2811 Agriculture Drive
PO Box 8911
Madison, WI 53706
Wisconsin is a natural home for dairy artisans. The Wisconsin Dairy Artisan Network (WDAN) is a network of farmstead and artisan dairy producers from around the state of Wisconsin. It was born in 1999 out of a farmstead dairy conference that focused on value-added processing of milk on the farm. Interest was so unexpectedly strong and high that organizers began to target this group for special attention. Hence the creation of WDAN, whose mission is to “assist current and future Wisconsin dairy food artisans through education, promotion of the craft, and regulatory advocacy.” There are currently almost 30 artisans in the network.
The bulk of WDAN members produce cheeses from cow, goat and sheep milk—Swiss, cheddar, chevre, mozzarella, Munster, Colby, and more. Other members produce milks, yogurts, ice creams, soaps, or a variety of any of the above. Some WDAN producers are certified organic, while others are not. But each member either produces their own milk or can tell you where their milk came from and how the animals were treated.
What makes a dairy artisan?
- A dairy artisan makes cheese or other dairy products using goat, cow or sheep milk, possibly but not necessarily from their own farmstead; either way, the artisan is in close contact with the milk source, quality, and animal treatment.
- Artisan foods capture the flavor of the environment where they were produced.
- Artisan foods are often handmade and usually made using specialty techniques in small batches.
- “Artisan” captures the uniqueness and special identity of each product as well as the artisan who makes it.
Check out the following WDAN producers, who are also part of FamilyFarmed.org:
Sibby’s Organic Ice Cream
Cedar Grove Cheese
You can learn more about cheese in Wisconsin at the Wisconsin Dairy Artisan Network website.
