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Category: Blogs
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Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese Shines at the Wisconsin State Fair Cheese Awards 2025!
2025 WI State Fair Awards We’re thrilled to announce that Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese brought home three honors at the Wisconsin State Fair Cheese Awards 2025! This annual contest is one of the most anticipated events in Wisconsin dairy, and our team is proud to be recognized among the state’s top cheesemakers.
🥈 2nd Place – Garlic and Dill Cheese Curds
🥉 3rd Place – Cheddar Cheese Curds
🥉 3rd Place – Smoked String Cheese
What Makes the Wisconsin State Fair Cheese Awards 2025 So Special?
The Wisconsin State Fair is more than rides and fried foods—it’s also a celebration of the state’s world‑class dairy industry. The cheese awards bring together some of the best cheesemakers in the country, and every entry is judged on flavor, texture, and craftsmanship. Winning a ribbon here is a huge accomplishment because the competition is tough, with hundreds of entries across dozens of categories.
Our Award‑Winning Cheeses
- Garlic and Dill Cheese Curds – Packed with bold flavor and that famous squeak, these curds are a longtime customer favorite.
- Cheddar Cheese Curds – Classic and perfectly balanced, they’re everything you love about Wisconsin cheddar in a bite‑sized snack.
- Smoked String Cheese – A unique twist on a traditional snack, with a smooth, smoky finish that makes it hard to eat just one!
Thank You for Celebrating Our Wisconsin State Fair Cheese Awards 2025
We wouldn’t be here without our amazing customers. Your support—whether you’re buying our cheese curds for a backyard get‑together, enjoying string cheese as a quick snack, or sharing with friends across the country—makes everything we do worthwhile.
Taste Our Award‑Winning Cheese for Yourself!
Want to try the cheeses that stood out at the Wisconsin State Fair Cheese Awards 2025? You can find them at our retail store in Luxemburg, WI, or shop online to have them shipped right to your door.
👉 Shop Award‑Winning Cheese Now
Thank you for celebrating this exciting milestone with us, and here’s to another year of making cheese worth talking about!
From our family farm in Wisconsin to your table—thanks for supporting small-batch, farmstead cheese made the right way!
Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese
Farm Fresh. Handcrafted.Farmstead Cheese.
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Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese Awards: 3 Wins at the American Cheese Society 2025
ACS 2025 Awards We’re thrilled to announce that Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese earned three awards at this year’s American Cheese Society Awards 2025! This event is one of the most prestigious cheese competitions in the country, and we are so proud to be recognized among so many talented cheesemakers.
Our Winning Cheeses
🏅 Snow Cheddar Spread – 3rd Place
🏅 Garlic and Dill Cheese Whips – 3rd Place
🏅 Mozzarella Whips – 3rd PlaceThese awards mean so much to us because they highlight the care and craftsmanship that go into every product we make.
Why It Matters to us
At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we believe award-winning cheese starts with happy cows and fresh milk. Each batch is made right on the farm, using time-honored methods that produce exceptional flavor and quality. These awards are a testament to:
- Our dedicated farm team and cheesemakers
- Our commitment to farmstead, small-batch cheese production
- The incredible support of our customers and community
Why the American Cheese Society Awards 2025 Matter
The American Cheese Society Awards 2025 showcase the best cheesemakers across the United States, Canada, and beyond. Each entry is judged by expert cheesemongers and industry leaders on flavor, texture, appearance, and craftsmanship. Earning recognition at this event means our cheeses stood out among hundreds of world-class products.
A Huge Thank You!
We couldn’t have reached this milestone without you—our loyal customers, retail partners, and cheese-loving community. Your encouragement fuels everything we do.
Try Our Award-Winning Cheeses Today
Want to taste the products recognized at the American Cheese Society Awards 2025? You can shop them online or ➡️Visit our retail store in Luxemburg, WI
➡️ Shop our award-winning cheeses online →
Closing
These awards inspire us to continue creating farm-fresh, innovative cheeses that celebrate Wisconsin’s cheesemaking heritage. From our family to yours—thank you for making this possible!
Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese
Farm Fresh. Handcrafted.Farmstead Cheese.
Written By Rons Teammate:
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🐄 The History of Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy-the proud home of the milk behind Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese
Original Farm From a humble herd to Wisconsin’s largest family-owned dairy farm.
Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy isn’t just where the milk comes from — it’s where the story begins.
Founded on a deep love for farming and a vision for excellence, Pagel’s Ponderosa grew from modest beginnings into one of Wisconsin’s most respected and innovative dairy operations. Through hard work, family values, and a commitment to quality, it became the heart of what fuels Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese today.
🌱 Humble Beginnings in Kewaunee
The story starts in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, where John T. Pagel, a second-generation farmer, decided to forge his own path. With just 50 cows, a strong work ethic, and a deep belief in doing things the right way, John laid the foundation for something special.
From the very beginning, it wasn’t just about growing a herd — it was about building a legacy.
🚜 A Vision for Growth
John’s drive to improve every part of the dairy led to steady expansion. He invested in sustainable practices, animal welfare, and state-of-the-art technology, all while keeping the operation firmly rooted in family values.
Over time, what started as a small farm grew to become Wisconsin’s largest family-owned dairy, caring for thousands of cows and producing high-quality milk that would go on to fuel award-winning cheeses.
But even as the farm grew, its mission stayed the same: quality milk from healthy cows, raised with care.
🧀 From Milk to Cheese: The Birth of a Farmstead Legacy
With a passion for innovation and authenticity, John launched a farmstead cheesemaking operation — ensuring that the milk produced on the farm was transformed into cheese right there on site. This allowed for complete control over freshness, traceability, and quality.
One of the first products to emerge from this was Snow Cheddar — a naturally white cheddar crafted without dyes, offering clean flavor and smooth texture. It became a signature item and a favorite among customers.
🧡 A Family Business, A Lasting Legacy
Though John’s life was tragically cut short in 2018, his legacy continues through his family and team, who carry on the mission he believed in so deeply: to farm with integrity, create products with pride, and make a difference in their community.
Today, Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy remains a family-run operation and the proud home of the milk behind Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese — from curds and cheddar to the iconic Snow Cheddar.
🐮 Why It Matters
When you choose cheese from Ron’s, you’re not just buying a product. You’re supporting a multi-generational Wisconsin dairy farm that believes in sustainability, craftsmanship, and real connections — from cow to customer.
Want to taste the story?
🛒 [Shop Our Cheese]
From our family farm in Wisconsin to your table—thanks for supporting small-batch, farmstead cheese made the right way!
Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese
Farm Fresh. Handcrafted.Farmstead Cheese.
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Discover the Charm of Snow Cheddar: A Farmstead Favorite
What Is Snow Cheddar?
Snow Cheddar is a creamy, naturally white cheddar and a true farmstead favorite—crafted in small batches right on our Wisconsin farm. Unlike traditional cheddar dyed orange, this variety stays pure and authentic, with a smooth, buttery flavor that speaks for itself.
It’s the perfect choice for those who appreciate cheese made with integrity and freshness at its core.
What Makes Snow Cheddar Stand Out
What sets this cheese apart isn’t just the color—it’s the process. Each block is crafted using milk from our own herd, just hours after milking. That freshness, combined with time-honored cheesemaking methods, results in a cheddar that’s rich, clean, and undeniably smooth.
🛒 Want to experience it? Shop our farmstead cheddar here
The Farmstead Method Behind Snow Cheddar
As a true farmstead operation, everything starts on-site—from caring for our cows to crafting every wheel of cheese. That full-circle control means better quality, better flavor, and better transparency for you.
No shortcuts. No artificial dyes. Just real cheese made the real way.
🐄 Curious about how we do it? Read our farm story.
How to Enjoy Snow Cheddar
Whether you’re slicing it for snacks or melting it into dinner, Snow Cheddar delivers smooth, satisfying flavor that fits any occasion. Here are a few favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Layered on sandwiches or wraps
- Melted into creamy mac and cheese
- Paired with smoked meats and fruits on a charcuterie board
- Served in cubes as a quick snack
❓ FAQ – All About This Cheese
What makes it different from regular cheddar?
This white cheddar is never colored, and it’s made with milk sourced directly from our cows. It has a smoother, cleaner flavor and a handcrafted touch.Can I cook with it?
Absolutely. It melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor to grilled cheese, casseroles, and soups.Is it made with Wisconsin milk?
Yes—always. Every batch starts with fresh milk from our Kewaunee farm.
Learn More About Cheddar
Ever wonder why some cheddar is orange and some is white? It all comes down to tradition—not taste. Learn more in this helpful cheese color guide from Wisconsin Cheese.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re building a snack board or adding bold flavor to dinner, Snow Cheddar delivers. It’s more than cheese—it’s a true taste of the farm.
🌟 Order a block today and experience the difference freshness makes.
From our family farm in Wisconsin to your table—thanks for supporting small-batch, farmstead cheese made the right way!
Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese
Farm Fresh. Handcrafted.Farmstead Cheese.
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🐄 What Makes Cheese ‘Farmstead’?
Farmstead Field Picture What Is Farmstead Cheese?
Farmstead cheese is more than a label—it’s a promise of quality, freshness, and traceability. It means the cheese is made on the same farm where the milk comes from. As a result, the entire process stays local and focused on craftsmanship.
At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we’re proud to be a true farmstead operation. We raise the cows, milk them, and make the cheese—all right here in Kewaunee, Wisconsin.
How Farmstead Cheese Is Made
To be considered farmstead, cheesemakers must follow strict guidelines. For example:
- 🐄 We raise our own cows on the same land as our creamery
- 🧼 We process the milk immediately, avoiding trucking or long-term storage
- 🧀 We make our cheese by hand, in small batches
- 🌾 We oversee every step to ensure full traceability
As a result, you get fresher, more flavorful cheese with a story you can trust.
📖 Want to learn more about our story? Visit our About page
Why Farmstead Cheese Matters
Of course, flavor is one big reason people love farmstead cheese. However, there’s more to it than taste.
In addition, farmstead cheesemaking:
- Supports local agriculture
- Reduces carbon emissions from transportation
- Reflects the care and ethics of a single farm
- Provides full transparency—from pasture to plate
Our Farmstead Favorites
For example, Snow Cheddar is made entirely from milk sourced from our own herd. We make it just hours after milking, right here on-site.
Learn More About Farmstead Certification
Still curious about what makes cheese truly farmstead? This American Cheese Society guide explains the differences between farmstead, artisan, and industrial cheesemaking.
Final Thoughts
You deserve to know where your food comes from. That’s why we’ve built our operation around quality, sustainability, and full control—from cow to curd.
🧀 Taste the difference—shop our farmstead cheeses today and bring home something real.
From our family farm in Wisconsin to your table—thanks for supporting small-batch, farmstead cheese made the right way!
Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese
Farm Fresh. Handcrafted.Farmstead Cheese.
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🧄 Move Over Cheese Curds… Deep-Fried Cheese Whips Are the New Snack Sensation!
You’ve had deep-fried cheese curds… but have you tried deep-fried cheese whips? These crispy, golden bites wrap Ron’s Mozzarella Whips in a savory batter loaded with garlic, herbs, and a hint of heat. The result? A cheesy, crunchy, utterly addictive upgrade to your favorite fair food.
Whether you’re serving them as a shareable appetizer, a bold game-day snack, or just leveling up your cheese game, this recipe delivers major flavor with serious farm-fresh melt.
🧀 Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (adds crispiness)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for extra tang)
- 1 (16 oz) pack Ron’s Mozzarella Whips, cut into 2″ pieces
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional dip: marinara, ranch, or hot honey
👨🍳 Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and Dijon mustard.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until smooth.
- Gently fold in pieces of Ron’s Mozzarella Whips until coated.
- Heat 2–3 inches of oil to 375°F in a heavy skillet or deep fryer.
- Drop batter-coated cheese pieces into the oil in small clusters.
- Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with your favorite savory dipping sauce.
🌿 Why It Works
The garlic and paprika in the batter enhance the creamy mozzarella, creating a snack that’s rich, crispy, and seriously addictive. This version makes a great appetizer, game day snack, or shareable plate.
Grab some cheese whips now!
From our family farm in Wisconsin to your table—thanks for supporting small-batch, farmstead cheese made the right way!
Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese
Farm Fresh. Handcrafted.Farmstead Cheese.
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Funnel Cake Gets a Cheesy Twist with Ron’s Mozzarella Whips
Nothing says summer like the sweet smell of funnel cakes wafting through a county fair. But what if we told you there’s a way to make them even better? Introducing: Funnel Cake with Ron’s Mozzarella Whips — a crispy, golden treat with a cheesy, melty center that’s sure to surprise and delight.
At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we’re always dreaming up new ways to bring our farm-fresh products into your kitchen. This recipe takes classic funnel cake batter and wraps it around bite-sized pieces of our signature Mozzarella Cheese Whips, resulting in an irresistible sweet-and-savory snack that’s perfect for fairs, parties, or a fun family weekend.
🧀 Why Ron’s Mozzarella Whips?
Our Mozzarella Whips are handcrafted with milk from our own cows, giving them that farm-fresh flavor and signature squeak. Their creamy texture melts beautifully when fried, turning every bite of this funnel cake into a warm, gooey delight.
📋 Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (9 oz) pack Ron’s Mozzarella Cheese Whips, cut into 2″ pieces
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Sliced fresh strawberries (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Slowly combine with the dry ingredients to form a smooth batter.
- Gently fold in the mozzarella whip pieces.
- Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a spoon or squeeze bottle, drizzle the batter into the hot oil in a zigzag motion, forming small funnel cakes.
- Fry each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown, then remove and drain on paper towels.
- Dust with powdered sugar and top with sliced strawberries if desired.
🎉 Serving Tips
Serve warm with a side of strawberry jam or a drizzle of honey. These are a hit at summer BBQs, late-night snacks, or even weekend brunch.
🛒 Ready to Make It?
Pick up a pack of Ron’s Mozzarella Whips at your local retailer or shop online here.
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🧀 Ron’s Fans Share Their Favorite Ways to Eat Cheese Curds
Garlic and Dill Cheese Curds 1st Place at the Wisconsin State Fair 🧀 Ron’s Fans Share Their Favorite Ways to Eat Cheese Curds
When it comes to cheese curds, there’s no wrong way to eat cheese curds — but Ron’s fans definitely have their favorites. Whether it’s fresh from the bag, tossed in the air fryer, or paired with a cold drink on a hot day, our community knows how to snack like pros.
We asked, you answered: Here are some of the most-loved ways customers enjoy our famous Wisconsin cheese curds.
🧺 1. Straight from the Fridge (or the Bag!)
“We don’t even get a plate. Just open the bag and snack away!”
— @cheesefan.mom, InstagramThere’s something about cold curds right out of the fridge that just hits right. Bonus squeak? You’re doing it right.
🔥 2. Fried to Golden Perfection
“Toss cheese curds in the air fryer for 6 minutes and you’ve got magic. Crispy outside, gooey inside.”
— Dave K., FacebookBreaded and fried cheese curds are a Wisconsin classic. Serve with ranch, marinara, or just grab ’em and go.
🥖 3. On a Snack Board or Charcuterie Tray
“We always add garlic dill curds to our tailgate boards. They’re the first to go!”
— Samantha B., Green BayOur curds add fun, flavor, and that squeaky surprise to any snack board. Pair with meats, pickles, fruit, or your favorite crackers.
🧁 4. With Apples or Grapes (Trust Us!)
“Try cheddar curds with a slice of apple. Sweet and savory heaven.”
— @wisconsin_foodie, InstagramThat salty creaminess pairs beautifully with fruit — it’s a combo you didn’t know you needed.
💡 5. Melted on Top of Chili or Mac & Cheese
“We throw curds on top of our chili right before serving. They melt just enough and add the perfect bite.”
— Jill W., MilwaukeeSoft, melty, and full of flavor — curds are the ultimate cheese topping.
How Do You Eat Your Curds?
Tell us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @ronswisconsincheese or using #SnackWithRons — and we might feature your snack style next!
👉 Order Cheese Curds Online
Shipped fresh, squeaky, and ready for your next snack board (or straight-from-the-bag moment).
From our family farm in Wisconsin to your table—thanks for supporting small-batch, farmstead cheese made the right way!
Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese
Farm Fresh. Handcrafted.Farmstead Cheese.
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🐄 Celebrating June Dairy Month at the Farm
🐄 Celebrating June Dairy Month at the Farm
At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we spent the month doing what we do best: making fresh, handcrafted cheese right here on our family farm in Kewaunee. Here’s a look back at how we celebrated June Dairy Month (and how we carry that spirit all year long).
🧀 Farmstead Cheese, Made Fresh Daily
All month long, our team crafted batches of fresh cheese curds, Snow Cheddar, mozzarella whips, and more — using milk from our very own herd.
Dairy Month is a reminder that real cheese starts with real farms. No shortcuts. No outsourcing. Just good milk, happy cows, and generations of know-how.
📸 Behind-the-Scenes Moments
We shared a few sneak peeks on Facebook and Instagram — from stirring curds in the vat to packaging squeaky-fresh bags for delivery. Thank you to everyone who liked, commented, and tagged us in your own cheese celebrations!
Didn’t see them? Follow along @ronswisconsincheese for more behind-the-scenes fun.
🛒 Cheese, Events & Local Stores
Throughout June, we stocked shelves and coolers across Wisconsin with our best-selling cheeses. We also visited a few local events to hand out samples and connect with curd lovers in person.
We even chatted with our friends at We Are Green Bay. See the video here.
If you spotted Ron’s in your local store or at a sporting event, tag us with #SnackWithRons — we’d love to feature your photo!
🧡 A Huge Thank You
To our farm team, cheesemakers, delivery drivers, and loyal customers — THANK YOU. Dairy Month is a celebration of all of you.
We’re proud to be part of Wisconsin’s dairy legacy. And we’ll keep honoring it every month of the year — one curd at a time.
Ready to celebrate the spirit of Dairy Month every day?
👉 Shop Our Farmstead Favorites— The Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese Team
Farm Fresh. Handcrafted. Farmstead Cheese. -
🧀 3 Easy Cheese Board Ideas with Ron’s Curds and Spreads
🧀 3 Easy Cheese Board Ideas with Ron’s Curds and Spreads
Cheese boards are a must for summer parties, family nights, or just treating yourself after a long day. The best part? You don’t need to be a chef — just start with farm-fresh cheese and a few crowd-pleasing extras.
Here are 3 simple, delicious cheese board ideas using Ron’s curds, spreads, and blocks that anyone can assemble in 10 minutes or less.
🧺 1. The Classic Midwest Snack Board
Perfect for: Tailgates, lake days, backyard BBQs
What to include:
- Ron’s Cheddar Cheese Curds (Original or Jalapeño)
- Pretzel sticks or beer bread cubes
- Summer sausage or brat slices
- Pickles & mustard
- Baby carrots & ranch dip
Tip: Keep it casual. Serve on a cutting board or cookie sheet — squeaky curds speak for themselves.
🍎 2. The Sweet & Savory Board
Perfect for: Brunches, book clubs, or date night
What to include:
- Ron’s Snow Cheddar Block (cubed or sliced)
- Apple slices, grapes, or dried cranberries
- Honey or fig jam
- Almonds or candied pecans
- Crackers or sourdough rounds
Tip: Use small jars or ramekins for the spreads and nuts — adds a polished touch with zero extra effort.
🧄 3. The Bold & Flavorful Board
Perfect for: Evening guests or serious cheese lovers
What to include:
- Ron’s Garlic & Dill Cheese Curds
- Ron’s Herbs & Spice Cheese Spread
- Pickled veggies (onions, beans, peppers)
- Salami or prosciutto
- Multigrain or seeded crackers
Tip: Spread the cheese on crackers and pre-top with garnish — makes it easy for guests to grab and go.
Make It Yours
Mix and match based on your favorite Ron’s products — all you need is something creamy, something crunchy, and something unexpected.
👉 Shop Cheese for Your Next Board
And if you make one, tag us! We’d love to see how you build your board.
📸 #SnackWithRons | @ronswisconsincheese
From our family farm in Wisconsin to your table—thanks for supporting small-batch, farmstead cheese made the right way!
Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese
Farm Fresh. Handcrafted.Farmstead Cheese.
