Ah, summer in the Midwest can mean only one thing—all you can eat dairy.  The summer is the opportune time to stack up on all your favorite dairy products: ice cream, cheese curds (squeakers) and other cheese items, and milk.   The most important factor to keep in mind with dairy products is that it is recently made, of course this depends on whether or not you wish to have an aged cheese.  On various trips throughout the midwest, MarkDownMom has discovered that freshest dairy products and the best deals can be found at local universities.   The agricultural department and dairy and meat sciences programs teach students how to create speciality cheeses, such as jarlsburg and feta, ice cream favorites, and various percents of milk.  Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your university dairy provider:

1.  Know the opening and closing time.  Depending upon the size of the diary program, university diary store’s time can be very exclusive.  Call the agriculture and/or diary/meat sciences departments to determine what dates the dairy store will be open and for how long. 

2.  Bring ice packs or a cooler.  It is imperative that your dairy products remain cool to prevent melting and spoiling.  If you live near the university dairy store, you need not worry about this.  However, if you are a ways from the university, you might want to consider buying an Igloo Hard-liner cooler available at Target™.

 3.  Ask the dairy store salesperson what the popular dairy products are.  One of the best aspects about going to universities for dairy  is the fact that they are continually trying new and exotic flavors and varieties.  At a local grocers you might not have the opportunity to expand your palate. 

4.  Ask the dairy store salesperson what he/she recommends.  Remember since he/she is working at the dairy store, chances are he/she has had to make and try out some of the products.  The salesperson is a great source for determing which dairy items to purchase. 

Fresh and new dairy products from local universities, it’s a better thing, it’s a better buy!

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