Wisconsin might not be the nation’s biggest milk producer anymore, but we still are the “Big Cheese.”
State Ag Secretary Rod Nilsestuen says Wisconsin tops California in cheese production and has increased the margin in the past couple of years.
California overtook the Badger State as the nation’s top milk producer 15 years ago, but Nilsestuen says they’re playing second fiddle when it comes to cheese. Wisconsin remains way ahead particularly on specialty cheeses, from both cows and goats.
Wisconsin now produces more than 600 varieties of cheese, with the state now winning awards at cheese competitions around the globe.