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 make more kinds of cheese than anywhere else on the planet.

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?

Hall of Fame

Select a Master for more info

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

[{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Swiss"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"What's a little snow and cold weather?"},{"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":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Working with individuals that care and want to learn."},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Cheddar"},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Mild Cheddar"}]

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

[{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Hunting, fishing, or going for a motorcycle ride"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Creating new flavored cheese by using spices, cultures, enzyme blends, and more"},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Wood River Creamery Original with truffle"}]

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

[{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Butterkäse and Muenster 50/50 blend"},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Any of the three cities where my grandchildren live."},{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"No particular type of music, I like them all."}]

[{"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":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Stay inside where it is warm, watch a game or movie, but enjoy the nice day outside by playing with dogs or going into the woods."},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Door County"},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Hang out with my wife, four daughters, and our three dogs"}]

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

[{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Hayward"},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Cheddar"},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Cheddar"}]

[{"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":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Anywhere north of the Illinois border."},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Emmenthaler"}]

[{"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":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Aged Gouda"},{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"Don't listen to music at work, but Classic Country for the ride home"},{"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":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"Country"},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Swiss"},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Get home and catch up on my to do list."}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Green Bay, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1975 in Cremola, Italy"}]

[{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Cry"},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"BelGioioso Creamy Gorgonzola"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Stay close to the boiler."}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Albany, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"1985"}]

[{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Old Fashioned 200 lb. Wheel Swiss"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Just keep yourself busy with something otherwise you will go stir crazy."},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"German Brick"}]

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

[{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Socializing with family and friends. Talking about ANYTHING other than work."},{"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":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Machine tooling or some career associated with being a Machinist."}]

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

[{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Washed Rind Caraway Brick"},{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Probably open and run a cheese store"},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Take a walk or read"}]

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

[{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Try not to think too much"},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Have a couple drinks"},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Lake Du Bay"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Zittau, 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":"2 Year Cheddar"},{"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":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Using my hands and knowledge to create a product that I am proud of."}]

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

[{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Super Sharp Cheddar"},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Door County"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Stay active"}]

[{"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":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Crown Royal and 7-Up!"},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Crown Royal and 7-Up"},{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Farm"}]

[{"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":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Enjoying the snow - skiing and snowmobiling."},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Mississippi River"},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"Love 'em all, good cheese is good cheese - Aged Cheddar."}]

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

[{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Passing on the knowledge and experience I have gained."},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Port Washington"},{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Auto Mechanic"}]

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

[{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Every day brings new opportunities to learn something new."},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Take up a winter sport, like curling."},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"My family enjoys visiting the Wisconsin Dells."}]

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

[{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Making something that people can enjoy."},{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"Classic Rock"},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Cold Coors Light"}]

[{"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":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Hike and spend time outdoors."},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Seeing people grow and develop new skills."},{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Dairy Farmer"}]

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

[{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Swiss on Rye. But it has to be Rye bread!"},{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"Don't listen while at work, but away from work it is Country."},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"It's just part of living in Wisconsin. Maybe having a good snowblower!"}]

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

[{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"BelGioioso Fontina"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Evaluating the finished product."},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Tinkering around in my garage."}]

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

[{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Four wheeling"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Sampling our cheese"},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Caraway Brick"}]

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

[{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Enjoy the beauty, appreciate that it is not hot and humid out, and when the weather gets bad, wait a bit. It will change."},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Anywhere out in nature. There are so many places in Wisconsin to choose from. Whether it be camping, hiking, or biking, the theme is to disconnect and enjoy the world around you."},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Colby"}]

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

[{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"R&B"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Teaching"},{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Write"}]

[{"question":"What is your hometown? ", "answer":"Monroe, Wisconsin"},{"question":"What year did you start making cheese? ", "answer":"Started by assisting the plant cheesemaker and then filling in when needed in the year 1999."}]

[{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Patience with everything, plans change with the weather."},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Havarti and Extra Sharp Cheddar are tied"},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"No place specific, Wisconsin has a lot to offer all year round - sports, concerts, hunting, or fishing"}]

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

[{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"Work on my race-car or someone else's hot rod"},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"The race track at Elkhart Lake (Road America)"},{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"50's & 60's Rock & Roll"}]

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

[{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking?", "answer":"Get on a boat on the lake. With some cold refreshments of course."},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin?", "answer":"At home with my family"},{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"Classic Rock"}]

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

[{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"Whatever is on the radio"},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Colby and Muenster"},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Lambeau Field - huge Green Bay Packer fan and I just like the atmosphere, game day or not"}]

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

[{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Skiing"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"The final results when the cheeses are ready……"},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Aged Cheddar with apple"}]

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

[{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Doing outdoor activities like hunting and ice fishing."},{"question":"When push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite cheese? ", "answer":"BelGioioso Extra aged Parmesan, American Grana®"},{"question":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Showing others how cheese is made and the art of it."}]

[{"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":"Favorite part of your job? ", "answer":"Producing pleasing cheese every day."},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Green County where our cheese factory and my family are."},{"question":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Something mechanical"}]

[{"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":"If you weren’t a cheesemaker, what would you do instead?", "answer":"Open a cheese store"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Just deal!"},{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Madge Township"}]

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

[{"question":"Favorite place in Wisconsin? ", "answer":"Morrison, Wisconsin - where I first met my wife."},{"question":"How do you unwind after a long day of cheesemaking? ", "answer":"I would jump on my tractor and go for a ride."},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Making sure there is a pile of firewood ready for the wood burner."}]

[{"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 music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"Older Hard Rock - AC/DC, Guns 'n Roses, James Gang, Black Sabbath"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Dress like you mean it!"},{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Swiss"}]

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

[{"question":"Favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich? ", "answer":"Cheddar"},{"question":"Survival strategy for Wisconsin winters? ", "answer":"Read books, ice fish, vacation, seek and destroy Ironwood trees, seek out a new culinary experience"},{"question":"Favorite music to listen to while you work? ", "answer":"Classic Rock (70's)"}]

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