University Dairy Plants across the country are all different and have varying resources, needs and customer bases. However, their mission statements all include an emphasis on production, education, and research. As part of a university, each of these dairy plants has unique challenges they face and they are constantly discovering new ways to succeed. In order to share experiences with each other and compare notes on how to do better, many dairy plant managers gather each year at the University Creamery Managers Conference.

In 2003, the University of Wisconsin hosted the first conference and around 15 managers from over 12 schools have been convening annually since. During these conferences, the dairy plant managers tour the hosting university’s campus, plant, and store. For a few days, speakers share stories and mission statements as well as successful ways to overcome any struggles. There are many benefits to this conference but the one on one relationships among managers is by far the most valuable. These connections create a network across the country that will last a long time.

Past Conferences:

The 2014 Conference was held at Kansas State! Click here to check out the conference webpage.

The 2015 Conference was held at the University of Delaware from June 17th to 18th! Click here to read about the news.

The 2016 Conference was held at Washington State.

The 2017 Conference was held at Mississippi State.  The following Universities were in attendance: Brigham Young University, Clemson, Kansas State, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Pennsylvania State University, University of Delaware, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Utah State, and Washington State.

The 2018 Conference will be held at Utah State.  Check out their creamery website here.

The following universities are involved with the conference: