Tag: farmstead cheese

The Cheeses That Defined Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese Over 50 Years
Ron’s Wisconsin Cheeses

When a cheese business lasts 50 years, it’s not just because of a good story — it’s because the products earn their place on the table, year after year.

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’re taking a closer look at the cheeses that helped define Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese and kept customers coming back for decades. These are the products that stood the test of time — not because they followed trends, but because they delivered on quality, consistency, and flavor.

Cheese Spreads: A Staple From the Start

Cheese spreads have been a core part of Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese for decades and remain some of our most-loved products today.

From classic flavors to customer favorites like Herbs & Spice, these spreads became popular because they were versatile, reliable, and always full of flavor. Whether served with crackers, spread on sandwiches, or brought to gatherings, they’ve been part of countless everyday moments and special occasions.

They aren’t flashy — they’re dependable. And that’s exactly why people keep reaching for them.

Cheddar: Simple, Honest, and Always in Demand

Cheddar has always been a cornerstone of what we do.

Over the years, our cheddar lineup has evolved, but the goal has never changed: clean flavor, proper aging, and consistency you can taste. From mild to sharp, cheddar remains a customer favorite because it’s versatile enough for everyday use and good enough to stand on its own.

It’s the kind of cheese that doesn’t need explaining — it just needs to be good.

Cheese Curds: Freshness Matters

Few products represent Wisconsin cheese culture quite like fresh cheese curds.

For years, customers have trusted Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese for curds that deliver on texture, flavor, and freshness. Whether enjoyed straight from the bag, fried, or shared at gatherings, curds have become a must-have item for both locals and customers ordering online.

They’re a reminder that sometimes the simplest products demand the most care.

Cheese Whips & String Cheese: Fun, Functional Favorites

Cheese Whips and String Cheese may feel modern, but their popularity comes from the same principles as everything else we make: quality milk, careful production, and attention to detail.

They’re easy to grab, easy to share, and loved by all ages — which is why they’ve earned a permanent place in our lineup.

Why These Products Lasted

Not every product makes it through five decades. The ones that do share a few things in common:
- Consistent quality
- Honest ingredients
- Reliable flavor
- Real customer demand
At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, products aren’t kept around because of tradition alone — they stay because customers ask for them again and again.

50 Years of Favorites — and Counting

These cheeses helped shape who we are, but they’re also part of where we’re going. As tastes evolve and new ideas take shape, the foundation remains the same: make products people trust and enjoy.

That commitment is what’s carried Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese through 50 years — and it’s what will guide us into the future.

Celebrate With the Classics

Experience the cheeses that have brought people back for generations.

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 Rons Teamate:
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.
February 16, 2026
Why Winter Is the Best Time for Cheese

Ron’s Snow Cheddar in the Snow

When most people think about cheese season, summer picnics and holiday gift boxes usually come to mind. But behind the scenes, winter is one of the most important — and underrated — times of year for great cheese.

At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, winter plays a huge role in flavor, quality, and consistency. From how cheese ages to how it ships, colder months create conditions that let cheese truly shine.

Here’s why winter might just be the best time to enjoy cheese.

Winter Brings Consistency From Farm to Creamery

Winter also brings consistency on the farm.

Cooler temperatures mean less fluctuation throughout the day, which supports steady milk quality. That consistency matters at every step of the cheesemaking process — from the moment milk enters the plant to the final product being cut, packaged, and enjoyed.

When everything is steady, cheesemakers can focus on precision and craftsmanship.

Cheese Ships Better in the Winter

There’s a practical side to winter cheese, too.

Cold weather helps protect cheese during shipping, especially for customers ordering online. Lower outside temperatures reduce stress on packaging and help cheese arrive in better condition — fresher, firmer, and closer to how it left the creamery.

It’s one of the reasons winter is a favorite season for shipping cheese across the country.

Comfort Food Season Brings Out the Best in Cheese

Let’s be honest — winter is comfort food season.

From cheese boards and melted dishes to cozy snacks by the fire, winter meals tend to highlight cheese in its best form. Sharp cheddars, savory curds, creamy spreads, and snack cheeses all feel right at home this time of year.

Cold days invite slower meals, shared plates, and flavors that linger.

A Season That Celebrates Craft

While winter may feel quieter on the outside, it’s a busy and meaningful season in the creamery. It’s a time for focus, refinement, and letting good cheese become great cheese.

So if you’re enjoying cheese this winter, know that the season itself plays a role in what you’re tasting. Cold air, steady conditions, and patience all work together to bring out the best in every bite.

Winter may be long in Wisconsin — but when it comes to cheese, that’s a very good thing.

One cheese we think benefits the most from winter is our Snow Cheddar. We tend to make more of it in the wintertime ironically.

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.

January 19, 2026
From Cow to Curd: How We Craft Farm-Fresh Cheese in Kewaunee

The Heart of Every Great Cheese

At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, great flavor starts long before the cheesemaking. It begins on our family farm in Kewaunee, where every morning’s milk comes from cows we raise and care for ourselves.

Because the milk never leaves the property, it travels only 90 seconds from our parlor to the cheese plant — keeping it as fresh as possible. That’s what makes our cheese truly farmstead: made start-to-finish right here, from our cows to your table.

Step 1: It Starts with Exceptional Milk

Our cows are the foundation of everything we do. They’re fed a balanced diet grown right on our land — corn silage, haylage, and grains that keep them healthy and happy year-round.

Fresh milk is collected daily and tested for quality before it ever reaches the cheese vat. This hands-on care is what sets farmstead cheesemaking apart from factory production — every batch begins with pride, not just process.

Step 2: Turning Milk into Curds

Once the milk reaches our creamery, our cheesemakers heat and culture it with precision. The curds that form are cut, stirred, and gently cooked until they reach the perfect texture — squeaky, tender, and full of character.

This is where favorites like our fresh cheese curds and Snow Cheddar begin their journey. From there, they’re pressed and aged depending on the final cheese style.

Step 3: Aging, Flavor, and Wisconsin Craftsmanship

Some cheeses — like Snow Cheddar, aged 2 years — develop a rich, nutty flavor over time. Others, like our spreads, capture that same creamy Wisconsin richness in a smooth, ready-to-serve form.

No matter the style, every wheel, block, or curd that leaves our plant represents the same promise: crafted on-site, by people who care, using milk from cows we know by name.

Why Farmstead Matters

When you choose farmstead cheese, you’re supporting more than local food — you’re supporting a Wisconsin tradition that values hard work, transparency, and quality over shortcuts.

You taste the difference in every bite: fresher flavor, fuller texture, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your cheese comes from.

🧀 Taste the Difference

Want to experience farm-fresh flavor for yourself? Explore our full line of artisan cheeses — from squeaky curds to aged cheddars — made right here in Kewaunee, WI.

👉 Shop Wisconsin Artisan Cheeses →

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 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.

December 1, 2025
10 Reasons Wisconsin Cheese is the Best in the World

When it comes to cheese, Wisconsin doesn’t just compete — it dominates. Known as America’s Dairyland, our state has built a global reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and variety. But what makes Wisconsin cheese truly stand out? Here are 10 reasons it’s considered the best in the world.

1. Generations of Cheesemaking Tradition

Wisconsin’s cheesemaking history stretches back to the mid-1800s, when European immigrants brought their skills to the fertile hills of the Midwest. Each generation has added to the craft, blending old-world methods with new innovations.

2. The Perfect Environment for Dairy Cows

Cool weather, lush pastures, and fresh water make Wisconsin ideal for raising healthy, happy cows. Great milk means great cheese — and our dairy farmers take that seriously.

3. More Varieties Than Anywhere Else

Wisconsin produces over 600 types, styles, and varieties of cheese, from squeaky curds to aged cheddars, blue cheeses, and artisan specialties.

4. The Master Cheesemaker Program

We’re the only state with the prestigious Master Cheesemaker Program, often called the “Ph.D. of cheese.” It takes years of training and testing to earn the title, and Wisconsin leads the nation in certified masters.

5. Commitment to Quality Standards

Since 1994, Wisconsin has required cheesemaker licensing — the only U.S. state to do so. That means every wheel and wedge is crafted under the care of a licensed professional.

6. Innovation Meets Tradition

From classic cheddar to unique creations like Snow Cheddar, Wisconsin cheesemakers aren’t afraid to experiment while honoring time-tested techniques.

7. A Strong Farm-to-Table Connection

Many Wisconsin cheesemakers, including Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, operate farmstead creameries. They use milk from their own cows, ensuring freshness, consistency, and full control from pasture to plate.

8. Award-Winning Excellence

Wisconsin cheeses regularly win top honors at national and international competitions — proof that quality here is more than a marketing claim.

9. A Culture That Celebrates Cheese

From cheese curd festivals to roadside cheese shops, Wisconsin celebrates cheese year-round. It’s not just food — it’s part of who we are.

10. Passion You Can Taste

Wisconsin cheesemakers pour pride, skill, and heart into every batch. That passion is what makes the difference when you take your first bite.

From the lush pastures of Kewaunee County to your dinner table, Wisconsin cheese carries a story in every slice. Taste the difference for yourself — because when it comes to cheese, there’s simply no place like Wisconsin.

🛒 Shop Wisconsin Cheese at Ron’s
📖 Read the History of Wisconsin Cheese

Written by Rons Cheese 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.

November 3, 2025

Cheddar & Apples: A Fall Flavor Match Made in Wisconsin

Sweet meets sharp in one of the Midwest’s most iconic seasonal pairings.

As the leaves turn and apple orchards fill with fresh-picked fruit, there’s one flavor combo we come back to every fall: cheddar and apples.

It’s sweet. It’s savory. And it’s surprisingly versatile — whether you’re building a cozy cheese board or baking up comfort food. At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we think fall is the perfect time to pair our farmstead cheddar with Wisconsin’s best apples.

Here’s how to make the most of this autumn classic.

🧀 Why Cheddar and Apples Work So Well

It comes down to contrast. Apples bring sweetness, acidity, and crunch. Cheddar adds richness, salt, and sharpness. The result is a perfect flavor balance — and when both are high-quality, the pairing shines.

Think of it like peanut butter and jelly — but a lot more gourmet.

🍎 Best Apples to Pair with Ron’s Cheddar

Here are a few of our favorite apple varieties and how they pair with our cheeses:

Apple	Flavor Profile	Pairs Well With
Honeycrisp	Sweet, crisp	Snow Cheddar, Smoked String Cheese
Granny Smith	Tart, firm	Snow Cheddar, 10-Year Cheddar
Jonagold	Sweet-tart, juicy	Snow Cheddar, 3–5 Year Cheddar
Cortland	Mild, creamy	Garlic Dill Curds, Mild Cheddar Blocks
McIntosh	Soft, aromatic	Sharp Cheddar, Cheese Spreads

🧀 Our Favorite Ways to Enjoy Apples & Cheddar

🧺 1. On a Cheese Board

Slice up fresh apples and serve them with cubes of Snow Cheddar. Add fig jam, spiced nuts, and a drizzle of honey.

🥪 2. Grilled Cheese with Apple Slices

Layer thin apple slices inside a grilled cheese with aged cheddar on sourdough. Press until crisp and golden — it’s pure comfort food.

🥧 3. Cheddar Apple Hand Pies

Add shredded Snow Cheddar to apple pie filling or crust dough for a savory-sweet twist. Great for fall picnics or Thanksgiving apps.

🥗 4. Apple & Cheddar Harvest Salad

Toss mixed greens with apple slices, roasted squash, sharp cheddar cubes, and maple vinaigrette. It’s autumn in a bowl.

🛒 Make It a Pairing to Remember

All of our cheddars — from smooth and creamy to sharp and aged — are made with milk from our own cows, right here in Wisconsin.

So when you grab a fresh bag of apples from the orchard, pair them with a cheese you can trust.

🍏 [Shop Cheddar Collection]
🧀 [Try Snow Cheddar]

Written By 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.

October 13, 2025

What It Means to Be Farmstead
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
September 22, 2025
What Makes Ron’s Cheese Different?
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
September 15, 2025
🚛 From Distributor to Dairy: How Ron’s Found Its True Flavor

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

September 8, 2025
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.

September 1, 2025
Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese at the Kewaunee County Farm to Fork Gala
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.
August 25, 2025