Culture Magazine

BES T CHEESES 2024 culturecheesemag.com 7 CHEESE BITES 5 Reasons Industry Pros Should Join Cheese State University MASTER YOUR CRAFT AND BUILD YOUR COMMUNITY WITH THIS NEW (AND FREE!) PROGRAM FROM DAIRY FARMERS OF WISCONSIN written by Ashia Aubourg 1 SHARPEN YOUR CHEESE KNOWLEDGE. Dairy farmers, business owners, makers, and scientists developed the program's curriculum, ensuring all aspects of the industry, from pasture to plate, are covered. Some topics include: microbiology, dairy chemistry, food safety, sales, and professional development. "This is a space where everyone is an equal—novices, cheesemongers, and experts," says Carlos Yescas, Cheese State Scholar. The course couples professional training with foundational education to strengthen skills and confidence. 2 DEEPEN CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS IN THE CHEESE COMMUNITY. Once you enroll, you'll get access to the Cheese State University app, a social media platform that connects you with other industry professionals so you can network, learn, and get the inside scoop on upcoming events. "CSU allowed us to offer an interactive and connected community of cheese professionals to our staff, while also giving them access to education in a fun and engaging way," says Sarah Simiele, Cheese State Scholar. 3 ADD A NEW CERTIFICATION TO YOUR RESUME. After passing the required Field Guide Assessment at Cheese State University (don't worry, you get multiple tries to ace the test), you'll receive a certificate to add to your resume or LinkedIn profile. "Receiving my diploma has reignited my passion for cheese as well as my job," notes Karen Lange, Cheese State Scholar. 4 PREPARE YOURSELF FOR OTHER EXAMS. While Cheese State University is not associated with the American Cheese Society, the topics covered in the two programs overlap. Think of it as a practice test that equips you with the foundational knowledge you need for all kinds of industry exams. 5 THE COURSE IS COMPLETELY FREE. "This tool is transforming how we educate cheesemongers," Yescas says. As long as you're a cheese professional, there's no barrier to enrolling in this program. Cheese State University waives all costs so that all you have to worry about is filling out the application (which takes under three minutes to complete!). c BY the NUMBERS 100 The American Cheese Society's Judging and Competition: 2023 2 195 1983 131 4 1,495 Number of judges per team: one technical judge and one aesthetic judge Maximum points given to a cheese. Technical judges start at a perfect score of 50, deducting points for flaws, and aesthetic judges award points up to 50 for outstanding characteristics and qualities Number of companies that entered cheeses Year the American Cheese Society was founded Areas that are judged: Flavor, Aroma, Texture, Appearance Number of categories, including Best in Show Number of cheeses entered in the competition

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