WEST ALLIS, Wis. — Dairy manufacturers from throughout the state submitted over 500 entries for the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Products Contest, which took place June 19 at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. The contest featured over 50 classes for cheese, sour cream, butter, yogurt, milk and custard.
The 2025 Grand Master Cheesemaker, Grand Champion Butter, Grand Champion Yogurt, Grand Champion Sour Cream, Grand Champion Milk and Grand Champion Custard will be announced at the Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction on Aug. 7 at The Wisconsin State Fair Park. The Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction is a fundraiser for the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board. Auction proceeds fund scholarships for students pursuing dairy-related degrees and support the board’s interactive educational exhibits at Wisconsin State Fair Park.
The top entries in each class include:
• Mild Cheddar
First: Bill Hewins, Land O’Lakes, Kiel, Mild Cheddar Cheese, 99.185
Second: Foremost Farms USA, Marshfield, Mild Cheddar, 98.910
Third: Dillon Sylla, Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI), Blair, AMPI Mild Cheddar, 98.525
• Aged Cheddar
First: Matt Handrich, Agropur, Weyauwega, Cheddar, 99.600
Second: Charles Henn, Agropur, Weyauwega, Cheddar, 99.575
Third: Ronald Balazs, Land O’Lakes, Kiel, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 99.550
• Colby, Monterey Jack
First: Widmer’s Cheese Team, Widmer’s Cheese Cellars, Inc., Theresa, Natural Colby Cheese, 99.185
Second: Allen Knowlton, AMPI, Jim Falls, Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese Blend, 98.840
Third: William Hanson, Arena Cheese, Arena, Colby Jack Deli, 98.790
• Swiss Style
First: Mark Grossen, CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley, La Farge, Baby Swiss Cheese, 96.685
Second: Sam Morhardt, Prairie Farms, Shullsburg, Prairie Farms Baby Swiss Wheel, 95.210
Third: Mark Grossen, Prairie Farms, Shullsburg, Prairie Farms Baby Swiss Wheel, 91.700
• Brick, Muenster
First: Ty Saglam, Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Buholzer Brothers Brick, 99.100
Second: Ron Buholzer, Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Buholzer Brothers Muenster, 98.950
Third: Decatur Cheesemakers, Decatur Dairy, Inc., Brodhead, Muenster, 98.900
• Mozzarella
First: Jeremy Robinson, Agropur, Luxemburg, Low Moisture Mozzarella Cheese, whole milk, 98.705
Second: Kurt Premo, Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, LLC, Waterloo, Fresh Mozzarella-C Medallions, 98.595
Third: Kurt Premo, Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, LLC, Waterloo, Fresh Mozzarella-B Ciliegini, 98.555
• String Cheese
First: Jose Gonzalez, Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, LLC, Waterloo, Farmers Rope Skinny String Cheese Sticks, 99.345
Second: Adam Kleuskens, Agropur, Weyauwega, Mozzarella String Cheese, 98.740
Third: Sargento St. Cloud Team, CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley, La Farge, String Cheese, 98.725
• Blue Veined Cheese
First: Team Kingston Creamery, Kingston Cheese Cooperative, Cambria, Premium Blue Cheese, 99.645
Second: Almena Team, Saputo Cheese USA Inc., Wauwatosa, Gorgonzola, 99.195
Third: Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc.-Mindoro, Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc.-Mindoro, Pasteurized Blue Veined Cheese, 98.675
• Feta
First: Team Nasonville Dairy, Inc., Nasonville Dairy, Inc., Marshfield, Feta in Brine, 99.940
Second: Kristi Wuthrich, Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Odyssey Feta in Brine, 98.940
Third: Ariel Graveen, Agropur, Weyauwega, Traditional Feta Cheese, 98.535
• Flavored Pepper Cheese
First: Allen Knowlton, AMPI, Jim Falls, White Cheddar Cheese with Habanero Peppers, 98.975
Second: Dan Reed, V&V Supremo Foods, Browntown, Chihuahua Cheese with Jalapeno Peppers, 98.935
Third: Marieke Gouda Team, Holland’s Family Cheese, LLC, Thorp, Jalapeno Gouda, 98.795
• Flavored Soft Cheese
First: Justin Lowery, Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Odyssey Tomato & Basil Feta in Brine, 99.750
Second: Lake Country Dairy, Lake Country Dairy Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Cello Vanilla Mascarpone, 99.700
Third: Lake Country Dairy, Lake Country Dairy Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Cello Maple Mascarpone, 99.695
• Flavored Semi-Soft Cheese
First: Lake Country Dairy, Lake Country Dairy Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Cello Dijon Hand Rubbed Fontal, 99.870
Second: Team Meister, Meister Cheese, Muscoda, Garlic Pesto Jack, 99.735
Third: Lake Country Dairy, Lake Country Dairy Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Cello Tuscan Hand Rubbed Fontal, 99.725
• Smoked Cheese
First: Zach Schnieder, Arla Foods, Kaukauna, Smoked Gouda, 99.650
Second: Marieke Gouda Team, Holland’s Family Cheese, LLC, Thorp, Smoked Gouda, 99.500
Third: Ron’s Cheese Team, Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, LLC, Kewaunee, Smoked Mozzarella String Cheese, 99.340
• Flavored Hard Cheese
First: Kerry Henning, Deer Creek Cheese, Sheboygan, Deer Creek The Carawaybou, 98.750
Second: Kerry Kenning, Deer Creek Cheese, Sheboygan, Deer Creek The Doe, 98.625
Third: Team Sartori, Sartori Co., Plymouth, Espresso BellaVitano, 98.600
• Smear Ripened Cheese
First: Team Emmi Roth-Monroe, Emmi Roth, Stoughton, Roth Grand Cru Original Wheel, 99.525
Second: Alpinage Cheese, Alpinage Cheese LLC, Oak Creek, Raclette, 99.375
Third: Team Emmi Roth-Platteville, Emmi Roth, Stoughton, Roth Grand Cru Reserve Block, 99.200
• Cold Pack Cheese, Cheese Food
First: Marieke Gouda & Pine River Teams, Holland’s Family Cheese, LLC, Thorp, Honey Clover Gouda Cheese Spread, 99.935
Second: Team Pine River, Pine River Prepack, Newton, Swiss & Almond Cold Pack Cheese Spread, 99.795
Third: Rob Stellrecht, Burnett Dairy Co-op, Grantsburg, Cheddar & Gruyere Black Truffle, 99.765
• Pasteurized Process Cheese, Cheese Food, Cheese Spread
First: Team Pine River, Pine River Prepack, Newton, Horseradish Gourmet Snack Spread, 98.520
Second: AMPI’s Dinner Bell Creamery, Associated Milk Producers Inc., Portage, Pasteurized Processed Cheese Slice-Colored, 98.450
Third: Team Revela Foods, CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley, La Farge, Pasteurized Prepared American White Sliced Cheese, 98.025
• Reduced Fat or Lite Cheese
First: Steve Webster, Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Odyssey Reduced Fat Feta in Brine, 99.600
Second: Ron Buholzer, Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Odyssey Reduced Fat Mediterranean Herb Feta in Brine, 99.345
Third: Matt Erdley, Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Odyssey Reduced Fat Tomato & Basil Feta in Brine, 99.090
• Open Class — Soft and Spreadable Cheese
First: Lake Country Dairy, Lake Country Dairy Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Cello Mascarpone, 99.400
Second: Lake Country Dairy, Lake Country Dairy Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Mascarpone, 99.150
Third: Schreiber West Bend Team, Cropp Cooperative/Organic Valley, La Farge, Cream Cheese, 98.800
• Havarti
First: Brett Riese, Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Buholzer BrothersHavarti, 99.000
Second: Dave Buholzer, Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Buholzer Brothers Havarti, 98.900
Third: Team Emmi Roth-Monroe, Emmi Roth, Stoughton, Roth Creamy Havarti, 98.800
• Flavored Havarti
First: Steve Stettler, Decatur Dairy Inc., Brodhead, Havarti Dill, 99.700
Second: Dennis Schneider, Arla Foods, Kaukauna, Jalapeno Havarti, 99.510
Third: Decatur Cheesemakers, Decatur Dairy Inc., Havarti Dill, 99.400
• Open Class — Semi-Soft Cheese
First: Lake Country Dairy, Lake Country Dairy Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Cello Fontal, 99.550
Second: Nate Schweiner, Agropur, Weyauwega, Provolone, 98.650
Third: Micah Klug, Foremost Farms USA, Appleton, Provolone, 98.250
• Open Class — Hard Cheese
First: Chris Roelli, Roelli Cheese Co., Cheddar with sparse blue veins, 99.250
Second: Lake Country Dairy, Lake Country Dairy Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Cello Asiago, 99.015
Third: Marieke Gouda Team, Holland’s Family Cheese, LLC, Thorp, Golden, 99.000
• Flavored Goat Milk Cheese
First: Team LaClare, LaClare Creamery, LLC, Malone, Maple Bourbon Goat Cheese, 99.685
Second: Team LaClare, LaClare Creamery, LLC, Malone, Lemon Bar Goat Cheese, 99.395
Third: Franklin Team, Saputo Cheese USA Inc., Wauwatosa, Hot Honey Flavored Goat Cheese, 99.220
• Natural Goat Milk Cheese
First: Team LaClare, LaClare Creamery, LLC, Malone, Original Goat Cheese, 99.300
Second: Black Creek Team, Saputo Cheese USA Inc., Wauwatosa, Goat Milk Cheddar, 99.200
Third: Franklin Team, Saputo Cheese USA Inc., Wauwatosa, Fresh Goat Chevre, 98.700
• Latin American Cheese
First: Mexican Cheese Producers, Darlington, 4/4 Panela, 99.590
Second: Steve Middendorf, V&V Supremo Foods, Browntown, Queso Oaxaca, 99.530
Third: Scott Steinmetz, V&V Supremo Foods, Arena, Chihuahua Cheese, 99.455
• Sheep & Mixed Milk Cheese
First: Cedar Grove Cheese Team, Cedar Grove Cheese, Plain, Fleance, 99.600
Second: Cedar Grove Cheese Team, Cedar Grove Cheese, Plain, Juene Brebis, 99.550
Third: Team Kingston Creamery, Kinston Cheese Cooperative, Cambria, Breezy Blue, 99.525
• Gouda & Edam
First: Marieke Gouda Team, Holland’s Family Cheese, LLC, Thorp, Premium Gouda, 99.375
Second: Marieke Gouda Team, Holland’s Family Cheese, LLC, Thorp, Reserve Gouda, 99.275
Third: Marieke Gouda Team, Holland’s Family Cheese, LLC, Thorp, Super Aged Gouda, 99.050
• Unflavored Cheese Curds
First: Decatur Cheesemakers, Decatur Dairy Inc., Brodhead, White Curd, 99.540
Second: Matt Henze, Decatur Dairy Inc., Brodhead, White Curd, 99.375
Third: Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese Crew, Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, LLC, Kewaunee, Colored Cheddar Curds, 99.185
• Flavored Cheese Curds
First: Widmer’s Cheese Team, Widmer’s Cheese Cellars, Inc., Theresa, Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Curds, 99.135
Second: Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese Crew, Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, LLC, Kewaunee, Garlic and Dill Flavored Colored Cheddar Cheese Curds, 99.050
Third: Matt Henze, Decatur Dairy Inc., Brodhead, White Dill Garlic Curd, 99.045
• Shredded Cheese
First: Great Lakes Cheese-Plymouth, Great Lakes Cheese, Plymouth, Shredded Pepper Jack, 99.265
Second: Masters Gallery Foods, Inc., Masters Gallery Foods, Plymouth, Hot Pepper Jack Blend, 99.105
Third: Great Lakes Cheese-Plymouth, Great Lakes Cheese, Plymouth, Shredded Italian Blend-Asiago, Mozzarella,
Provolone, 98.725
• Crumbled Cheese
First: Team LaClare, LaClare Creamery, LLC, Malone, Crumbled Honey Goat Cheese, 99.910
Second: Steve Monacelli, Agropur, Weyauwega, Crumbled Feta Cheese, 99.780
Third: Jacob Johnson, Agropur, Weyauwega, Crumbled Feta Cheese, 99.590
• Salted Butter
First: Weyauwega Cheese, Sun Prairie, 99.600
Second: Nancy’s Probiotic Foods, Chaseburg, 99.350
Third: CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley, La Farge, 99.150
• Unsalted Butter
First: Weyauwega Cheese, Sun Prairie, 99.500
Second: Nancy’s Probiotic Foods, Chaseburg, 99.150
Third: Old World Creamery, Sheboygan, 99.100
• Flavored High Protein Yogurt
First: Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Odyssey Vanilla Greek Yogurt, 99.850
Second: Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Odyssey Peach Greek Yogurt, 99.800
• Unflavored High Protein Yogurt
First: Klondike Cheese, Monroe, Odyssey Labneh, 99.650
Second: Klondike Cheese, Monroe, Odyssey Greek Yogurt, 99.475
• Open Class — Flavored Yogurt
First: Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Odyssey Whole Vanilla Yogurt, 99.600
Second: Klondike Cheese Co., Odyssey Whole Peach Yogurt, 99.000
• Open Class — Unflavored Yogurt
First: Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Odyssey Whole Fat Yogurt, 99.650
• Drinkable Cultured Products
First: Weber’s Farm Store, Marshfield, Low Fat Mango Kefir, 99.500
Second: Weber’s Farm Store, Marshfield, Low Fat Strawberry Kefir, 99.400
Third: Weber’s Farm Store, Marshfield, Low Fat Raspberry Kefir, 99.300
• Open Class — Flavored Sour Cream
First: Mexican Cheese Producers, Darlington, Jalapeno Sour Cream, 99.800
Second: Mexican Cheese Producers, Darlington, Chipotle Sour Cream, 99.650
• Open Class — Unflavored Sour Cream
First: Mexican Cheese Producers, Darlington, Cultured Sour Cream, 99.800
Second: Mexican Cheese Producers, Darlington, Acidified Sour Cream, 99.700
Third: Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Odyssey Sour Cream, 99.550
• Low Fat Sour Cream
First: Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Odyssey Reduced Fat Greek Mediterranean Feta Dip, 99.800
Second: Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Odyssey Reduced Fat Greek French Onion Dip, 99.775
Third: Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Odyssey Reduced Fat Greek Tzatziki Dip, 99.700
• Whole Fluid Milk — White
First: Lamers Dairy, Inc., Appleton, Whole White Milk, 99.700
Second: Weber’s Farm Store, Marshfield, Whole White Milk, 99.500
Third: Two Guernsey Girls CreameryLLC, Freedom, Whole White Milk, 99.400
• 2% Fluid Milk — White
First: Weber’s Farm Store, Marshfield, 2% White Milk, 99.800
Second: Lamers Dairy, Appleton, 2% White Milk, 99.150
• Whole Fluid Milk — Chocolate
First: Two Guernsey Girls Creamery LLC, Freedom, Whole Chocolate Milk, 99.600
Second: Lamers Dairy, Inc., Appleton, Whole Chocolate Milk, 99.550
• 2% Fluid Milk — Chocolate
First: Weber’s Farm Store, Marshfield, 2% Chocolate Milk, 99.200
• 1% Fluid Milk — Chocolate
First: Lamers Dairy, Inc., Appleton, 1% Chocolate Milk, 99.500
Second: Weber’s Farm Store, Marshfield, 1% Chocolate Milk, 98.650
• Other Flavored Milk (Not Chocolate)
First: Two Guernsey Girls Creamery LLC, Freedom, Vanilla Latte Milk, 99.450
Second: Two Guernsey Girls Creamery LLC, Freedom, Huckleberry Milk, 98.650
• Unflavored Custard
First: Creamy Pig, Grafton, Plain Custard, 99.900
Second: Barron County Organics DBA 20-Mile Organic, Barronett, Van Dutch, 99.500
• Vanilla Custard
First: Barron County Organics DBA 20-Mile Organic, Barronett, Tahitian Treat, 99.800
Second: Barron County Organics DBA 20-Mile Organic, Barronett, Vanilla Bean, 99.500
• Chocolate Custard
First: Creamy Pig, Cedarburg, Hollander Chocolate Velvet Saffron, 99.900
• Flavored Custard
First: Creamy Pig, Cedarburg, Dubai Knafeh Pistachio, 99.850
Second: Creamy Pig, Cedarburg, Blue Moon, 99.800
Third: Creamy Pig, Cedarburg, Honey Lavender, 99.650.
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