Submitted by Dan Lea, UWRF
RIVER FALLS, WI – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) and Burnett Dairy Cooperative are proud to announce a new partnership that will strengthen Wisconsin’s dairy industry through collaboration in education, research and product development. As of November 1, 2025, milk produced at the university’s Mann Valley Farm is being shipped to Burnett Dairy Cooperative for processing.
This partnership also ensures continued support for the university’s on-campus Falcon Creamery, which will maintain access to milk from Mann Valley Farm for its student-led dairy production and learning initiatives.
“Partnerships with businesses are an important part of the professional development of our students,” said Michael Orth, Dean of UWRF’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science. “We believe many unique opportunities will come from this new relationship with the Burnett Dairy Co-op.”
As part of this alliance, Burnett Dairy Co-op plans to work with Falcon Creamery and Falcon Foods to feature select UWRF-produced dairy products in Burnett Dairy’s retail stores located in Grantsburg and Wilson (Cady Cheese), as well as Duluth, Minnesota.
“Innovative thinking and cooperative spirit are two of Burnett Dairy’s core values,” stated Matt Winsand, CEO of Burnett Dairy Co-op. “There are so many opportunities for partnership both on the dairy science side of things as well as in the agricultural space, we are looking forward to see what the future may bring.”
In addition to product collaboration, the partnership aims to foster joint research initiatives with Burnett Dairy Co-op’s Research and Development team and the UWRF Animal and Food Science Department, further enhancing both organizations’ roles as hubs for agricultural advancement.
Founded in 1874, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is a regional public university dedicated to student-centered learning and academic excellence. With more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs, UWRF is committed to preparing students for success and service in a global society. Learn more at uwrf.edu.
Burnett Dairy Cooperative® is a farmer-owned cooperative based near Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Founded in 1896, it’s where farm families partner with crop and dairy experts to produce the highest-quality milk from the ground up. Guided by Master Cheesemaker Rob Stellrecht, Burnett Dairy’s award-winning cheeses are Masterfully Made™ with inventive flavors and inspired craftsmanship for retail, deli, foodservice, and private label customers. Products are available through national distribution.
