WCMA Announces $100,000 Investment in Center for Dairy Research

Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) today announced a direct, $100,000 investment in the Center for Dairy Research (CDR), establishing the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association CDR Fund at the University of Wisconsin Foundation to support the Center’s teaching, research and outreach roles. The WCMA Board of Directors directed funds generated by WCMA’s annual Championship Cheese Auction to establish this fund, and encourages matching industry donations. 

"The work of the exceptional team at CDR is key to U.S. dairy innovation and growth. We’re excited and honored to launch a permanent fund that will allow our Association, and dairy organizations worldwide, to invest in this world-class resource,” said WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer. 

The new fund is controlled by the CDR Director and can be used to meet the goals of the Director related to CDR research, training, equipment and education. WCMA encourages the dairy industry to join the Association in supporting the Center’s critical work by giving a matching gift. More details on how to donate will be shared with WCMA members soon.

“Investing in students is a priority for CDR, as they become tomorrow’s industry leaders, and their applied research work brings new innovations to our dairy industry. We are delighted to again partner with WCMA to leverage the world-class facility at Babcock Hall that will enable our industry to remain strong into the future” said CDR Director John Lucey. 

WCMA’s donation is the latest in the Association’s tradition of investing Championship Cheese Auction funds back into the dairy processing industry.  Thanks to generous bidder support, WCMA also recently announced a $90,000 gift, matched by $90,000 from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, to the Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center for Excellence at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. WCMA has also enhanced its annual scholarships for dairy processor and supplier members’ families to $5,000 each in 2025.

Altogether, WCMA has invested more than $1.75 million in industry-focused education, research centers and scholarships. The next Championship Cheese Auction will take place Wednesday, April 16 at CheeseCon 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.  More details and registration options are available at CheeseCon.org.