Cornell Dairy

Cornell Dairy

Cornell Dairy is a dairy processing facility located on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. It is operated by the Department of Food Science and has been in operation since 1880. The dairy plays a vital role in supporting the university's teaching, research, and outreach programs related to dairy science and food processing.

History

Cornell Dairy was established in 1880 as a small creamery to process milk from the university's dairy herd. Over the years, it has grown into a state-of-the-art facility that produces a wide range of dairy products, including milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and butter. The dairy has continuously evolved to incorporate new technologies and practices to meet the changing demands of the dairy industry.

Facilities and Operations

The Cornell Dairy facility is equipped with modern processing equipment and adheres to strict quality control standards. It operates under the supervision of experienced dairy scientists and technicians who ensure that the products meet the highest standards of safety and quality.

The dairy sources its milk from the Cornell University Teaching Dairy Barn, which houses a herd of Holstein cows. The cows are well-cared for and their milk is regularly tested to ensure its freshness and purity. The milk is then transported to the dairy facility for processing.

At the dairy, the milk undergoes various processes such as pasteurization, homogenization, and separation to produce different dairy products. The facility also has specialized areas for cheese making, yogurt production, ice cream production, and butter production. These areas are equipped with specialized equipment and staffed by experts in their respective fields.

Products

Cornell Dairy offers a wide range of dairy products that are sold both on-campus and off-campus. Some of the popular products include:

• Cornell Milk - Fresh, pasteurized milk available in various fat percentages.
• Big Red Cheddar - A sharp cheddar cheese made from locally sourced milk.
• Cornell Yogurt - Creamy and flavorful yogurt available in different flavors.
• Cornell Ice Cream - Rich and indulgent ice cream available in a variety of flavors.
• Cornell Butter - High-quality butter made from fresh cream.

Research and Outreach

In addition to its role in producing dairy products, Cornell Dairy also serves as a hub for research and outreach activities related to dairy science and food processing. The facility collaborates with various departments and research centers within Cornell University to conduct studies and experiments aimed at improving dairy production and processing techniques.

The dairy also offers educational programs and workshops for students, farmers, and industry professionals. These programs provide hands-on training and knowledge sharing opportunities to enhance the understanding of dairy science and promote best practices in the industry.