Wisconsin Dairy Innovation Hub Publishes Sixth Annual Report

The Dairy Innovation Hub marked its sixth year of advancing Wisconsin’s dairy sector in late October with the release of its annual report, highlighting substantial progress and ongoing initiatives across the University of Wisconsin campuses in Madison, Platteville, and River Falls. Covering activities from July 2024 through June 2025, the report underscores the Hub’s commitment to driving research, talent development, and collaboration to reinforce Wisconsin’s position as a global leader in dairy production.

Funded by a $7.8 million annual state investment, the Hub supports a robust portfolio of initiatives that span four strategic priority areas: stewarding land and water resources, enriching human health and nutrition, ensuring animal health and welfare, and fostering the growth of farm businesses and communities. Since its inception, the Hub has funded over 260 projects across these campuses and priority areas, reflecting a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and sustainable dairy innovation.

During fiscal year 2025, the Hub allocated funds specifically to new dairy initiatives, underscoring its focus on addressing pressing challenges and opportunities in the dairy industry. 

Investment in human capital remains a key pillar, with $4.2 million directed towards expanding dairy talent through the hiring of faculty, trainees, and staff. In total, 23 faculty searches are underway or planned across the three campuses, reflecting the Hub’s continued investment in dairy-related expertise and research capacity.

To foster community engagement, the Hub will host its sixth annual Dairy Summit on November 18, 2025, at UW-River Falls. This free event, open to farmers, dairy processors, industry professionals, legislators, and community members, will showcase the latest Hub projects in accessible formats. Recognizing the importance of broad participation, a live virtual attendance is available, and sessions will be recorded for future viewing on YouTube.

The governance of the Hub is reinforced by an engaged advisory council and three active steering committees, ensuring that funded projects remain aligned with the evolving needs of Wisconsin’s dairy industry. The collaborative governance structure maintains a focus on economic, environmental, and social sustainability within Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy community.

Since its foundational report in 2019, the Dairy Innovation Hub has grown from initial funding awards into a comprehensive research function integrating multiple campuses and disciplines. According to the Hub, the state investment is supporting valuable innovation in this ‘traditional’ industry, with Wisconsin’s dairy farmers and processors the beneficiaries amid changing market and environmental conditions.