WCMA announces $100,000 investment in Center for Dairy Research
WCMA invests in future of dairy innovation with new research, education fund
31 March 2025
2 minute read
By: The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) has pledged $100,000 to establish a dedicated fund supporting the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, according to a press release from the association.
The new Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association CDR Fund, created through the University of Wisconsin Foundation, will strengthen CDR’s work in research, education, and industry outreach. The WCMA Board of Directors allocated proceeds from its annual Championship Cheese Auction to initiate the fund and is now calling on industry partners to contribute matching donations.
“The exceptional team at CDR plays a pivotal role in driving dairy innovation and growth in the US,” said WCMA executive director John Umhoefer. “We’re proud to launch a permanent fund that enables our association—and dairy organisations worldwide—to invest in this world-class resource.”
Administered by the CDR Director, the fund will support research projects, student training, equipment upgrades, and educational initiatives aligned with the centre’s mission.
CDR Director John Lucey welcomed the support, emphasising the importance of student development in shaping the industry’s future.
“Investing in students is a priority for us, as they become tomorrow’s leaders. Their applied research fuels innovation across the dairy sector,” Lucey said. “We are thrilled to again partner with WCMA and make the most of the outstanding facilities at Babcock Hall.”
The donation continues WCMA’s longstanding tradition of reinvesting Championship Cheese Auction proceeds back into the dairy processing community. In a separate recent initiative, WCMA donated $90,000 to the Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center for Excellence at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin matched that contribution, bringing the total to $180,000.
In addition, WCMA has increased its annual scholarship awards for families of dairy processor and supplier members to $5,000 each starting in 2025.
To date, the Association has contributed over $1.75 million to education, research, and scholarship programmes across the dairy industry. The next Championship Cheese Auction is scheduled for Wednesday, 16 April 2025, during CheeseCon in Madison, Wisconsin.
