The Center for Dairy Research

CDR's Dr. Rodrigo Ibáñez was recently interviewed by University of Missouri Extension regarding a Journal of Dairy Science & JDS Communications publication on the occurrence of β-casomorphins in commercial Cheddar cheese.

How does A2 impact cheese quality? In an attempt to capture an audience of consumers, food science research has focused on dairy proteins to understand how the cheesemaking and ripening impacts proteolysis, as it can influence flavor development, texture, and the digestibility of cheese.

Happy ! 🧀 Cheese is so much more than a delicious, nutrient-packed food. It's an economic driver, a community builder, a job creator, and a beloved staple for consumers and their families across the country.

We're honored to work with and for the people and businesses that work each day toward a shared mission: feeding the world. Celebrate today with your favorite cheese!

Happy June Dairy Month! Governor Tony Evers recognizes CDR and other organizations that help support Wisconsin's dairy industry, which contributes $52.8 billion annually to the state's economy.

Press Release: Gov. Evers Kicks Off June Dairy Month, Celebrates Wisconsin’s Proud Heritage as America’s Dairyland Press Release: Gov. Evers Kicks Off June Dairy Month, Celebrates Wisconsin’s Proud Heritage as America’s Dairyland State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 05/29/2026 10:24 AM CDT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [email protected] Gov. Evers Kicks Off June Dairy Month, Celebrates Wisconsin’s Proud ...

Ever wondered what makes Alpine-style cheeses so special? Join us for the ACS Webinar: The Basics of Alpine Cheesemaking and uncover the secrets behind their rich traditions, cooked curd techniques, and bold flavors.

Led by Ben Ullerup Mathers, Assistant Coordinator for the Cheese Industry and Applications team at the Center for Dairy Research (CDR), this session is your gateway to mastering the fundamentals.

🗓️ Tuesday, June 9, 2026
🕑 2 PM MT / 4 PM ET
💲 Free for ACS members | $25 nonmembers
🎥 Recording available afterward in the ACS Learning Center.

🔗 Register now: https://loom.ly/acEso2o

Exciting news: the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a federally-funded partnership between WCMA and The Center for Dairy Research, this week awarded over $46,000 in grants to goat and sheep dairy businesses in DBIA's 11-state Midwest region! Learn more about them: https://loom.ly/LF8Eknw

CDR had another great Cultured Dairy Products short course. The course has grown to 3 full days, which includes hands-on pilot plant labs covering several yogurt varieties – including Greek-style – as well as cottage cheese and cultured cream. A huge thanks to all of the CDR staff and industry partners who help to put on this training every year.

We're excited to share that CDR Director Dr. John Lucey is the 2026 recipient of the International Dairy Foods Association Research Award in Dairy Foods Processing!

The award recognizes individuals whose research findings have allowed dairy foods processors to develop new products and to make a significant improvement in the quality, safety, or processing efficiency of dairy foods.

The award will be presented on Tuesday, June 23 during the awards ceremony at the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

🎉 Congratulations John! 🎉

Read more: https://www.adsa.org/About-ADSA/Awards/2026/Award-Lucey

The CDR pilot plant is now an organic certified facility. CDR can accommodate clients that are developing organic dairy products. Thanks to the CDR staff who helped with successful certification.

CDR held one of its biannual Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) courses.

Special thanks to the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center for hosting and Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. for sponsoring this event! It made it possible for 42 people from the dairy industry, large and small, to go through one of most important parts of making food: Making food safe to eat!

CDR would also love to thank our instructors. (Left to right)
Juan L. Silva
Marianne Smukowski
Audreyona Chavez
Alex O'Brien
Adam Brock
Kara Mikkelson
Lindsey O'Brien

The instructors had representation and perspectives from food safety professionals from:
Dairy Manufacturers
Regulators
Chemical Suppliers
Academia

Great interactions, discussions, learning and networking!

Have you registered for the 2026 Dairy Symposium yet?

You don't want to miss this event! Geared towards an academic audience the Dairy Symposium brings together researchers and industry leaders to hear thought-provoking plenary discussions, research talks from each of the Hub’s four priority areas.

Check out the speakers and register at https://ow.ly/ZCU450YHNMp