UW-River Falls receives milk-hauling truck donation from Cernohous Chevrolet
Larger hauls will triple capacity at UWRF dairy pilot plant
Aug. 7, 2025 – The Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will now be able to produce even more tasty dairy foods, thanks to the donation of a milk-hauling truck by a regional automotive dealer, Cernohous Chevrolet of Prescott.
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD will haul a milk tank filled to its 8,600-pound capacity from Mann Valley Farm to the dairy pilot plant on campus, tripling the plant’s daily production capacity.
“The truck will make a significant impact, allowing us to operate more efficiently and take advantage of our production center’s full capabilities,” said Rueben Nilsson, plant manager.
The ability to expand production is important as the dairy pilot plant seeks to increase wholesale distribution of cheese and ice cream, Nilsson said. Those products, marketed under the Falcon Creamery name, are being sold at more and more regional locations.
Beth Johnson, Cernohous Chevrolet human resources director, said the auto dealer is proud to partner with UWRF and excited to support the growth of the university’s dairy program.
“After touring the Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence, we were thoroughly impressed by the creamery and the hands-on learning opportunities the plant offers,” Johnson said. “It’s inspiring to see how UWRF is shaping the future of the dairy industry.”
UWRF received the truck July 7.
“We’re grateful to Cernohous Chevrolet for stepping up to partner with UWRF,” said Rob Jaynes, UWRF advancement officer. “This collaboration is a shining example of a regional business leader teaming up with UWRF to transform challenges into solutions.”
Photo: Representatives of UW-River Falls and Cernohous Chevrolet pose with a Chevy Silverado 3500 HD pickup truck and an 8,600-pound-capacity tank used to haul milk from Mann Valley Farm to the dairy pilot plant on the UWRF campus. Cernohous Chevrolet donated the truck to UWRF in July, allowing the plant to haul more milk and triple its capacity. From left: UWRF Advancement Officer Rob Jaynes, Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement Rick Foy; UWRF Foundation President Amy Zimmer; Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Michael Orth; Dairy Plant Manager Rueben Nilsson, Cernohous Chevrolet Partner Rick Murphy and Human Resources Director Beth Johnson; and UWRF Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth.