Following a transformational gift, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Dairy Pilot Plant will now be known as the Wuethrich Family\/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Wuethrich Family Foundation and Grassland Dairy Products, Inc., of Greenwood, dairy industry leaders and longtime UW-River Falls strategic partners, announced today an additional $475,000 commitment toward UWRF\u2019s Dairy Pilot Plant Renovation Project, bringing their cumulative support to $1 million, earning naming rights for the facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor the future of dairy processing in Wisconsin to advance, innovation and modernization are essential,\u201d said Trevor Wuethrich, president of Grassland Dairy Products, Inc. \u201cWe regard our donation as an investment in UWRF \u2013 and the future of our industry \u2013 by providing students with real life experiences. We are honored to have our names associated with this facility which has earned its status as a dairy center of excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Combined with the support of state and university resources and many other dairy industry partners, the latest Wuethrich-Grassland contribution allows UWRF to complete the four-year $8 million renovation and provide its students with state-of-the-art hands-on learning experiences in the development, production and marketing of cheeses, ice cream and other dairy products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Wuethrich family and Grassland Dairy have been committed partners since we initiated plans for the dairy plant renovation more than 10 years ago,\u201d said Michelle Farner, director of dairy production at UWRF. \u201cThroughout the process, they have been there for us, leading the way with their generous support and industry expertise. We cannot adequately thank them for the transformational gift which ensures not only the completion of the project but the creation of the Wuethrich Family\/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence, the first in northwestern Wisconsin. Students and industry professionals alike will benefit from the educational investments made by our industry partners.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are grateful for the remarkable support of the Wuethrich family, Grassland Dairy and all of our industry partners,\u201d said Maria Gallo, UW-River Falls chancellor. \u201cThanks to their commitment, we will provide our students with amazing interactive experiences with the cutting-edge technology they need to become the next generation of dairy industry leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Executive Director John Umhoefer has been an active advocate for the dairy plant renovation project and led his membership\u2019s strong and generous commitment to the facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur members understand and appreciate the value of the renovated dairy plant and cheer the establishment of the Wuethrich Family\/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence,\u201d Umhoefer said. \u201cThis is an investment in our industry\u2019s future, and UWRF has earned industry support through focused leadership in the chancellor\u2019s and dean\u2019s offices, tireless execution by Director of Dairy Production Michelle Farner and creative collaboration from Julie Stucky and the University Advancement and Foundation teams. UW-Rivers Falls is a place where things get done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UWRF\u2019s Wuethrich Family\/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence is scheduled to launch operations in spring 2023.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"