Turlock, Calif., plant receives highest recognition
This week, Dairy Farmers of America's (DFA) Turlock, Calif., plant's provolone cheese claimed the highest award, the Chairman's Plaque, at the 2014 National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Championship Cheese Contest in Grapevine, Texas. DFA earned recognition in seven categories at the national contest which takes place in conjunction with NMPF's joint annual meeting with National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and United Dairy Industry Association.
Cooperatives from across the country take part in the annual contest to showcase their top products and the people who make them. This year, 12 NMPF cooperative members submitted 145 entries, totaling 2,150 pounds of cheese for judging.
"It's an honor to be recognized on the national level, and this reinforces our Cooperative's commitment to quality products," said Randy Mooney DFA Board Chairman. "Quality cheese starts with quality milk, and I'm proud of our members' dedication to producing milk with the highest of standards."
DFA received the following awards in addition to the Chairman's Plaque:
- Best Italian Regular Provolone, Turlock, Calif.
- First Provolone, Regular Provolone, Turlock, Calif.
- First Processed American Flavored, Processed American Cheese w/Peppers, West Middlesex, Pa.
- First Open Class, Queso Fresca, Houston, Texas
- Third Open Class, Panela Fresca, Houston, Texas
- Third Provolone, Regular Provolone, Turlock, Calif.
The entrants were divided into 23 categories and evaluated on taste, texture and appearance.