The Dairy King: A State-by-State Showdown

A recent report establishes Wisconsin as the US leader in cheese production, cementing its reputation as "America’s Dairyland." In 2023, Wisconsin produced an impressive 3.51 billion pounds of cheese, clearly outpacing California by over a billion pounds. This data underscores Wisconsin's dominant role within the dairy economics sector.

Wisconsin's mastery in cheesemaking stems from a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century, evolving into an industrial powerhouse by the 20th century. Notably, cheddar and mozzarella constitute 51 percent of the state’s prolific output.

However, other states also contribute substantially to America's cheese output. California follows Wisconsin, renowned for its fresh mozzarella and Hispanic-style cheeses. Idaho excels with goat cheese and significant yogurt production, while New Mexico capitalizes on its cattle industry for large-scale cheese production.

This comprehensive report highlights not just Wisconsin’s dominance, but also a robust nationwide cheese production network. It demonstrates the diverse strengths of various states, each contributing uniquely to America's position in the global dairy industry.