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                                                                    EXHIBIT 12.1
DEAN FOODS COMPANY
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges



                                                               FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                                                  MAY 28, 2000
                                                               -----------------
Income from continuing operations before taxes                 $         173,274

Fixed charges:
  Interest Expense                                                        50,148
  Portion of rentals (33%)                                                16,797
                                                               -----------------
  Total Fixed charges                                                     66,945
                                                               -----------------
Income from continuing operations before taxes and
 fixed charges                                                 $         240,219
                                                               =================
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                                           3.6