MADISON, WIS. – Dairy products made in Wisconsin earned more than a third of the cow’s milk cheese awards handed out at the 2024 World Championship Cheese Contest, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin shared.

Cheese and dairy companies that call Wisconsin home swept 21 classes at the international competition, picking up a combined 117 cheese awards – 36.2% of total cow's milk cheese awards and more than any other state or country involved in the contest.

Two of the top 20 finalists at the biennial contest were cheeses made in Wisconsin: Aged Cheddar Midget, Henning's Cheese, Kiel, Wis.; and Cello Artisan Copper Kettle Parmesan, Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wis. Meanwhile, cheeses from the state won 34 best of class honors, as well as 36 second place finishes and third place awards, with 38 different companies earning one or more of those awards.

"These awards are a testament to the commitment and passion of our cheesemakers, and these accolades are well-deserved," said Chad Vincent, chief executive officer, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. "Wisconsin's cheesemakers are dedicated to upholding the state's rich cheesemaking tradition and delivering exceptional award-winning products to consumers worldwide."

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, a nonprofit funded by the state’s dairy farmers, shared that Wisconsin boasts more than 1,200 licensed cheesemakers, who produce 600-plus varieties, types and styles of cheeses.

Products from 25 countries and 32 US states were judged during this year’s World Championship Cheese Contest, which featured 142 classes.

Complete results from the 2024 contest are available online at the competition’s website.