We’re thrilled to share some exciting news about our recent success at the 2024 American Cheese Society (ACS) Judging & Competition! This prestigious event, held annually, is one of the largest and most respected cheese competitions in North America, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication of American cheesemakers.
This year, our Red Rind Muenster took home the top honor, winning 1st Place in the Muenster category. This win is a testament to our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in cheesemaking, ensuring that each wheel is aged to perfection, with just the right balance of flavor and texture that sets our Muenster apart.
But that’s not all! Our Dill Pickle Cheese Curds also earned a 3rd Place award in the Flavored Cheese Curds category. These curds are a fan favorite, combining the classic squeaky texture with the tangy, zesty flavor of dill pickles. It’s a unique creation that we’re proud to see recognized at such a high level.
The ACS Judging & Competition is renowned for its rigorous standards, with over 1,400 entries from across the country being evaluated this year. Winning here is not just about taste—entries are judged on a variety of factors, including texture, appearance, and overall balance. The competition is fierce, and we’re honored to have our products stand out among so many incredible cheeses.
As we celebrate these victories, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our team, who pour their passion into every batch, and to our loyal customers who support us year-round. We’re excited to continue bringing you the best in artisanal cheese, and we can’t wait for you to taste these award-winning products if you haven’t already.
Starting now and running for the next four weeks, we’re pitting our top cheese curd flavors against our best block cheese flavors in the ultimate battle for supremacy. It’s a clash of titans as 8 delectable cheese curds and 8 irresistible block cheese flavors compete for the prestigious championship title.
How to Participate
Are you ready to be a part of this cheese extravaganza? Here’s how you can join in the fun:
- Sample the Cheeses: Head to either of our retail stores in Ellsworth or Menomonie and indulge in a cheese-tasting experience like no other. We’ve got samples of all the competing cheeses available in-store, so you can savor each flavor and pick your favorites. (Can’t make it to a store to sample? No worries! You can still join in the fun by voting online!)
- Cast Your Vote: Once you’ve tried all the cheeses, it’s time to make your voice heard! You can vote for your preferred cheese varieties either in-store or online. Every vote counts, so don’t miss your chance to support your favorite cheeses.
- Follow the Action: Stay tuned to our social media channels and website for updates on the Cheese Challenge. We’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, highlighting standout flavors, and keeping you informed about the latest developments in the competition.
The Cheese Champion Awaits
Who will emerge victorious in this epic showdown of cheese flavors? Will it be the squeaky goodness of our top cheese curds, or will the classic appeal of our block cheeses steal the spotlight? Only time will tell as the competition heats up and the votes roll in.
Get Involved Today!
Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of our Cheese Challenge. Gather your fellow cheese enthusiasts, gather your taste buds, and join us as we celebrate the irresistible allure of cheese. Whether you’re a fan of sharp cheddar, spicy jack, or something a little more adventurous, there’s something for everyone in this cheese-tastic event.
For us in Wisconsin, cheese curds are a staple. Those who were practically born with a cheese curd in their mouth are often surprised to learn that for many across the country, cheese curds aren’t well known. Here in the Cheese Curd Capital, we believe cheese curds are too good to keep them secret and so we’ve been working to change that.
That’s why it was fun to see our signature product mentioned in a recent article on Restaurant Business Online. Cheese curds have been popular on Midwest restaurant menus for decades, and the rest of the country is finally catching on! Cheese Curds are finding their way into the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers everywhere. We couldn’t be prouder!
To get the full scoop on how cheese curds are winning over taste buds from coast to coast, check out the article on Restaurant Business Online here.
At Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, we’re dedicated to producing top-quality cheese products that people love. Thanks to your support, our curds continue to become a nationwide sensation.
If you haven’t tried our famous cheese curds yet, now’s the perfect time to experience the cheesy magic. Watch for Ellsworth Cooperative Cheese Curds to be mentioned by name on the menu at your favorite restaurant. Your taste buds will thank you!
October is National Cooperative Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the impact we, as cooperatives, make in our communities. A recent article published in the Pierce County Journal highlighted Ellsworth area cooperatives, including Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery.
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation and Pierce County Economic Development Corporation acknowledged both Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services for exceptional contributions to our region and how we have demonstrated our commitment to the seventh Cooperative Principle, “Concern for Community,” by actively engaging in various community projects and initiatives. You can find the full article here.
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and our staff take our “Concern for Community” seriously. In addition to supporting local organizations like the Chambers of Commerce and various civic groups, we support our regional higher education institutions such as Chippewa Valley Technical College and the Universities of Wisconsin, as well as educational opportunities for local youth. We also lend our leadership and support to local projects by serving on committees to problem-solve community challenges.
We’re proud to be part of communities that value cooperation, leadership, and community engagement. Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is committed to continuing our role in making each of our communities a better place for everyone.
This observance isn’t just about us—Instead, we celebrate National Cooperative Month with everyone in the communities we serve. Let’s celebrate the positive changes we’re making together as we look forward for how we can make our communities even stronger in the days to come.
It’s a whole month dedicated to dairy and dairy farms. Join us in the celebration! During the month you’ll find our team deep frying cheese curds at several farm breakfasts, festivals, and events.
Mark your calendars and we’ll see you there!
Barron County June Dairy Month Breakfast
Free will offering for breakfast and nominal cost for custard sundaes. There will also be live music and door prizes.
June 3, 2023 | 6am-11am
Cory & Janelle Picknell Family Dairy Farm
790 6 ½ Ave., Prairie Farm, WI 54762
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery Dairy Days
Taste our new Ellsworth Reserve Bourbon! Vendors will also be on hand sampling other specialties. Several great in-store discounts will be offered throughout the event including Buy One Get One Free on boats of deep fried cheese curds and free 1 lb fresh curds with every $50 purchase!
June 8-June 13, 2023 | 8am-6pm
Ellsworth Retail Store
232 N. Wallace Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011
Menomonie Retail Store
3001 County Rd B, Menomonie, WI 54751
Pepin County On the Farm Breakfast
Serving pancakes, sausage, pudding, deep fried cheese curds, milk and coffee for free-will donation.
June 10, 2023 | 6:30am-11am
Churchview Dairy (Rick & Gary Bauer)
N6294 County Road V
Durand, WI 54736
Showdown in Curdtown
You can’t beat the thrill and excitement of Showdown in Curdtown! Proceeds from the event aid the Ellsworth FFA Chapter, supporting a scholarship program and leadership development initiatives for its members. Get your tickets here.
June 10, 2023 (rain date will be June 11 at 12pm)
6:30pm
Pierce County Fairgrounds
364 N. Maple Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011
Goodhue County Breakfast on the Farm
Free breakfast with deep fried cheese curds and ice cream! Farm tours, petting zoo, Ag Cab Lab tractor Drive Simulator, and more! Plus, meet Princess Kay of the Milky Way and the Goodhue County Dairy Princesses.
June 16, 2023 | 7am-11am
McNamara Dairy
20200 390th Street, Goodhue, MN 55027
Pierce County Dairy Breakfast
Come enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage, Ellsworth Cheese Curds, Culvers Custard, Kwik Trip Milk, water & coffee! Farm tours, kids activities, local farm history, and more! Cash only. Ages 12+ $8, Ages 5-11 $5, Ages 4 & Under free.
June 17, 2023 | 7:30am-11:30am
Maple Bud Farm, Mark Erlandson Family
N5718 530th St, Ellsworth, WI 54011
Buffalo County Dairy Breakfast
June 24, 2023 | 7am-11am
D S Farms by the Danzinger Family
W1528 County Rd E, Alma, WI, 64610
June 23-24 Cheese Curd Festival
#10 Specialty Food Festival in the Nation! It’s the event that celebrates the town’s designation as the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin. Cheese curd foods, tasting events, music, and more. Come try this year’s special, never-before-fried, exclusive-to-the-festival cheese curd flavor for the event… Nacho Supremo! Available ONLY at the 2023 Cheese Curd Festival! Get the details here.
June 23 & 24, 2023
East End Park, Ellsworth, WI 54011