Henning Cheese Wins Wisconsin’s 2026 Grand Master Title
Henning Cheese was named Wisconsin’s 2026 Grand Master Cheesemaker during the Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction on August 13. The award followed the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Products Contest, which attracted more than 500 submissions from dairy manufacturers across the state. Entries covered more than 50 classes, including cheese, butter, yogurt, milk and custard.
The winning product was an 18-month Traditional Waxed Cheddar produced by Joshua Henning, a co-owner of the company and a fourth-generation cheesemaker. It received a score of 99.175 in the contest. The same cheese was sold at the subsequent auction for $550 per pound.
Henning Cheese traces its origins to 1914, when Otto and Norma Henning established the business. The company remains family-owned, with members of the fourth generation, including Joshua Henning, now involved in its operation. Joshua is enrolled in the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker Program and is expected to complete it in 2027.
“There is something incredibly special about seeing this recognition go to Joshua, knowing that it represents over 100 years of our family making cheese in Wisconsin,” said Rebekah Henschel, a Henning Cheese co-owner and director of national sales. She said the award was given in the company’s home state in a competition involving many cheesemakers, and described it as a source of pride for the family and its team.
The company received four additional placings at the contest. Its Traditional Cheddar Cheese Curds won first place in the Unflavored Cheese Curd class. Mango Fire Cheddar took second place in the Flavored Pepper Cheese class. Tomato Basil Cheddar placed third in the Flavored Hard Cheese class, while Mild Cheddar placed third in the Mild Cheddar class.
The Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction raises funds for the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board. Henning Cheese describes itself as a specialist in specialty cheeses and says its milk comes from small family dairy farms located within 30 miles of its factory. The company says it uses traditional production methods.
