Wisconsin's Liquid Gold: How Much Becomes Cheese?

Wisconsin is known as America's Dairyland and has a long history of cheese production. The state's cheesemaking tradition dates back to the 19th century when European immigrants settled in the region and began dairy farming. Today, Wisconsin leads the nation in both production volume and varieties of cheese, with over 3.3 billion pounds of cheese produced annually into 600 different varieties. Notably, 90% of the milk produced in Wisconsin is used to make cheese, resulting in more than 2.8 billion pounds of cheese per year. This significant contribution of cheese-making to the state's economy, along with its cultural heritage, has solidified Wisconsin's association with cheese.

Wisconsin's milk-to-cheese ratio is 90%

Wisconsin is America's Dairyland, and for good reason. The state is known for its thriving dairy industry and its strong cultural heritage of cheese production. Wisconsin's milk-to-cheese ratio is 90%, which means that a significant portion of the milk produced in the state is devoted to cheesemaking. This translates to more than 2.8 billion pounds of cheese produced in Wisconsin each year.

Wisconsin has a long history of cheese production that dates back to the 19th century when European immigrants settled in the state and began dairy farming. In 1841, Anne Pickett established Wisconsin's first commercial cheese factory, and the state's cheese industry has been growing ever since. Today, Wisconsin leads the nation in both cheese production volume and variety, with over 3.3 billion pounds of cheese produced annually into 600 different types and styles.

The state's cheesemakers focus on quality over quantity, ensuring that Wisconsin cheese is of superior quality. This commitment to quality has led Wisconsin to win more cheese awards than any other state in the nation. If Wisconsin were a country, it would rank fourth in the world in cheese production, behind only the rest of the United States, Germany, and France.

Wisconsin's climate, environment, soil, and water supply provide ideal conditions for dairy farming, allowing the state's dairy industry to thrive. The state is home to more than one million dairy cows, and the farmers work hard to produce high-quality, nutritious milk. This milk is then used to create delicious and award-winning cheese, contributing significantly to the state's economy.

Wisconsin's dairy industry generates a substantial economic impact, with dairy contributing nearly half of Wisconsin's annual industrial agricultural revenue. The industry supports over 154,000 jobs in the state and generates $1.26 billion in state and local taxes. With its rich history, dedicated farmers, and ideal conditions for dairy farming, Wisconsin will undoubtedly continue to lead the way in the dairy sector for years to come.

Wisconsin is the US's top cheese producer

Wisconsin is the top cheese producer in the US, with a long history of cheese-making and a strong cultural heritage. In 1841, Anne Pickett established Wisconsin's first commercial cheese factory, using milk from her neighbours' cows. Since then, Wisconsin has been identified with cheese, claiming the title of the largest cheese-producing state in the US since 1910.

Wisconsin's cheese-making tradition dates back to the 19th century when European immigrants settled in the state, attracted by its fertile fields. Dairy farms soon sprang up, and farmers began making cheese to preserve excess milk. Today, Wisconsin is home to more than 126 cheese plants, producing over 3.3 billion pounds of cheese annually into 600 different varieties, types, and styles. This accounts for 25-26% of all cheese produced in the US. Wisconsin is the only US state that requires a licensed cheesemaker to supervise the making of commercial cheese, and it has the most stringent standards for cheesemaking and overall dairy product quality.

Wisconsin's success in the dairy industry is due in part to its favourable climate, soil, and water supply, as well as the dedication of its farmers to producing high-quality, nutritious products. Wisconsin's more than one million dairy cows produce high-quality milk, and 90% of this milk is made into cheese. This equates to more than 2.8 billion pounds of cheese per year. Wisconsin cheesemakers use about 90% of the state's milk supply, and the state has 1,200 licensed cheesemakers—more than any other state.

Wisconsin's dairy industry generates a significant economic impact, contributing over $45.6 billion to the state's economy. It leads Wisconsin's agriculture sector, generating nearly half of the state's annual industrial agricultural revenue and representing 16.4% of the state's total revenue. The industry supports over 150,000 jobs in Wisconsin and generates $1.26 billion in state and local taxes. Wisconsin has won more cheese awards than any other state, and if it were a country, it would rank fourth in the world in cheese production, behind only the rest of the US, Germany, and France.

Wisconsin's dairy industry generates $45.6 billion

Wisconsin's dairy industry is a powerhouse, generating a staggering $45.6 billion for the state's economy. This impact has grown over the years, with the dairy industry contributing nearly half of Wisconsin's annual agricultural revenue and representing 16.4% of the state's total economic output. The industry's success is due in large part to the state's thriving dairy farms, which produce high-quality milk that is often used to make cheese. In fact, Wisconsin has a long history of cheese production, dating back to the 19th century when European immigrants settled in the state and began dairy farming.

Today, Wisconsin is known as "America's Dairyland," and for good reason. The state is home to over one million dairy cows, with farmers working tirelessly to produce nutritious dairy products while also caring for their animals and the environment. This dedication to quality has paid off, with Wisconsin leading the nation in both the volume and variety of cheese produced. The state crafts over 3.3 billion pounds of cheese annually, with 600 different varieties, types, and styles. This is nearly double the amount produced by California, the runner-up state.

Wisconsin's cheesemakers are committed to excellence, and it shows in the numerous awards they have won. If Wisconsin were a country, it would rank fourth in the world for cheese production, behind only the rest of the United States, Germany, and France. The state was also the first to grade cheese for quality and is the only state to offer a master cheesemaker program, modelled after rigorous European standards. This focus on quality over quantity sets Wisconsin apart and ensures a superior product.

The state's dairy industry has a significant impact on local communities, creating 154,000 jobs and generating $1.26 billion in state and local taxes. Every dollar generated by the industry brings in an additional $1.73 in revenue for the state. Wisconsin's dairy heritage is deeply rooted in its culture and history, and it continues to be a central part of the state's identity and economy. With its abundance of dairy farms, talented cheesemakers, and commitment to quality, Wisconsin's dairy industry is poised to continue its success and contribute to the state's prosperity for years to come.

Wisconsin's cheese-making history dates back to the 19th century

By the early 20th century, Wisconsin had over 1,500 cheese factories, producing more than 500 million pounds of cheese per year. Wisconsin has been the largest cheese-producing state in the US since 1910. In 2006, the state produced 2.4 billion pounds of cheese, retaining its top ranking despite concerns that California's faster-growing cheese industry would soon surpass it. Wisconsin's cheese production continued to grow, reaching 2.6 billion pounds in 2010 and 2.9 billion pounds in 2014, accounting for 25.4% of all cheese produced in the US.

As of 2013, Wisconsin remains the largest cheese producer in the US, crafting over 600 different cheese varieties. Wisconsin is the only US state that requires a licensed cheesemaker to supervise the making of commercial cheese, and it is also the only state to offer a master cheesemaker programme, modelled on rigorous European standards. Wisconsin's cheese-making focus on quality over quantity sets it apart and guarantees a superior product.

Wisconsin's dairy industry has a significant economic impact, contributing over $45.6 billion to the state's economy. The state's more than one million dairy cows produce high-quality, nutritious milk, which is often used to make cheese. Wisconsin leads the nation in both production volume and cheese varieties, with over 3.3 billion pounds produced annually. Wisconsin cheesemakers use about 90% of the state's milk supply to make more than 2 billion pounds of cheese every year.

Wisconsin's cows produce 5-6 gallons of milk per day

Wisconsin is America's Dairyland, with over 1,000,000 cows—that's one cow for every five Wisconsin residents! These cows produce around 5-6 gallons of milk per day, which is about 80 8-ounce glasses of milk. In total, Wisconsin's dairy farms produce more than 23 billion pounds of milk every year, which is about 14% of the country's total milk supply.

Cows need a lot of nourishment to produce this much milk. A dairy cow eats about 100 pounds of feed every day, including hay, grain, silage, and proteins like soybean meal, plus vitamins and minerals. They also need plenty of fresh, clean water—between 30 and 50 gallons per day when they're producing milk.

With all this milk being produced, it's no surprise that Wisconsin is also a leader in cheese production. In fact, 90% of Wisconsin's milk is made into cheese, resulting in more than 2.8 billion pounds of cheese per year. Wisconsin is the top cheese-producing state in the US, making 26% of the country's cheese.

The process of turning milk into cheese requires a lot of milk. It takes 10 pounds of whole milk to make just one pound of cheese. Despite this, Wisconsin cheesemakers use about 90% of the state's milk supply to make over 2 billion pounds of cheese every year. This is thanks to the state's 1,290 licensed cheesemakers—more than any other state.

Frequently asked questions