Dairy Business Innovation Alliance
A new round of Dairy Business Builder grants administered by the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) opened on February 20, 2023 for small- to medium-sized dairy farmers, manufacturers, and processors in 11 Midwestern states. Businesses in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin may apply for the funding. The reimbursement grants of up to $100,000 each aim to support recipients in diversifying on-farm activity, creating value-added products, enhancing dairy byproducts, and creating or enhancing dairy export programs. Application materials for the Dairy Business Builder grants are available online at cdr.wisc.edu/dbia. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. (CT) on April 13. Successful applicants will be notified by May 19.
News
DBIA Awards More than $3.5M in Grants to Midwest Dairy Processors, Including Three from Iowa
Cinnamon Ridge Inc: Cinnamon Ridge, an Iowa farmstead and creamery, is improving its cheese production by acquiring new equipment and upgrading storage facilities. The project focuses on improving efficiency, quality, and sanitation to meet customer expectations and drive sales growth.
Hightail: Hightail is upgrading equipment to increase cheese curd production and meet high demand. The project includes purchasing multiple pieces of equipment to improve efficiency and product quality at their Iowa facility.
Lost Lake Farm LLC: Lost Lake Farm is diversifying into artisan grass-fed butter production to increase sales and meet customer demand. The project includes purchasing equipment and hiring a production apprentice to support growth in Iowa.
DBIA Updates
REMINDER: Apply Now for DBIA Grants
A new round of Dairy Business Builder and Dairy Industry Impact grants administered by the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) is open for small- to medium-sized dairy farmers, manufacturers, and processors in 11 Midwestern states. Businesses in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin may apply for the funding, which is administered by the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA).
An informational webinar is hosted on the DBIA website. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. (CT) on Tuesday, September 30.
Application materials for the Dairy Business Builder and Dairy Industry Impact grants are available online at dbia.wisc.edu. The reimbursement grants of up to $100,000 (or $150,000 for large equipment expenditures) each aim to support recipients in diversifying on-farm activity, creating value-added products, enhancing dairy byproducts, and creating or enhancing dairy export programs.
The DBIA is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was created in the 2018 federal Farm Bill. The program also offers technical assistance to dairy farmers and processors in participating states.
Market Intelligence
DBIA is excited to share the results of additional market intelligence related to Specialty Cheese Consumption.
You can find the full report and introductory video on the webpage here.
The report features consumer data from across the U.S., personas to help understand cheese consumption, and opportunities to increase specialty cheese purchases!
If you are interested in discussing the results with DBIA staff, please reach out!