Employees from across Foremost Farms proudly represented the cooperative at Cheese Expo last month at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event brought together over 5-thousand dairy professionals, giving our teams the chance to connect with industry partners and explore the latest developments in cheese production strategy, innovation and collaboration.
“Cheese Expo provides a great opportunity for us to stay up to date on trends, and to maintain positive relationships with suppliers and customers alike,” says Dana McCurdy, Senior Scientist at Foremost Farms. The event unites every corner of the cheese industry.
“I like to go because it’s an opportunity to reconnect with technical and business colleagues across the entire industry, and a chance to connect with equipment and ingredient suppliers to see what’s new in the cheese world,” shares Katie Kolpin-Gustafson, Foremost Farms’ Senior Director of Product Innovation and Technology. “It’s also a celebration of the marriage between technology and craftsmanship that’s required to make great cheese.”
Attendees explored the exhibition hall, where more than 400 dairy professionals and suppliers presented cutting-edge products and the latest production solutions. Throughout the space, tasting stations offered guests the opportunity to sample a diverse selection of cheeses from across the globe.
CheeseExpo 2026 also honored this year’s World Championship Cheese Contest winners, where Foremost Farms celebrated earning 3rd place for its Low-Moisture Whole Milk (LMWM) Mozzarella, from our Appleton Plant.
In addition, Bryan Allen, Production Manager at the Clayton plant, was honored for achieving the prestigious title of Master Cheesemaker in Mozzarella and Provolone. His award was presented by Scott Navarre, Development Product Manager, who is celebrating his 10th year as a Master Cheesemaker in Cheddar and Monterey Jack.
The cheese celebration continues next year as the event returns to Madison, Wisconsin. CheeseCon 2027 will take over the Monona Terrace for another round of education, networking and of course exceptional cheese.
