Two SE Minnesota cheesemakers to compete in 2023 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest

(ABC 6 News) – Two southeast Minnesota cheesemakers are set to compete for the coveted title of United States Champion at the 2023 United States Championship Cheese Contest.

Dairy Farmers of America from Zumbrota and Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. from Rochester and Faribault, will compete among dairy processors from 35 U.S. states in the championship contest Feb. 21-23 at the Resch Expo Center in Green Bay, Wisc.

There are a total of 2,249 entries across 113 classes of dairy products in the contest.

“This nationally renowned competition is an opportunity for dairy manufacturers across the country to improve their products, reach new customers – and achieve one of the industry’s highest levels of prestige,” said Kirsten Strohmenger, Contest Manager.

Preliminary rounds of judging are open for public observation on Tuesday, Feb. 21 and Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attendance is free, and samples will be available.

The announcement of the 2023 U.S. Champion will be announced and livestreamed on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 2:00 p.m.

Hosted biennially by Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) since 1981, the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest is the nation’s premier cheese, butter, yogurt, and dry dairy ingredient competition.

For more information on the contest, CLICK HERE.