MADISON, WIS. – The Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin shared that 25 of the state’s cow cheese and dairy companies picked up awards at the 2023 American Cheese Society (ACS) Judging & Competition.

In a contest that included 1,454 entries among 131 categories, Wisconsin products using cow milk accounted for 28% of all the medals handed out.

While Uplands Cheese’s Pleasant Ridge Reserve received the distinction of third best in show at the competition, Wisconsin dairy cow products in total swept eight categories, received 27 first-place awards, took second place in 28 categories and finished third 31 times.

"It's excellent to see Wisconsin dairy products shine on the ACS stage," said Chad Vincent, chief executive officer for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. "The awards are a testament to Wisconsin's 180-year cheesemaking heritage and the innovation of our incredible cheesemakers."

The organization highlighted some of the state’s top award winners from the ACS competition:

• Klondike Cheese Company - 19 awards

• BelGioioso Cheese Inc. - nine

• Widmer's Cheese Cellars - eight

• Marieke Gouda - seven

• Nasonville Dairy, Inc. - six

• Schuman Cheese - five

• Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery - three

• Pine River Pre-Pack - three

• Uplands Cheese - three

Per Wisconsin Dairy Farmers, the state crafts half of the specialty cheese in the United States.

A complete list of winners from the 2023 ACS Judging & Competition can be accessed online at the organization’s website.