Inside Marieke Gouda — Day One of the Dairy Rally 2025
Could you tell us about Marieke Gouda? What does your company specialize in, and what makes it unique?
Marieke Gouda is based in Thorp, Wisconsin, and proudly specializes in Gouda cheese crafted in the authentic Dutch tradition. Every wheel begins with raw cow’s milk sourced directly fr om the farm’s own herd — ensuring complete control over freshness and quality.
“Our cheesemaking process follows traditional Dutch methods,” the team explains. “We import cultures, herbs, spices, and even some of our equipment fr om the Netherlands to preserve that heritage.”
What truly sets Marieke Gouda apart is that everything happens right on the family farm — fr om milking the cows to aging the cheese. The creamery offers a variety of aging periods and flavor infusions, creating a wide range of distinct profiles.
“Marieke Gouda is really a blend of Dutch roots, Wisconsin milk, and farmstead passion,” they say. “It’s our way of bringing a little piece of the Netherlands to America’s Dairyland.”
What will participants experience when visiting Marieke Gouda during the Dairy Rally?
Visitors will experience the entire cheesemaking journey — from the barn to the aging room. The tour begins with the herd itself, wh ere participants will see how the cows are cared for, what they eat, and how milk quality directly influences the flavor of the final product.
Through large observation windows, guests can watch key stages of cheesemaking: stirring the curds and whey, pressing the cheese into wheels, and preparing them for aging.
“A peek into the aging rooms is always a highlight,” the team notes. “You can see the rows of Gouda wheels maturing on wooden boards — some for months, others for several years. It’s fascinating to notice how the color, texture, and aroma change over time.”
The visit concludes in the creamery’s retail store, wh ere guests can sample a variety of cheeses — including the Gouda of the Month, which for this season is Basil Pesto.
“It’s a full-circle experience,” they add. “You see wh ere the milk comes from, how the cheese is made, and then you get to taste the result — all within the same farm.”
“The Dairy Rally isn’t your typical industry conference,” says the Marieke Gouda team. “It’s an on-the-road adventure that brings people face-to-face with how the dairy world really works.”
Through farm visits, factory tours, and expert meetups, participants get to see the full picture of dairy production — from animal care and processing technology to marketing and product innovation.
“For young farmers and future agri-leaders, it’s a chance to get inspired, pick up new ideas, and connect with people shaping the future of food,” they explain. “Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, the Dairy Rally helps you see what’s possible — and how you can be part of it.”
As the Dairy Rally begins its journey across the country, Marieke Gouda sets the tone — showing how tradition, transparency, and technology can come together to define the next chapter of dairy.
From the rhythmic stirring of curds to the scent of aging cheese, this Wisconsin farmstead proves that the future of dairy innovation still begins with one simple ingredient: passion.
