By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) has announced a $90,000 donation to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UW-RF) to support dairy initiatives at the Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence. This funding will enhance dairy operations, training, and research at the university.
The donation comes from proceeds generated at WCMA’s annual Championship Cheese Auction, where industry members bid on premium cheeses to support the future of dairy processing.
“Through both financial and in-kind contributions, WCMA and its members have been proud to support the next generation of our industry at UW-River Falls. It’s a pleasure to continue our tradition of investing in dairy’s future with this donation," said WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer.
"We’re extremely grateful to the generous bidders at our annual Championship Cheese Auction, who have made this effort possible, and to the WCMA Board of Directors for their leadership and vision in the direction of these funds."
The new Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence Fund will enable the UW-RF Dairy Pilot Plant to provide hands-on learning for students, increase dairy education and training seminars, and connect dairy processors with research opportunities.
“This generous and meaningful contribution from the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association will have an immediate impact on our plant’s operational success,” said Mike Orth, dean of the UWRF College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
“The infusion of new financial resources will allow us to expand our plant staff and enhance our production, research and development capabilities, all while providing our students with hands-on experiential learning and employment opportunities."
“Throughout our plant renovation process into our full-scale production, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and its members have been there for us, providing the crucial investments needed to ensure the facility’s success,” said Rick Foy, UWRF assistant chancellor for University Advancement.
“On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, I express deep appreciation to WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer for leading his organization’s continued and enthusiastic support for the Wuethrich Family/Grassland Center of Excellence.”
WCMA’s donation continues its tradition of reinvesting auction funds into dairy education and development. To date, WCMA has invested over $1.75 million in industry-focused education.
The next Championship Cheese Auction will be held on April 16th at CheeseCon 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-cheese-makers-association
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Education