Wisconsin Ag Connection - WCMA, UWRF Celebrate Newly Renovated Dairy Pilot Plant

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WCMA, UWRF Celebrate Newly Renovated Dairy Pilot Plant
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/22/2018

Board members of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association were on hand at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls this week to celebrate the renovation of the school's Dairy Pilot Plant. The project, which is now underway, is being coordinated through a new partnership to strengthen the industry’s educational pipeline.

"WCMA members recognize investments in education as investments in the future success of the U.S. dairy processing industry," said WCMA Director John Umhoefer. "We are proud to partner with UW-River Falls to support training programs that will deliver a truly skilled dairy workforce."

On Wednesday, Umhoefer joined UWRF College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Dean Dale Gallenberg in a pledge to work together to develop, execute, and promote new and existing workshops to meet industry needs. This action builds upon WCMA's financial support of the project. WCMA has directly donated $200,000, with members making generous individual donations to help UW-River Falls achieve a complete modernization of its dairy processing facilities, with new automation, piping, and equipment.

The CAFES reinstated its Food Science and Technology program two years ago and now offers a food processing technology minor. The school's dairy processing plant also hosts continuing education classes focused on pasteurization, cheesemaking, and food safety.

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