MADISON, WIS. – The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association announced entries are now being accepted for the 2023 United States Championship Cheese Contest.

Per WCMA, which hosts the biennial event, dairy processors can submit products such as cheese, butter, yogurt and dry dairy products for consideration within the competition’s 118 classes. Products are judged on their characteristics – flavor, body, texture, salt, color and finish – as well as packaging.

Entries can be submitted through Jan. 18, 2023, online at the US Championship Cheese Contest website. The event is offering a special entry rate ($10 savings on entry fees) on submissions received by Dec. 1.

“With evaluations grounded in rigorous standards and a competitive field of respected cheesemakers from across the country, this competition is unique in its technicality and prestige,” said Kirsten Strohmenger, WCMA’s events manager. “We’re pleased to offer this opportunity for the nation’s dairy processors to improve their craft and grow their businesses.”

Judging for the contest will take place Feb. 21-23, 2023, at Resch Expo in Green Bay, Wis.

The last time the competition was held, in 2019, it involved a record-setting 2,555 entries from 35 states. Guggisberg Cheese’s Baby Swiss Wheel won the title of US Champion Cheese that year.

More details, such as rules and entry information, about the 2023 US Championship Cheese Contest can be found online at the competition’s website.