Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker® Program

True masters of the craft.

The master cheesemaker's story

Why choose a cheese made by a Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker? Because behind that distinctive blue Master's Mark® on the label is an assurance of quality that you just can't get anywhere else. That mark, which can only be used by certified Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers who've earned it, tells quite a story.

Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker Master's Mark

It tells you that experience, technical expertise and artistry went into making that cheese. And it means you've chosen the best cheese from the only place in America where cheese makers can become true Masters of their craft – Wisconsin.

Our Master Cheesemakers are a special breed.. Already highly skilled veterans before they begin the certification process, Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers are driven by their desire to continue learning and perfecting their skills. Most will tell you that becoming a Master is the hardest thing they've ever done – and they'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. Many have done just that, completing the program multiple times to be certified as Masters in additional cheese varieties.

Only in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker program is the only one of its kind outside of Europe. For master cheese makers, it provides a singular opportunity to reach the highest levels of their craft. For buyers, it provides unparalleled quality assurance, innovation and expertise.

How It Works

Administered by the Center for Dairy Research at the University of Wisconsin , the program is open to veteran Wisconsin cheesemakers with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in Quality Assured plants. Candidates can seek certification for up to two cheese varieties each time they enter the three-year program. They must have been making those specific varieties for at least five years.

Only certified Master Cheesemakers are eligible to use the Master's Mark® on their products.

Requirements

Participants must be active, licensed Wisconsin cheesemakers with at least 10 years' experience working at a plant which participates in the Quality Assurance Program.
Made the cheese variety for which they seek certification for at least five years.
Complete required courses in cheese technology, artisanship, grading and quality assurance.
Complete elective courses that range from applied dairy chemistry, to water and waste management, to whey and whey utilization.
Participate in a three-year apprenticeship during which time he or she must submit samples of cheese for evaluation of quality and consistency.
Pass a rigorous final written examination.

Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers

Download the Master Cheesemaker Directory