Dairy Field has long extolled the ability of this industry to continually develop new products to meet consumers’ changing demands for great taste, convenience, wellness and a host of other wants and needs.

Just as important — probably even more so, in fact — is the ability of a processor to turn out a consistently delicious and high-quality product time after time after time. Not only does this ensure repeat use and brand loyalty, but it reflects well on the ability of the industry as a whole to meet consumers’ needs.

Which is why the World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest is such a great thing. It puts processors to the ultimate test — to make sure they’re manufacturing the best products they possibly can make. The contest, sponsored by the Wisconsin Dairy Products Association, judges products in nearly every category, from milk and cheese to ice cream and cultured products. New categories this year include drinkable yogurt and whey-based energy drinks.

The contest began in 2003 in conjunction with the annual World Dairy Expo, with just 100 entries in 17 cheese and two butter classes. In just a few short years, the competition has attracted processors from all over North America, swelling the number of entries to 340 in 2006. Growth of 40 to 60 percent each year has made it the third-largest dairy product contest in the United States.

As such, I’m proud to announce that this year, Dairy Field will become the sponsor of the contest’s Grand Champion Award for Grade A Products and Ice Cream, one of two grand awards given in addition to 40 first-place trophies for each category winner. Entries will be judged in early September.

The awards will be presented at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis., on October 2, when all product category winners will be auctioned off to the highest bidders. I hope to see you there.

Deadline to enter the contest is August 17. For information on how to enter, visit www.wdpa.net or call (608) 836-3336.

Word arrived shortly before press time of the passing of John D. Utterback, founder of the All Star Dairy Association. A full obituary will appear in our August issue. Meanwhile, our condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues in the industry.