dad, Josh Meissner, is the head of the business and is building and expanding the Norm-E-Lane legacy.

What is your role on the farm?

Meissner: My role on the farm is mainly maintenance and doing the seemingly never ending odds and ends around the farm.  I help move animals, clean equipment, operate machinery and of course pick stones!  Come harvest time, I spend a lot of time in the tractor packing pile alongside my brother Emmett.

Who do you farm with?

Meissner: I farm with my Dad Josh, my Brother Emmett, along with a family of employees that our farm wouldn't be whole without.  We currently milk 4,000 cows and crop 5,000 acres with a team of 65 people.

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

Meissner: My favorite part of being involved with the farm is working with my family and the feeling of pride I receive knowing I’m working toward some of the same common goals that my grandfather and great grandfather did. 

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

Meissner: One of my most proud moments was being awarded first team all-conference linebacker last year.

What product is your milk turned into?

Meissner: Our milk is sold to Nasonville Dairy, a family owned private processor, who makes many cheeses including Feta, Monterey Jack, other pizza cheeses, all the “traditional” cheeses, and lots of curds!

What sustainability practices do you employ on your farm?

Meissner: We strive to practice as many sustainability endeavors as we can, and are always learning and growing in that capacity.  We operate a methane digester which is capturing our methane gas and we then refine it to a renewable natural gas.  On the cropping side, we practice minimal tillage where we can, some double cropping, employ cover crops on the majority of our corn acres, and manage precision applications of fertilizers.

Future Plans:

Meissner: I plan to attend UW-Eau Claire and also play football there.

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.