Christian Hill Dairy

South-central Wisc., home to some of the state’s most productive farms, is a cornerstone of high-quality dairy production. Just a short drive from Lake Winnebago in Lomira lies Christian Hill Dairy, a family operation rooted deeply in more than a century of agricultural tradition.

Established in 1907, the farm spans over 4,000 acres and is operated by Patrick Christian, alongside his parents, Dale and Mary, and his three younger brothers, Chris, Curt, and Bob. With more than 100 years of farming history preceding him, Patrick says agriculture is truly in his blood.

Since its establishment, Christian Hill Dairy has grown into a thriving operation with more than 3,800 cows. The herd is milked three times a day in a Double 50 BouMatic SmartDairy parallel parlor. Each day, five to six milk tankers arrive at the farm, transporting more than 280,000 pounds of milk to local processing facilities.

At Christian Hill Dairy, cow comfort is central to everything they do. In the stalls, fracking sand provided by the farm’s digester is replaced frequently. Because the bedding contains no clay, it drains exceptionally well – creating a softer, healthier environment for the cows. Patrick says that caring for the animals remains one of the most rewarding parts of his work. “I enjoy seeing our cows every day and ensuring that they’re happy. Also interacting with our employees – I know they respect our cows the same way our family does.”

The farm also takes pride in the recent addition of its new digester. In partnership with LF Bioenergy, the system allows the farm to convert its manure into clean energy, turning methane into renewable natural gas for the local utility and community’s energy needs. At full capacity, the digester is expected to produce enough natural gas equivalent to powering over 400 cars a year. Christian says the benefits extend beyond the farm itself. “Not only does it help the environment, it helps the neighborhood smell better!”

Patrick is beginning his second year on the cooperative Board of Directors, representing members as a High-Volume Director. Serving on the board gives him a platform to advocate for dairy producers of all sizes. “I wanted to give a voice to all dairy producers. Even though I’m a high-volume board member, I still want to represent and fight for all farms.”

The Christian Family is looking forward to all the new opportunities 2026 will bring, both for the farm and the cooperative. “Our family takes pride in working together to help feed the world and in helping shape farming policies for better.”