Why Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has long been known as America's Dairyland. A wide variety of European settlers came to Wisconsin in the mid-1800s. Many came from the New England and upper New York state areas, having an extensive background in farming and cheesemaking learned in their European homelands. These settlers were attracted to Wisconsin's rolling hills and lush pasturelands which reminded them of their homelands. They also found the perfect climate and rich soil for wheat farming.

The cheese industry began a rapid growth around 1864 and by the 1870s Wisconsin saw a large emigration of Europeans to Wisconsin. Swiss, German, Norwegian, French, Italian and Dutch populations came to America's Dairyland, bringing with them the traditions and skills from their homelands.

Today, Wisconsin cheesemakers craft more than 600 varieties, types and styles of cheese. This wide range of cheeses is testimony to Wisconsin's talented cheesemakers of today, as well as to the pioneers of the industry's past.
 

• History of Cheesemaking
• Wisconsin Cheese Information
• Impact of Dairy in Wisconsin
• Recipes featuring Wisconsin Cheese and Dairy Products