The Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research (CDR) is located within a licensed, operating dairy plant on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and is one of the premier dairy research centers in the United States. Building on Wisconsin's tradition as the "Dairy State," the center explores functional, flavor and physical properties of cheese/cheese products and other milk components used as ingredients and as finished products. CDR researches cheese make and dairy protein processing/separation procedures, use of dairy ingredients in foods, and technologies for product safety and quality. More than 30 researchers and scientists are involved in conducting basic and applied dairy research. The facilities (including a pilot plant) and equipment are extensive, allowing the center to not only create new products, uses and processes, but to also meet the unique needs of the food industry.