MADISON, WIS. — The Center for Dairy Research (CDR) at the University of Wisconsin received a $100,000 investment from the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) to establish a fund that will support teaching, research and outreach roles at the center.

WCMA shared that its board of directors directed funds generated by its annual Championship Cheese Auction to create the new WCMA CDR Fund through the University of Wisconsin Foundation.

The groups said the new fund, controlled by the CDR director, may be used to meet goals tied to CDR research, training, equipment and education.

With WCMA encouraging other dairy industry organizations to match its donation for the new fund, WCMA executive director John Umhoefer said CDR’s work is “exceptional,” as well as key to US 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,” Umhoefer said.

CDR director John Lucey said the center’s work will help the dairy industry remain strong into the future.

“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,” Lucey said.

WCMA also recently gave $90,000 to the Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center for Excellence at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.