There's A Reason Wisconsin Breaks Every Mold

Celebrating
25 Years
of Mastery

We've been making cheese longer than Wisconsin has been a state. Cheese is our thing. But when we created the Master Cheesemaker program, we had no idea the impact all that mastery would have. We couldn't foresee our dominance at award shows around the world, or that we would go on to craft more than 600 varieties, types and styles of cheese.

Our Masters
Guide The Whey

The program allows makers to perfect both the art and the science of their craft. They leave anxious to spread that knowledge throughout their teams. That's why the program is a quality multiplier that reverberates across the state and around the world.

Our Masters
Reinvent The Wheel

Masters leave the program with more than a medal. They leave hungrier to explore all that's possible with cheese. The program is a major reason we make over 600 different kinds of cheese, more than any other state or country.

Our Masters
Ace Every Test

We don't give Masters medals to just anyone. You have to really want it. You must be a licensed Wisconsin cheesemaker for 10 years, and then you have to focus on one type of cheese with coursework and regularly submitted samples for an additional 3 years. Easy, cheesey, right?

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Hall of Fame

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[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Monroe, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1973"}]

[{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Relaxing in a comfortable chair and viewing the current events."},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Tasting the finished product"},{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"60's and 70's"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Greenwood, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1978"}]

[{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Brandy Old Fashioned"},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Mild Cheddar"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Working with individuals that care and want to learn."}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Grantsburg, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1971"}]

[{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Cut plenty of firewood ahead"},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Burnett County"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Creating new flavored cheese by using spices, cultures, enzyme blends, and more"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"Started helping my Dad at the age of 4. I worked in the factory through college and came back to the factory 1995. I got my cheesemakers license in 1995."}]

[{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Hang out with my wife, four daughters, and our three dogs"},{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Be a billionaire LOL - sales or marketing."},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Renard's Morel & Leek Jack"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Darlington, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1984"}]

[{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Stay inside where it's warm"},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Cheddar"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Creating products that people enjoy"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Monroe, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"I started working around our cheese plant as a child in the 1950's. I am still here."}]

[{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"Country/Western"},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Emmenthaler"},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Having a couple of beers with family and friends."}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin and live in Little Chute, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1998"}]

[{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Up north - Parrish, Wisconsin"},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Aged Gouda"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Dress in layers"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Juda, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1967"}]

[{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Farm"},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Prairie Du Chien area."},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"At the end of the day, I walk through the plant, everyone has gone home, it's quiet, equipment is all nice and shiny, and then I go into the cold cellar and look at the cheese produced that day, and it makes me proud to be a Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker."}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Green Bay, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1996"}]

[{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"BelGioioso Gorgonzola. Gorgonzola has an abundance of flavor and uniqueness. Once you learn to appreciate Gorgonzola for its characteristics, you develop an addiction to the cheese(s)."},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"BelGioioso Provolone, especially when using a good sourdough!"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"The fact that dairy, its consumers and educators, have allowed for my "job" to be a career. Each day provides new challenges, keeping you sharp around the edges."}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Theresa, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1968"}]

[{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Mild Brick"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Stay active - walk, ski, snow shoe, etc."},{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Probably open and run a cheese store"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Rudolph, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1983"}]

[{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"I do not listen to music at work -- I am working and thinking"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Try not to think too much"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"My co-workers, milk patrons, and cheese customers"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Zittau, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"2003"}]

[{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"The microbiology"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Wear layers / Good pair of boots"},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Sharp Cheddar and Gorgonzola"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Oconto Falls, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"2001"}]

[{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"BelGioioso Parmesan"},{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"I would most likely be a Chef."},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"I spend time with family, and also like fishing."}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Fox Lake, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1974"}]

[{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"People and achieving set goals"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Stay active"},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Super Sharp Cheddar"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Marshfield, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"Started with Dad and Mom at birth. Licensed at 15 years old or 51 years ago."}]

[{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Home"},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Extra Sharp Cheddar, Blue Marble, or Asiago. Any of them will do."},{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"Country Western"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Kiel, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"When I was old enough to lean over a vat."}]

[{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Taking the Pontoon out on Lake Winnebago and going out to dinner."},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Enjoying the snow - skiing and snowmobiling."},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Mango Fire. (Lasagna too!)"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Muscoda, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1990"}]

[{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Embrace it, you can't change Mother Nature"},{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Auto Mechanic"},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Aged Cheddar"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Monroe, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"2002"}]

[{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Aged Swiss cheese"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Take up a winter sport, like curling."},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Every day brings new opportunities to learn something new."}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Brodhead, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"2003"}]

[{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Havarti"},{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"Classic Rock"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Making something that people can enjoy."}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Howards Grove, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"Started working in a cheese plant in 1991 and became licensed in 1996."}]

[{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Play outside as much as possible."},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Hike and spend time outdoors."},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"MontAmore Cheddar"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Kewaunee, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1997"}]

[{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"Don't listen while at work, but away from work it is Country."},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Head home, spend time in my yard, and spend time with my antique tractor collection."},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Aged Cheddar - older the better."}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Brodhead, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1975"}]

[{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"BelGioioso Fontina"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Dress warm, keep snow cleared."},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"BelGioioso Fontina"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Madison, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1989"}]

[{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Quark"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Teaching"},{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"R&B"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Monroe, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1965"}]

[{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"50's & 60's Rock & Roll"},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Work on my race-car or someone else's hot rod"},{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Welder or mechanic"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Stanley, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese?", "answer":"Mid 1990's"}]

[{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Eat more cheese"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"The feeling of accomplishment at the end of each day."},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin?", "answer":"At home with my family"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Colby, Wisconsin - the home of Colby cheese"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1999"}]

[{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Architectural Engineer"},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Spending time with my family"},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Colby and Muenster"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1964"}]

[{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"The final results when the cheeses are ready……"},{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"I always whistle"},{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Sell cheese"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Green Bay, WI"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1999"}]

[{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"We do not listen to music while working, but if we could it would be Classic Rock."},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Eagle River"},{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Farming"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Monroe, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"I grew up around the cheese factory helping as I could, full time in 1971"}]

[{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Emmenthal"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"It is just a part of life so I don’t let it stress me out."},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Emmenthal"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Green County"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"As soon as I could put boots on."}]

[{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Having a customer tell you that you are doing a good job!"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Just deal!"},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Extra Cream Havarti"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Milwaukee, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1981"}]

[{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"I would own and operate a Travel Agency."},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"I would jump on my tractor and go for a ride."},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Swiss cheese"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"I was born in Middleton and grew up near Monroe."},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1960 at the age of 6, I started in the factory washing cheese cloths."}]

[{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Swiss"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Dress like you mean it!"},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Reading or property upkeep"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"New Glarus, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1980"}]

[{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Starve"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Read books, ice fish, vacation, seek and destroy Ironwood trees, seek out a new culinary experience"},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Gouda"}]

There's A Reason Wisconsin Breaks Every Mold

Celebrating25 Yearsof Mastery

Our MastersGuide The Whey

Our MastersReinvent The Wheel

Our MastersAce Every Test

Hall of Fame

Wisconsin Cheese Newsletter

Celebrating
25 Years
of Mastery

Our Masters
Guide The Whey

Our Masters
Reinvent The Wheel

Our Masters
Ace Every Test