The ninth annual World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest auction was held Tuesday, October 4 at World Dairy Expo. The contest, sponsored by the Wisconsin Dairy Products Assn. (WDPA), raised $39,160.00.

“This year’s contest was, once again, extremely successful,” says Brad Legreid, executive director of the Wisconsin Dairy Products Assn. “We had a record number of entries (705), more product classes and greater overall participation than ever before. This contest just keeps growing. To have grown this large in such a short period of time is unprecedented.”  

“Dairy manufacturers throughout North America have embraced this competition and seen the many benefits accrued through participation,” Legreid said. “We started this contest nine years ago to benefit the entire dairy industry. Due to this contest, manufacturers of all dairy products now have unique- and in many cases, first-time opportunities- to enjoy the myriad promotional and marketing opportunities resulting from this contest. Simply put, this contest is achieving its initial goals to promote all dairy products throughout North America.”

A portion of the auction proceeds will be used to fund the Dr. Robert L. Bradley Scholarship Fund which will be awarded annually to a deserving student pursuing a career in the dairy industry. Proceeds will also be used to defray contest expenses. Product donations were made to the MATC Culinary Arts School, UW Food Science Dept., the Ronald McDonald House and Second Harvest Food Bank.