As Wisconsin experienced its dairy revolution, cheese making went from farm to factory and by 1910 the state led the nation in cheese production. Since then Wisconsin has made a significant portion of the country’s cheese and has earned a reputation for the high quality of its product. Almost all of the specialty cheeses made in America come from the Monroe area.

Mass marketing and advertising have strengthened the association of Wisconsin with cheese. Just as Iowa is known for corn, Idaho for potatoes, and Kansas for wheat, Wisconsin and cheese are virtually synonymous