Another World Championship Cheese Contest has come to a close, and as it wrapped, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) honored the leaders who helped make it possible. Among them are contest judge Russell Smith; contest volunteers Kevin Thome of the Cheese Reporter and Bruce Workman of Edelweiss Creamery; and the Danish Dairy Board.
“Our passionate, dedicated judges and volunteers are an essential part of our Championship Cheese Contests. We’re deeply grateful for their commitment to growing these events and ensuring their continued success, year after year,” said Kirsten Strohmenger, Contest Director.
The awards were presented on Wednesday, March 6, during the contest that took place in Madison Wisconsin, a release relayed.
Smith earned the Aschebrock Award, named for Contest Chief Judge Emeritus Robert Aschebrock, and which recognizes an outstanding contest judge and mentor.
Smith is a cheesemaker, consultant, and educator who tirelessly works with cheesemakers in Australia and New Zealand. This year marks his seventh time judging the World Championship Cheese Contest, and he has evaluated dairy products in major Australian competitions since 1998. Smith played a critical role in growing Australian entries in the World Championship Cheese Contest, this year facilitating an impressive 65 entries from the country.
Thome and Workman received the Eggebrecht Award, named for the late Contest Committee Chairman and “B-Team” Founder Brian Eggebrecht.
Workman, one of the most decorated Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers, has volunteered at the Championship Cheese Contests for 23 years. Owner of the award-winning Edelweiss Cheese Factory in Monticello, Wisconsin, Workman has been a leader in preparing and executing Swiss-style cheese judging at WCMA’s Contests—even crafting the special wire tools needed to cut entries as large as 200 pounds.
Thome has contributed his time and effort to the Championship Cheese Contests for more than 30 years, serving as writer, advertising manager, designer, and producer of the Cheese Reporter newspaper.
The Schlinsog Award, named for Contest Chief Judge Emeritus Bill Schlinsog, is presented annually to a leader in the dairy industry who has helped build and support the excellence of WCMA’s Championship Cheese Contests. This year, the Schlinsog Award was presented to the Danish Dairy Board. Lars Johannes Nielsen accepted the award in person on the Board’s behalf.
To read more about these leaders, click here.
Cheers to all of those who helped make this event possible!
