Madison - Wisconsin's dairy industry leaders are raising millions of dollars to renovate the aging dairy plant on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.

The 60 year old plant at Babcock Hall also houses the Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research. The center trains cheesemakers in support of the state's $27 billion a year dairy industry.

Foremost Farms CEO Dave Fuhrmann, of Baraboo, says it's almost embarrassing to have such an antiquated building for research in America's Dairyland. He's leading a campaign that has raised $6 million for the $32 million renovation and expansion. Fuhrmann expects to reach at least $16 million by July or August.

The project requires approval from UW regents, the Legislature and the governor before it could move forward in the 2013 state budget.

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