Did you know:
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In 2023, Wisconsin produced 3,520,083 pounds of cheese (out of 14,062,775 produced in the entire US)? (Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service)
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With 25% of the nation’s total cheese production, Wisconsin maintained its position as the nation’s largest cheese-producing state in 2023. (Source: Wisconsin Specialty Cheese, May 2024)
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Fond du Lac County is home to some of the most special cheeses around, including Grande, Baker, LaClare and Saputo.
Fond du Lac County is known for its rich agricultural heritage and long tradition of cheese making. This region plays a crucial role in Wisconsin’s well-deserved reputation as “America’s Dairyland.” Cheese lovers across the country recognize Wisconsin cheeses for their unparalleled quality… and Fond du Lac County’s producers are head and shoulders above the rest (or so we think).
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European immigrants, especially from Germany and Switzerland, brought their cheese-making traditions to the region in the 19th century. Recognizing the potential for a thriving dairy industry, these early settlers established small family farms and artisanal cheese factories to supply local communities. At the turn of the 20th century, cheese production flourished in the province. Nowadays you can hardly turn your head without finding a delicious piece to satisfy your taste buds.
The cheese in Fond du Lac County is nothing short of amazing; the variety seems endless. This area is known for many different species; however, we tend to specialize in cheddar, colby, gouda, mozzarella, and artisanal and specialty cheeses.
To capitalize on this low-cost goodness, the Agri-Business Council of Envision Greater Fond du Lac created the Ag Gift Box. These boxes make the perfect gift for almost anyone you may know.
In 2024 there are four box options:
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A Taste of Wisconsin ($30): 5 ounces Sartori wedge, 4 ounces Bluestem Bison snack sticks, 30 ounces Weyauwega Star Dairy cheese curds and 8 ounces Widmer’s cheese spread.
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Legen Dairy Wisconsin ($55): 5 ounce Sartori wedge, 4 ounce Bluestem Bison snack sticks, 35 oz Weyauwega Star Dairy cheese curds, 8 ounce Widmer’s cheese spread, 16 ounce Baker string cheese, 16 ounce Beck’s summer sausage, 7 ounce Clearview A2 cheese and chocolate with one sleeve for any occasion.
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Udder Fabulous ($80): 5 ounce Sartori wedge, 4 ounce Bluestem Bison snack sticks, 35 oz Weyauwega Star Dairy cheese curds, 8 ounce Widmer’s cheese spread, 16 ounce Baker string cheese, 16 ounce Beck’s summer sausage, 7 ounce Clearview A2 cheese, single sleeve chocolates for any occasion, 4- ounce Brandon Meats beef sticks, two 1-ounce bags of Faris popcorn, 4-ounce LaClare cheese block, 8-ounce Master’s Reserve cheddar and 6-ounce Belgioioso snack bag.
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Moo-velous Extreme ($100): 5 ounce Sartori wedge, 4 ounce Bluestem Bison snack sticks, 35 oz Weyauwega Star Dairy cheese curds, 8 ounce Widmer’s cheese spread, 16 ounce Baker string cheese, 16 ounce Beck’s summer sausage, 7 ounce Clearview A2 cheese, single sleeve chocolates for any occasion, 4- ounce Brandon Meats beef sticks, two bags of 1-ounce Faris popcorn, 4-ounce LaClare cheese block, 8-ounce Master’s Reserve cheddar, 6-ounce Belgioioso snack bag, 5-ounce Sartori cheddar, 5-ounce Eden Meats Slim Jim sticks, 4-ounce Salchert Meats beef sticks, 8-ounce Ala Creme cheese spread and Kelley Country Creamery ice cream scoop.
Ready to order yours? Visit https://tinyurl.com/ynnfe6cy or contact Amy at aries@envisiongreaterfdl.com or 920-322-2292.
Tracy Qualmann is senior director of marketing and communications at Envision Greater Fond du Lac.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Envisioning Greater Fond du Lac’s agricultural economy
