Luxemburg-Casco student honored as Dairy Athlete of the Month

LUXEMBURG-CASCO – Caleb Salentine, a senior at Luxemburg-Casco High School and fifth-generation farmer, is being recognized as March’s Dairy Athlete of the Month by the Wisconsin Sports Network and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

“It’s definitely an honor,” Salentine said. “I think it’s super cool how us young kids can still participate in Wisconsin’s agriculture community and excel in academics.”

Caleb works at his family farm, Salentine Homestead Dairy, with his father and grandfather. He said his family’s support has been key to his success in school, sports and farmwork.

“Working for my dad and my mom is really beneficial, because they want me to succeed in sports and in life just as much as I do,” Salentine said. “They’re very flexible in my work hours. In terms of schoolwork, I get as much done as I can during the day and during hours provided at school. That way I can have free time after school for sports.”

Salentine is on the football, baseball, and varsity wrestling teams, each of which he said he enjoys for different reasons, but all with a common thread: Teamwork.

“First and foremost, I’d say I like the team aspect. I’m definitely a people person. I enjoy being around others,” Salentine said. “As individual sports, I like all of them differently. Wrestling is just something else. There’s nothing else out there that could fulfill that drive that wrestling gives you. And football, like the Friday Night Lights kind of feel is unique. I enjoy baseball because it’s a relaxing sport that you can really get into.”

According to Salentine, that team aspect is just as important when it comes to farming.

“Without any sort of teamwork or communication, we definitely would not get as much done as we do in the short amount of time we have here,” he said.
Salentine handles planting and harvesting crops, and helps feed and care for the cattle. He also exhibits his heifers at the County and State Fairs. Salentine said it’s essential to form a bond with each heifer to have a good showing.

“You really get to know your animal and their personality and that’s pretty crucial to having a good experience, if you guys work well together or not.”

“I’m basically the voice for all youth in my project,” he said. “I make sure that every youth feels included and prepared for the fair and whatever else they need. I’m a helping hand and a connection from the adult leaders to the youth.”
When Salentine graduates in the spring, he plans to study Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and return to help on the family farm.

As a word of advice to other students looking to excel, Salentine said, “Take as many opportunities as you can. High school is a short four years and it goes by quick. I wouldn’t want to trade it for anything. It was a very fun experience doing all the things I got to do.”