Burnett Dairy Cooperative Earns Seven Medals at 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest

Burnett Dairy Cooperative Earns Seven Medals at 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Burnett Dairy Cooperative Earns Seven Medals at 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest

Grantsburg, WI — Burnett Dairy Cooperative is honored to be recognized at the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest, earning seven awards among 3,375 entries from 25 countries and 34 U.S. states and territories. The results highlight the cooperative’s continued commitment to quality and craftsmanship in cheesemaking.

Burnett Dairy received two Best of Class (1st Place) honors for:

  • Fancy Brand Mild Provolone
  • Fancy Brand Aged Provolone

Additional awards include:

  • 2nd Place – Fancy Brand Mild Provolone
  • 2nd Place – Wood River Creamery Black Truffle Cheddar Gruyere
  • 2nd Place – Wood River Creamery Black Truffle Cheddar Gruyere Spreadable Cheese
  • 3rd Place – Fancy Brand Aged Provolone
  • 3rd Place – Wood River Creamery Original Cheddar Gruyere Spreadable Cheese

“These awards are a tremendous honor,” said Cheesemaker Matt Hoefler, who crafted the award-winning provolone. “It’s rewarding to see the care that goes into each batch recognized, and it reflects the work of a dedicated team behind the scenes.”

Master Cheesemaker Rob Stellrecht, who led the Wood River Creamery entries, added, “We’re proud of the cheeses we produce and the people who make them. Recognition like this speaks to the collaboration and consistency our team brings every day.”

Founded in 1896, Burnett Dairy Cooperative is a farmer-owned cooperative based in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. The organization remains rooted in its commitment to producing high-quality dairy products while supporting the farm families it represents.

“This recognition really belongs to our entire team,” said CEO Matt Winsand. “From our farmers to our cheesemakers, it takes everyone working together to achieve results like this.”

For more information about Burnett Dairy Cooperative and its award-winning cheeses, visit www.burnettdairy.com.

About Burnett Dairy Cooperative
Burnett Dairy Cooperative is a farmer-owned cooperative based near Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Founded in 1896, it’s where farm families partner with crop and dairy experts to produce high-quality milk from the ground up. Guided by Master Cheesemaker Rob Stellrecht, Burnett’s cheeses are Masterfully Made™ with inventive flavors and craftsmanship for retail, deli, foodservice, and private label customers. Products are available through national distribution.

Media Contact:
Ashley Ward
Integrated Marketing & Brand Lead
Burnett Dairy Cooperative
Ashley.Ward@burnettdairy.com
715.689.2095