Prairie Farms Dairy emerged as the star of the 2024 World Dairy Expo Dairy Product Contest, winning 65 awards across 37 of 93 categories. The awards were announced on September 5, and Prairie Dairy claimed more honors than any other dairy, continuing its reign as the competition’s champion. Among the 65 awards were 19 first-place finishes, 23 second-place awards, and 23 third-place wins.
Matt McClelland, CEO and EVP of Prairie Farms, expressed gratitude to the Wisconsin Dairy Products Association for organizing the event. “Winning 65 awards is a tremendous honor,” he said. “Our hardworking farmers, who started this cooperative in 1938, would be proud. Their dedication continues to shine on the world stage. Every award reflects the relentless commitment of our farm families and employees to produce the highest quality dairy products.”
Prairie Farms excelled in seven categories, claiming all top spots:
- Lactose Free White Milk: 1st, 3rd Prairie Farms – Hammond, La.; 2nd Prairie Farms – Anderson, Ind.
- 2% Chocolate Milk: 1st Hiland Dairy – Kansas City, Mo.; 2nd Prairie Farms – Fort Wayne, Ind.; 3rd Prairie Farms – Anderson, Ind.
- Fat-Free Chocolate Milk: 1st Hiland Dairy – Conroe, Tex.; 2nd Prairie Farms – Fort Wayne, Ind.; 3rd Prairie Farms – Rockford, Ill.
- Flavored UHT Milk: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Prairie Farms – Battle Creek, Mich.
- Tropical Flavored Drinkable Yogurt: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Hiland Dairy – Chandler, Okla.
- Lowfat Cottage Cheese: 1st Prairie Farms – Fort Wayne, Ind.; 2nd Hiland Dairy – Wichita, Kan.; 3rd Prairie Farms – Quincy, Ill.
- Blue Veined Cheese: 1st Prairie Farms – Mindoro, Wis.; 2nd, 3rd Prairie Farms – Faribault, Minn.
The company earned multiple awards in categories like fluid milk, yogurt, sour cream, dips, cheese, ice cream, and cottage cheese. Prairie Dairy invites consumers to join the celebration with activities and chances to win dairy-related prizes through their website.
The WDE Championship Dairy Product Contest, held annually in Madison, Wisconsin, is one of the nation’s premier dairy judging events. Judges assess products from 93 different classes, celebrating quality and innovation. On October 1, the winners will be honored at an awards reception and auction, with proceeds supporting dairy education scholarships.
Prairie Farms Dairy, headquartered in Edwardsville, Illinois, is a leading dairy cooperative with over 600 farm families and annual sales exceeding $4.69 billion.
For more information, contact: Darin Copeland, 618-659-5191, [email protected]
