To learn about the Cheese and Dairy industry, just “follow the milk.” The value of all milk products – including cheese – sold from U.S. dairy farms is nearly $37.2 billion, and the U.S dairy production and processing industry accounts for over 900,000 jobs in the U.S.
Wisconsin’s cheese industry has the best infrastructure in the country. With the help of Babcock Hall at the University of Wisconsin Madison, the Center for Dairy Research is on the cutting edge of science and research – always expanding the boundaries of knowledge of dairy uses and products. On a regular basis, Wisconsin wins 35 to 40% of the awards at annual National Cheese Contests.
The average Wisconsin dairy cow generates more than $21,000 a year in economic activity. There are 10,860 licensed Wisconsin dairy farms and 1,271,000 Wisconsin dairy cows. Wisconsin cows produce 13.7% of the U.S. total while 25.5% of the U.S. total cheese production happens in Wisconsin! Wisconsin has led the U.S. in cheese production since 1910!
The state of Wisconsin is the epicenter of cheese making in the U.S. and we owe it to the early Swiss, Dutch and German settlers that came into this area back in the mid 19th century. Today, Wisconsin cheesemakers are experiencing a Renaissance with Artisan and Specialty cheeses due to their creativity, experimentation and expertise.
Back in the year 2000, Artisan and Specialty cheese sales represented less than 10% of Wisconsin’s cheese production. Fast forward to 2014, and sales represented nearly 25% of Wisconsin’s total production.
Recent Cheese & Dairy Transactions
Pastureland Cheese
Jim’s Cheese
Arla’s Muskegon Mi Plant
How we work
“We have specialized in selling dairy and cheese-oriented companies for 15 years. We have enjoyed bringing quality buyers and sellers together to meet their goals and expectations successfully.” – Michael Schwantes, President & CEO.
