MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- 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 Journal Sentinel (http://bit.ly/JW6cBd ) says the project requires approval from UW regents, the Legislature and the governor before it could move forward in the 2013 state budget.

___

Information from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, http://www.jsonline.com

Copyright 2012 The AP.