<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 12.2
Dean Foods Company
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends
(In Millions)
26 Weeks Ended
November 26, 2000
-----------------
Income before taxes $ 90.8
-----------------
Fixed charges:
Interest expense 36.7
Portion of rentals (33%) 8.4
-----------------
Total fixed charges 45.1
-----------------
Earnings before taxes and fixed charges $ 135.9
=================
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and
preferred stock dividends 3.0
=================