May 7, 2026
WESTBY, Wis. — Great dairy begins at the source, and Westby Cooperative Creamery’s commitment to quality was recognized recently with top honors at the World Championship Cheese Contest.
At the cooperative’s April meeting, Westby Coop Creamery leaders formally presented the awards to the board of directors, celebrating standout performances by two signature products in one of the world’s most prestigious dairy competitions.
Westby’s French Onion Dip earned second place in the cultured dairy dips category, narrowly missing a sweep with a near-perfect score of 99.55 out of 100. The cooperative’s 2 percent small curd cottage cheese also reached the podium, placing third in its category.
Creamery officials credited the recognition to the entire organization — from production staff to member-owners — emphasizing that award-winning products begin long before they reach the judging table.
“These wins belong to our entire team, including our dedicated farm families,” the cooperative said in a statement. “Their commitment to shipping high-quality milk is the secret ingredient behind every award-winning product we make.”
The World Championship Cheese Contest attracts entries from across the globe and is widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in dairy manufacturing. Products are evaluated by expert judges on flavor, texture, appearance and overall quality.
During the April meeting, members of the board and management team gathered to mark the achievement and acknowledge those who contributed to the success. Pictured during the presentation were, from left, Ashley Olson, Andy Olson, Ben Klinkner, Jeff LeJeune, Jerad Fleming, Seth Byom and Gerry Vesbach.
Founded as a farmer-owned cooperative, Westby Cooperative Creamery has built its reputation on close partnerships with local dairy farm families and a focus on consistency and craftsmanship. Cooperative leaders said the latest awards reaffirm that approach and reflect the strength of the cooperative model.
“Recognition at this level reinforces what we know to be true,” the creamery said. “When our farms, employees and leadership work together with a shared focus on quality, the results speak for themselves.”
The awards add to Westby Coop Creamery’s long history of national and international honors and underscore its role as a leader in Wisconsin’s dairy industry.
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