The accolade, announced August 13 at the Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction, marks a significant milestone for the family firm founded in 1914. Joshua Henning, currently a candidate in the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker Program with a graduation date set for 2027, continues the work initiated by his great-grandparents, Otto and Norma Henning. The winning cheddar proved highly sought after, fetching $550 per pound during the auction, which benefits the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board.
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Henning Cheese Claims Wisconsin Grand Master Title
With a near-perfect score of 99.175, Joshua Henning of the century-old Henning Cheese secured the 2026 Wisconsin Grand Master Cheesemaker title. His 18-month Traditional Waxed Cheddar bested over 500 entries at the state fair, underscoring a four-generation legacy of craft in the Kiel-based dairy operation.
Beyond the grand prize, the company earned top-three placements across several categories, including a first-place finish for their traditional cheddar cheese curds. Rebekah Henschel, co-owner and director of national sales, credited the win to the consistency of their regional supply chain, noting that the factory sources milk exclusively from family farms within a 30-mile radius. This focus on local sourcing remains central to the company’s production philosophy as they maintain their specialty cheese output.
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