California is the No. 1 ice cream-producing state in the country. Cal Poly is also No. 1 in ice cream judging for three years in a row.

 The Cal Poly Dairy Products Judging Team, coached by Dairy Science Associate Professor Vincent Yeung, recently competed at the 100^th annual Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Contest (CDPEC) on April 17 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Cal Poly won first place in the ice cream team category, marking the third time the team has won the competition. They also placed second in the yogurt team category. In the individual categories, third-year business administration major Jacob Morgan finished second in the butter category, while first-year animal science major Isabella Yencho and second-year animal science major Victoria Chau second and third in the ice cream category. The 2024 Cal Poly Dairy Products Judging Team is comprised of: Chau, Morgan, Yencho, and first-year animal science major Jacqueline Lee and fourth-year Amy Uthenpong. “It’s a tremendous privilege for me as the coach to work closely with the students to prepare for the contest,” said Yeung. “The team put in so much effort. No words can express how proud I am of this team.”

Below are the result highlights:

• 1^st in Ice Cream Team (Cal Poly)
• 2^nd in Yogurt Team (Cal Poly)
• 4^th in Milk Team (Cal Poly)
• 2nd in Butter Individual (Jacob Morgan)
• 2^nd in Ice Cream Individual (Isabella Yencho)
• 3^rd in Ice Cream Individual (Victoria Chau)

The contest was hosted by Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and superintended by the USDA Standardization Branch. Team members judged six categories of dairy products including milk, butter, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, yogurt, and ice-cream based on flavor, texture and appearance. 

“The competition was incredibly intense, and we were all nervous,” said Uthenpong. “But we had such a wonderful time. I very much appreciate the opportunities to network with industry professionals and other student contestants from colleges around the country.” Lee added, “It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Joining this contest has also piqued my interest in the dairy industry as well.”