Wisconsin Remains Top in the Nation for Cheese Production

Monday, May 9th, 2022 -- 9:00 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) Wisconsin not only remained the top state in the nation for cheese production in 2021, but it also churned out more specialty cheeses than ever before.

According to the Wisconsin Ag Connection, the state's agriculture department announced that local cheesemakers produced 25 percent of the nation's total production; and that specialty cheese accounted for nearly a quarter of the state's total output at 877 million pounds.

That's an increase of over 82 million pounds from 2020, which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of Wisconsin's 115 cheese plants, 88 manufactured at least one type of specialty cheese this past year.

Feta accounted for the largest share of specialty cheese, with 12 percent of the total. Asiago, Cheddar, Havarti, Hispanic, Monterey Jack and Parmesan Wheel were the other most popular varieties.

According to the Wisconsin Specialty Cheese Institute, Wisconsin is known for both the quality and diversity of its cheeses. A specialty cheese is a value-added product which commands a premium price.

Last week, the USDA confirmed that Wisconsin produced an all-time record of 3.47 pounds of all cheese varieties in 2021.

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