Our Research Centers

Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center utilizes dairy farmer checkoff funds and partner contributions to conduct research and provide support to increase the capabilities of the dairy industry and ensure its future competitiveness. The Center is part of the larger program, National Dairy Foods Research Center, supported by The Dairy Research Institute™.

The Center offers expertise in dairy foods research for both traditional dairy foods and dairy ingredients, utilizing resources at the University of Minnesota, South Dakota State University and Iowa State University. The Institute for Dairy Ingredient Processing at South Dakota State University is the only resource of its kind developed to facilitate the commercialization of manufacturing processes that expand the product portfolio of dairy-based ingredients produced for domestic and international markets. At the University of Minnesota, research specializes in increased milk sales, technology or knowledge gaps between industry and academia, and faculty expertise.

The Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center celebrated its 25-year anniversary in July 2012. Researchers have authored more than 200 publications, presented more than 500 abstracts and posters at national and international scientific conferences, and awarded nearly 150 graduate degrees, all in support of dairy foods research.