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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
The big question from the National Dairy Council, "Got Milk?" may suddenly have a more affirmative response thanks to one Utah native, Clyde Bunker.
Clyde was born and raised in Millard County where he still resides, farming approximately 1,005 acres of what he affectionately refers to as Clyde Bunker Farms. He has been a Board Member of the DMAD Irrigation Company for over 17 years and he currently serves as President of the Melville Irrigation Company and the Yuba Dam Reservoir Association.
Although a devout farmer, the only direct association Clyde has had with dairy farming has been growing hay for the cows to eat. Ironically enough however, Clyde now finds himself with the patent to a recently developed technology that could possibly revolutionize the entire dairy industry.
For the past 10 years, Clyde has been involved with Utah Milk Technologies or UMT. During this time, Clyde has worked with 16 partners, Utah State University, engineers and the dairy industry on developing and patenting a milk-dispensing machine. The machine is similar to those dispensers that serve soft drinks, only now concentrated sterile milk will also be available for the consumers' consumption.
Clyde contends that the advantages to using this milk dispenser are clear and convincing. The machine cuts down on expensive cold storage needs as well as transportation costs, primarily because the milk is concentrated and doesn't need refrigeration until it's used. These benefits undoubtedly simplify the entire milk-obtaining and distribution process, especially for institutions such as restaurants, schools and the military.
The UMT is currently in the process of working with a number of companies, including soft drink manufacturers, on getting their invention into retail outlets and available for consumer use. Next time you stop for fast food, you may be surprised to find that you are able to buy a nutritional milk drink in the same way as any soft drink. And, next time you are asked, "Got Milk?" you can confidently reply yes.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
