Category: Blogs

  • The Ultimate Fall Cheese Board Guide

    There’s nothing quite like a crisp autumn evening — cozy socks, warm cider, and a cheese board overflowing with seasonal flavors. Whether you’re hosting a harvest gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, a thoughtfully crafted fall cheese board brings the tastes of the season to life. At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we’ve handpicked our favorite cheeses and pairings to help you build a board as beautiful as it is delicious.

    1. Snow Cheddar — A creamy, naturally white cheddar with sweet, nutty undertones. The brightness of Snow Cheddar pairs beautifully with tart apples, fig jam, or honey.
    2. 10-Year Aged Cheddar — Deep, bold, and intense. This cheese brings sharpness and complexity that stand up to cured meats and robust red wines.
    3. Smoked String Cheese — A fun, snackable option with a touch of rustic smokiness; perfect for breaking off pieces or weaving into your board.
    4. Cheese Curds (Classic or Garlic Dill) — A must in Midwest fall spreads. Their fresh, squeaky bite works especially well alongside hard cider or pretzels.

    🍂 Perfect Fall Cheese Board Pairings

    Create balance on your board by mixing savory, sweet, crunchy, and soft. Try these complementary additions:

    • Fruits & Spreads: Honeycrisp apples, dried figs, Bartlett pears, cranberry compote, fig jam, pumpkin butter
    • Crunchy Elements: Candied walnuts, roasted pecans, seeded crackers, pretzel sticks
    • Extras: Cured meats (like prosciutto or salami), pickled onions, dark chocolate squares, artisan bread

    🍷 What to Sip With It

    • Hard Cider: Light, crisp, and apple-forward — naturally pairs with cheddar
    • Red Wine: A pinot noir or cabernet can stand up to bold aged cheeses
    • Warm Drinks: Spiced cider or mulled wine complement the cozy fall ambiance

    🧩 Tips for Building Your Cheese Board

    • Choose 3–5 cheeses with varied textures and flavor profiles
    • Use ramekins or small bowls for spreads, nuts, or soft items
    • Add seasonal décor like mini pumpkins, dried leaves, or a flannel napkin
    • Bring cheeses to room temperature before serving — flavors bloom when warmed

    🍁 Why Choose Ron’s Cheeses?

    When you build your board with Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, you’re choosing farm-fresh, handcrafted cheese straight from our Wisconsin creamery. Our cheddar, curds, and string cheeses carry the legacy of farmstead cheesemaking — pure, transparent, and full of flavor.

    👉 [Shop Snow Cheddar]
    👉 [Explore Aged Cheddar & Gift Boxes]

  • Behind the Scenes of Fall Harvest: Chopping Corn for the Dairy

    Hauling Corn Silage
    Hauling Corn Silage
    packing corn silage pile
    packing corn silage pile
    Chopping Corn Silage
    Chopping Corn Silage
    Chopping Corn Silage Ariel
    Chopping Corn Silage Ariel

    Fall on the farm is a season of change. The mornings turn cooler, the leaves begin to shift, and our fields quickly transform into a hub of activity. For our dairy, harvest season means one big job — chopping corn. While many people think of autumn as pumpkins and apple orchards, on our Wisconsin dairy farm it’s the busiest and most important time of the year. Harvest ensures our, cows will be well-fed in the months ahead.

    What Corn Harvest Means for Our Dairy

    Chopping corn isn’t simply about bringing in a crop; it’s about preparing the feed that will sustain our herd year-round. Corn silage forms the cornerstone of our cows’ diet, providing the energy they need to stay healthy and produce high-quality milk. Every acre of corn we chop represents thousands of nutritious meals for our herd in the year to come.

    The Work Behind Chopping Corn

    During harvest, the fields buzz with nonstop activity. The chopper moves row by row, cutting corn and processing it into small, digestible pieces. Wagons and trucks line up to carry the silage back to the farm. Once there, it’s packed tightly into silage bunkers. This packing step is just as important as chopping itself, because silage must be compacted to remove oxygen. Without oxygen, it ferments properly and stays preserved.

    Meanwhile, support crews keep equipment running, drivers move quickly between fields and farm, and teams back home monitor the bunkers to ensure the silage is stored correctly. It’s a coordinated effort requiring long hours, teamwork, and plenty of dedication.

    Challenges of Corn Harvest

    Like any harvest, chopping corn comes with challenges. Weather plays a huge role — too much rain slows progress, while an early frost can change crop quality. Equipment breakdowns are another hurdle, sometimes stopping the entire operation until repairs are made. And of course, there are the long days that stretch from sunrise until long after dark. Even so, we know every hour of hard work now ensures our cows will have the best possible feed later.

    The Rewards of a Successful Harvest

    When the final rows are chopped and the bunkers are full, the relief is enormous. Seeing that silage stored away means peace of mind — our cows will have the nutrition they need for the year ahead. For us, chopping corn is more than another farm chore; it’s the foundation of our farmstead dairy operation. And there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly packed silage on a crisp Wisconsin fall day.

    A Glimpse of Farm Life During Harvest

    Some of our best farm memories come from chopping season. Kids climb into the tractor for rides, meals are packed into coolers and eaten in the cab, and headlights glow across the fields long after sunset. Harvest may be exhausting, but it brings everyone together — family, employees, neighbors, and even curious visitors who stop to watch the action.

    Closing Thoughts

    Fall harvest on a dairy farm may look different than the “typical” idea of autumn, but for us, chopping corn is one of the most important things we do all year. It’s how we care for our cows, sustain our farm, and ultimately, provide the milk and cheese enjoyed by families near and far.

    We’re grateful you joined us for this behind-the-scenes look at harvest season. The next time you enjoy a glass of milk or a bag of cheese curds, you’ll know it all started with hard work in the cornfields this fall.

    Written by Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy Family Member: Kiley Pagel

  • Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese at the Art of Cheese: Cheese Fair Off the Square

    Art of Cheese 2025
    Art of Cheese Display
    Art of Cheese Booth 2025
    Art of Cheese Samples

    This past weekend, our team had the pleasure of attending the Art of Cheese: Cheese Fair Off the Square in Madison, Wisconsin. The event brought together cheesemakers, food lovers, and curious visitors — all eager to celebrate Wisconsin’s proud dairy tradition.

    🧀 Sampling Our Signature Cheeses

    At our booth, we featured two favorites: our naturally white Snow Cheddar and our creamy Herbs & Spice Spread. Many guests stopped by to taste both, and it was exciting to watch their reactions. While some fell in love with the bold sharpness of Snow Cheddar, others couldn’t get enough of the savory, spreadable flavor of Herbs & Spice.

    Because the event drew a mix of locals and out-of-towners, it gave us the perfect chance to share our farmstead story with new audiences. Visitors often asked how Snow Cheddar earned its name or what makes our spreads different, which led to some wonderful conversations about quality, freshness, and tradition.

    🌟 Why Events Like This Matter

    Cheese in Wisconsin is more than a product; it’s a way of life. Events like Art of Cheese Fair Off the Square remind us of that. They connect people directly with the makers, build community pride, and give everyone a chance to experience flavors they may never have tried before.

    For our team, the event was also a way to celebrate the hard work of cheesemakers across the state. Every booth told a different story, yet together they showcased why Wisconsin continues to lead the nation in both quality and variety.

    🐄 Carrying Forward the Farmstead Tradition

    As a farmstead operation, we take pride in using milk from our own cows and crafting cheese in small batches. Attending events like this reinforces why that approach matters. When people taste the difference — the freshness, the texture, and the authentic flavor — they understand why we choose the harder, slower, but more rewarding path.

    💛 Thank You for Stopping By at the Art of Cheese

    We’re grateful to everyone who visited our booth, sampled our cheeses, and shared their stories. Your support keeps our family tradition alive and inspires us to keep creating cheeses that reflect the very best of Wisconsin.

    If you missed the fair this time, you can still enjoy our Snow Cheddar and Herbs & Spice Spread at home.

    👉 [Shop Our Cheeses Online]
    📍 [Visit Our Store in Luxemburg, WI]

    Written by Ron’s Teammate:

    Cassie

    Cassie is part of the Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese team, where she helps bring handcrafted, farm-fresh cheese to families across the country. Based in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, she’s passionate about local food, sustainable farming, and sharing the story behind every bite.

  • How Aging Changes Cheese (And Why It Matters)

    Ron's Snow Cheddar Block
    Ron’s Snow cheddar block

    When you compare a young cheddar to a bold aged version, it’s astonishing to think both began the same. That’s the magic of cheese aging — over time, texture, flavor, aroma, and character evolve. At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we proudly age our cheddars from 1 year up to 17 years right on our farm. But what really happens during that time — and why does it matter? Let’s dive in.

    ⏳ What Is Cheese Aging?

    Cheese aging — also known as affinage — is the process of maturing cheese under precisely controlled conditions. Over time, natural enzymes and bacteria break down proteins and fats, reshaping texture and developing layered flavors. Depending on cheese type and conditions, this maturation can take weeks, months, or even years.

    What Happens as Cheese Ages

    1. Flavor Strengthens

    Young cheddar tastes mild, creamy, and smooth. As cheese ages, proteins break into amino acids, and fats convert into aromatic compounds. The result? Sharpness, nuttiness, umami — flavor complexity you won’t find in a fresh block.

    2. Texture Transforms

    Fresh cheddar is soft and pliable. With age, moisture evaporates, making the cheese firmer, sometimes crumbly. Those delightful crunches you feel? That’s tyrosine crystal formation — a hallmark of rich aging.

    3. Color Deepens

    While our Snow Cheddar remains naturally white (we never use dyes), aged cheddars often darken slightly due to oxidation and moisture loss.

    4. Aroma Evolves

    Young cheese smells gently milky. With time, aromas grow deeper: earthy, nutty, sharp. The smell hints at the many transformations happening inside.

    Why Aging Matters (Especially for Cheddar)

    Cheddar shines through aging. It reveals hidden depth and complexity you can’t rush. That’s why we offer multiple aging tiers:

    • 1-Year Cheddar: mellow, smooth, ideal for melting
    • 3–5 Year Cheddar: balanced, with tang and density
    • 10–17 Year Cheddar: intense, savory, full of character and crystal crunch

    🧡 How to Enjoy Aged Cheddar

    • Pair it with bold wines, dark chocolate, or cured meats.
    • Crack it into rustic chunks for cheese boards.
    • Shave it into salads or melt it for gourmet mac and cheese.

    Aged cheddar is more than a snack — it’s an experience.

    🛒 Taste the Difference Aging Makes

    At Ron’s, we age our cheddar right on our Wisconsin farm — ensuring the ideal conditions to bring out the best in every batch.

    👉 [Shop Aged Cheddars from 1 to 17 Years]

  • What It Means to Be Farmstead

    Farmstead Aerial View

    What Farmstead Cheese Means at Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese

    These days, the word “farmstead” gets thrown around. But at Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, it’s more than a label — it’s a way of life. For us, farmstead means we milk our own cows, make our own cheese, and deliver it directly to you. That’s the true definition of farmstead cheese in Wisconsin.

    🚜 From Cow to Curds on One Property

    Most cheese companies buy milk from outside farms. We don’t. Instead, we raise our own herd, milk them on-site, and transfer the milk just steps away to our cheesemaking facility. Often, that milk becomes cheese within hours. This farmstead process ensures unmatched freshness and full transparency — from pasture to plate.

    🧀 Why Farmstead Cheese Matters

    When you choose farmstead cheese, you get benefits that big dairy operations can’t match:

    • Unmatched freshness from milk processed the same day
    • Full traceability — we know exactly where our milk comes from
    • Superior flavor and consistency in every batch

    Because we know our cows and their care, we know our milk. And that means you can taste the difference in every bite of Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese.

    🌿 Committed to Quality and Integrity

    Being farmstead isn’t just about control — it’s about doing things the right way. For us, that means avoiding shortcuts, even if the process is harder or slower. We put flavor, freshness, and trust first in everything we make.

    This dedication reflects Wisconsin’s dairy heritage and the values that built America’s Dairyland. Learn more about Wisconsin’s farmstead cheesemaking tradition.

    🧡 The Ron’s Difference

    In a crowded marketplace, our promise is simple:

    • Farm-fresh milk from our own cows
    • Handcrafted, small-batch Wisconsin cheese
    • Family-run values, rooted in honesty and care

    That’s what farmstead means to us — and why customers keep choosing Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese.

    Farm Fresh. Handcrafted. Wisconsin Proud.

    Written By Rons Teammate

    Cassie

  • What Makes Ron’s Cheese Different?

    Checking the Vat at Rons Cheese

    There’s no shortage of cheese brands in Wisconsin. But at Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we take a different path. Our commitment to farmstead cheese in Wisconsin means we use milk from our own herd, craft small batches with care, and focus on authentic flavor that keeps customers coming back.

    🐄 Farmstead Cheese in Wisconsin: Fresh from Our Herd

    We don’t just source milk — we produce it ourselves. Our cheese begins with milk from our own cows, raised on family farmland in Kewaunee County. This farmstead approach guarantees freshness, transparency, and quality at every step. By keeping the process in-house, we eliminate middlemen and ensure every bite reflects Wisconsin’s proud dairy heritage.

    🧀 Small-Batch Wisconsin Cheese Craftsmanship

    Unlike industrial operations, we produce cheese in small, carefully monitored batches. Every batch is tested, tasted, and crafted by experienced cheesemakers who know how to balance flavor and texture. This dedication to craftsmanship results in cheese that’s consistent, fresh, and unmistakably Wisconsin.

    ❄️ Signature Wisconsin Cheese Products

    Our lineup goes beyond the basics. Signature products like Snow Cheddar — our naturally white cheddar — and our award-winning Mozzarella Cheese Whips showcase recipes we’ve developed and perfected in-house. These aren’t rebranded commodities; they’re original Wisconsin cheeses, crafted from scratch and refined over time.

    🤝 Family-Owned, Wisconsin Proud

    Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese is still a family-run company, and we take pride in doing things the right way. That means honest labeling, careful packaging, and customer-first values. If a product isn’t good enough for our own family table, it never leaves our creamery.

    🌱 The Ron’s Difference

    In a crowded market, our difference is simple:

    • Farm-fresh milk from our own herd
    • Handcrafted small-batch cheese you can trust
    • Wisconsin pride in every curd, whip, and wheel

    That’s what sets us apart — and why people keep choosing Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese.

    Farm Fresh. Handcrafted. Wisconsin Proud.

    Written By Ron’t Teammate:

    Cassie

  • 🚛 From Distributor to Dairy: How Ron’s Found Its True Flavor

    Early 2000s Storefront view of Ron's Wisconsin Cheese Retail Store
    Early 2000s Storefront view of Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese Retail Store

    Before we crafted our own cheese, we delivered it.

    Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese started as a local distributor — sourcing cheese from other makers and getting it into the hands of small shops, delis, and families across Wisconsin.

    📦 Built on Relationships

    Ron’s earned trust not just by showing up, but by caring about quality, freshness, and consistency. We became a household name — even without making the cheese ourselves.

    🧀 The Turning Point

    In 2015, we took the leap. Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy acquired Ron’s and began producing cheese using milk from our own cows. We went from distributor to true farmstead cheesemaker — bringing every part of the process under one roof.

    🌟 A New Era Begins

    That transition allowed us to develop signature products like Snow Cheddar, expand into string cheese and cheese curds, and introduce Wisconsin to the fresh, full-flavor cheese we had always dreamed of making.

    Farm Fresh. Handcrafted. Farmstead Cheese

  • Meet the People Behind the Cheese

    Cheese Plant Team

    Behind every squeaky curd and block of cheddar, there’s a story. It’s not only about milk and cheese. It’s about the people who make it all happen.

    At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we are more than a brand. We’re a family of farmers, cheesemakers, packagers, drivers, and cheese lovers who work together every day to bring you something real.

    🐄 It Starts on the Farm

    Our story begins at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy, where our team cares for cows with respect and compassion. Healthy, happy cows produce the freshest milk possible, and that milk is the foundation of every product we make.

    🧀 Crafting the Cheese

    In our cheesemaking facility, you’ll find artisans who have spent years perfecting their craft. They know the exact moment to cut curds, how to coax rich flavor from simple ingredients, and the patience it takes to create a perfectly aged cheddar.

    📦 Packing and Shipping with Care

    From labeling to logistics, our team makes sure every package is fresh and handled with care. Whether it’s a single block or a holiday gift box, we treat each order as if it were going to family—because often, it is.

    🧡 Why It Matters

    We believe great cheese starts with great people. When you choose Ron’s, you support local jobs, family traditions, and generations of cheesemaking knowledge.

    Shop Our Products Now!

    Shop

    Farm Fresh. Handcrafted. Farmstead Cheese.

    Written By Rons Teammate:

    Cassie

    Cassie is part of the Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese team, where she helps bring handcrafted, farm-fresh cheese to families across the country. Based in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, she’s passionate about local food, sustainable farming, and sharing the story behind every bite.

  • Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese at the Kewaunee County Farm to Fork Gala

    Farm To Fork Gala 2025
    Farm To Fork Gala 2025
    Farm To Fork Gala 2025
    Farm To Fork Gala 2025
    Farm To Fork Gala 2025
    Farm To Fork Gala 2025
    Farm To Fork Gala 2025
    Farm To Fork Gala 2025

    Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese had the honor of setting up the meat and cheese table at this year’s Farm to Fork Gala, hosted by the Kewaunee County Dairy Promotion Committee. The evening brought farmers, producers, and neighbors together to celebrate agriculture and the community it sustains.

    A Community Celebration

    The Farm to Fork Gala is more than a dinner. It is a reminder of how food connects people to the land and to the families who produce it. Guests enjoyed a night filled with conversation, local flavors, and a strong sense of community pride.

    Our Contribution to the Table

    Our team was proud to prepare a spread that highlighted Wisconsin’s best flavors. The table featured:

    • 🧀 Fresh cheese curds (a true Wisconsin favorite)
    • 🧀 Our signature Snow Cheddar and specialty cheddars
    • 🧀 Classic Cheese Whips

    By sharing our products, we were able to tell our farmstead story—cheese crafted in Kewaunee with milk from our own herd at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy.

    Why Farm to Fork Matters

    Events like this gala matter because they connect consumers with local farms. Supporting agriculture means protecting traditions, strengthening rural communities, and ensuring future generations can carry on Wisconsin’s cheesemaking legacy.

    A Thank You to the Community

    We are grateful to the Kewaunee County Dairy Promotion Committee for inviting us to be part of this year’s event. In addition, we thank the many volunteers who made the evening possible and the guests who stopped by our table.

    We look forward to more opportunities to celebrate and share the flavors of our farmstead with the community.

    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.

    Written By Ron’s Teammate:

    Cassie

    Cassie is part of the Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese team, where she helps bring handcrafted, farm-fresh cheese to families across the country. Based in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, she’s passionate about local food, sustainable farming, and sharing the story behind every bite.

  • Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese Wins Big at the World Dairy Expo Cheese Contest

    At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we’ve always believed that farmstead tradition, quality milk, and a passion for cheesemaking set us apart. This year, we’re thrilled to share that those values have been recognized on the global stage: we brought home three awards from the 2025 World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest in Madison, Wisconsin!

    🥇 1st Place: Snow Cheddar Spread

    Our Snow Cheddar Spread took home first place in its category. This smooth, creamy spread showcases the naturally white, rich flavor of our Snow Cheddar in a versatile form perfect for crackers, pretzels, and sandwiches. It’s no surprise the judges loved it as much as our customers do!

    🥈 2nd Place: Three Pepper Cheese Curds

    If you like your snacks with a little kick, our Three Pepper Cheese Curds are the perfect choice. Blended with jalapeño and bell peppers, they balance heat with the classic squeaky, fresh curd texture. These bold curds earned second place, proving that spice and tradition make an award-winning combination. Coming soon to the website!

    🥉 3rd Place: Classic Cheese Curds

    Nothing says Wisconsin quite like fresh cheese curds. Our classic cheddar curds received third place, a true honor in a category packed with competition. Known for their squeak, freshness, and farmstead quality, these curds continue to be a fan favorite both locally and online.

    About the World Dairy Expo Cheese Contest

    The World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest is one of the largest and most respected competitions of its kind. Hundreds of entries from around the globe are judged for flavor, texture, and craftsmanship. Winning here isn’t just about taste—it’s about tradition, skill, and quality, which makes these awards especially meaningful for our team.

    A Win for Farmstead Tradition

    These awards are more than just ribbons—they highlight the hard work of our family, our dedicated cheesemakers, and our cows at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy. As a farmstead cheese company, we take pride in using milk from our own herd to craft cheeses that stay true to our Wisconsin roots.

    Taste the Award Winners for Yourself

    Want to try our award-winning cheeses? You’ll find them at our Luxemburg, WI retail store or right here in our online shop.

    Experience the same flavors that caught the judges’ attention—and see why Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese is proudly carrying on Wisconsin’s cheesemaking tradition.

    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.

    Written By Ron’s Teammate:

    Cassie

    Cassie is part of the Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese team, where she helps bring handcrafted, farm-fresh cheese to families across the country. Based in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, she’s passionate about local food, sustainable farming, and sharing the story behind every bite.

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