UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 4 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP ( ) Check this box if no longer subject to Section 16. Form 4 or Form 5 obligations may continue. See Instructions 1(b). 1. Name and Address of Reporting Person RAVENCROFT, THOMAS A. DEAN FOODS COMPANY 3600 N. RIVER ROAD FRANKLIN PARK, IL 60131 2. Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol DEAN FOODS COMPANY DF 3. IRS or Social Security Number of Reporting Person (Voluntary) ###-##-#### 4. Statement for Month/Year 07/31/00 5. If Amendment, Date of Original (Month/Year) 6. Relationship of Reporting Person(s) to Issuer (Check all applicable) (X) Director ( ) 10% Owner (X) Officer (give title below) ( ) Other (specify below) SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT 7. Individual or Joint/Group Filing (Check Applicable Line) (X) Form filed by One Reporting Person ( ) Form filed by More than One Reporting Person

Explanation of Responses: SIGNATURE OF REPORTING PERSON AS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT FOR THOMAS A. RAVENCROFT DATE 08/10/00

DEAN FOODS CO 4