Event Recap: HRN at The Art of Cheese Festival
Event Recap: HRN at The Art of Cheese Festival
Last September in Madison, Wisconsin, cheese lovers and artisans gathered for the first-ever Art of Cheese Festival hosted by the Wisconsin Dairy Farmers. A weekend-long celebration of all things cheese brought together people united by their love of cheese and passion for sharing their stories for which Wisconsin is renowned.
During the festival in the HRN podcast lounge, our Cutting the Curd host, Jessica Kesselman had the privilege of chatting with esteemed cheesemakers including Orphee Paillotin, Marieke Penterman, and Ricardo Gutierrez Cruz, each sharing a story of their unique journey that led them to the heart of America's Dairyland.
HRN also spoke with three women in cheese who are changing the landscape of the Dairy State. Huma Siddiqui-Seitz discussed the relationship between food and culture, and her goals for her company, White Jasmine; Madeline Kuhn shared her journey in cheese and describes the process of Product Development at Emmi Roth; Pam Hodgson of Sartori Cheese is currently one of only two women to have the title of Master Cheesemaker. She explains what this title means, and her path to get here.
HRN also took their microphones to the farm. Listen to a special episode recorded at Uplands Cheese Company in Dodgeville, WI, during an interactive tour of the farm and creamery by Upland’s Liana Mericka and Andy Hatch.
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In addition to capturing the event through immersive storytelling and reporting, HRN had the pleasure of attending the Wisconsin Cheese Ball. This blow-out event served as a testament to the passion and dedication of Wisconsin's cheese community, showcasing the diverse array of cheeses that have earned the state its reputation as a cheese lover's paradise. There was even a cheese wedge shaped disco ball!
At the heart of the festival is the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the state's dairy farmers and their world-class products. Since its inception in 1983, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin has played a pivotal role in highlighting and supporting Wisconsin's dairy products and makers, ensuring the continued success of family-owned dairy farms across the state.
As Wisconsin continues to uphold its reputation as America's Dairyland, events like the Art of Cheese Festival serve as a celebration of the rich heritage and tradition that define the state's cheese-making legacy. Through their unwavering dedication and passion, Wisconsin cheese makers continue to elevate Wisconsin's cheese industry to new heights, captivating palates and inspiring generations to come.
