Henning Cheese Brings Home 2026 Wisconsin Grand Master Cheesemaker Title at State Fair Dairy Products Contest

KIEL, Wis. — A century-old family tradition has reached another milestone as Henning Cheese has been named the 2026 Wisconsin Grand Master Cheesemaker, with fourth-generation cheesemaker and Henning’s co-owner Joshua Henning earning the state’s top honor for his 18-month Traditional Waxed Cheddar.

The 2026 Grand Master Cheesemaker award was announced Thursday, August 13, during the Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction at Wisconsin State Fair Park. The award follows the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Products Contest, where dairy manufacturers from across Wisconsin submitted more than 500 entries spanning more than 50 classes of cheese, sour cream, butter, yogurt, milk and custard. Joshua Henning’s 18-month Traditional Waxed Cheddar earned a score of 99.175 in the Aged Cheddar category.

For Henning Cheese, the honor is particularly meaningful because it recognizes a cheesemaking tradition passed down through four generations. The company was founded in 1914 by Otto and Norma Henning near Kiel, and today the family’s fourth generation, including Joshua, continues the family business. Joshua is currently in the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker Program and is expected to graduate in 2027.

“There is something incredibly special about seeing this recognition go to Joshua and knowing that it represents more than 100 years of our family making cheese in Wisconsin,” said Rebekah Henschel, co-owner and director of national sales at Henning Cheese. “To earn the Grand Master Cheesemaker honor in our home state, in a competition filled with so many talented Wisconsin cheesemakers, is an incredible source of pride for our entire family and our team.”

The Grand Master Cheesemaker honor adds to Henning Cheese’s long history of success in Wisconsin and national cheese competitions. The company also took home awards in a number of other categories, including:

• 1st Place: Unflavored Cheese Curd Class – Traditional Cheddar Cheese Curds
• 2nd Place: Flavored Pepper Cheese Class – Mango Fire Cheddar
• 3rd Place: Flavored Hard Cheese Class – Tomato Basil Cheddar
• 3rd Place: Mild Cheddar Class – Mild Cheddar
  

The Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction, where the 2026 Grand Master Cheesemaker was announced, serves as a fundraiser for the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board. The winning 18-month Traditional Waxed Cheddar sold at auction for a jaw-dropping $550.00 per pound. Proceeds from the auction support scholarships for students pursuing careers in dairy or food science and fund interactive educational exhibits at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

About Henning Cheese

Founded in 1914 by Otto Henning, Henning Cheese is a fourth-generation family cheese company specializing in artisan and specialty cheeses. They are traditionally crafted so that their distinct, natural flavors can come through with every bite. Henning Cheese sources milk from small family dairy farms within a 30-mile radius of the cheese factory, with the belief that quality milk creates quality cheese.