Goat Milk

Wisconsin’s Sheep and Goat Cheese Sector Expands

Wisconsin has expanded its role in US sheep and goat dairying as demand grows for specialty cheeses made from non-bovine milk. The company is leading the US state in sheep dairy operations with 14 specialized farms, while also ranking as the top producer of fluid goat milk, managing approximately 78,000 dairy goats, at about 18% of the US total. Recent tracking has recorded growth in both sectors, alongside larger regional herds and greater diversification at farm level.

Sheep and goat milk are used by specialty cheesemakers partly because of their distinct compositions and flavor characteristics. Sheep milk contains a high proportion of total solids content, producing cheeses described as rich, buttery and naturally nutty, particularly in semi-firm forms. Goat cheeses range from fresh and spreadable when young to more earthy and complex after ageing.

Regional creameries are processing these milks in small batches and selling the resulting products through farmers’ markets and specialty-food distributors. Blakesville Creamery is one example cited in the source. Online producer directories and appearances at regional fairs have also provided channels through which consumers can find farmstead sheep and goat cheeses.

Keeping small ruminants requires different facilities and routines from those used in cattle dairying. Sheep and goats are agile and fast-moving, requiring specialized handling areas, milking-parlour equipment adapted to their size, and herd-health procedures suited to the animals. The source also identifies milk yield efficiency and product value as factors attracting producers to the sector.

Sheep and goat dairies are being incorporated into plans for farm succession, land use and value-added agricultural businesses. Public-awareness efforts include the Alice in Dairyland program and breed associations dedicated to small ruminants. Wisconsin’s expanding processing base for non-bovine milk forms part of the state’s established specialty-cheese industry.

According to the latest research report released by Fact.MR, the global mozzarella cheese market reached a size of US$38.6 billion in 2024 and subsequently expand at a CAGR of 5.9% over the next 10 years (2024 to 2034).

Mozzarella cheese, also known as curd cheese, can be sliced and used in food products. Mozzarella is popular for a variety of reasons, including its ease of melting, elastic and bouncy consistency, and smooth and soft texture.

The mozzarella cheese market is projected to grow at a steady pace. This growth is driven by mozzarella’s nutritional benefits, including its high calcium, protein, and vitamin content, which are increasingly recognized for supporting bone health and overall wellness. As the population becomes more health-conscious. Diabetic food manufacturers continue to consume a significant amount of mozzarella cheese.

Major contributors to this market expansion include key players such as Groupe Lactalis, known for its reduced-fat innovations, and Fonterra, which excels in export-grade mozzarella. The Grande Cheese Company is also a significant player, focusing on shreddable forms and clean-label certifications.

By application, food & beverage processing leads the market with a 44.23% share in 2024, valued at $17.07 billion, and is forecasted to reach $29.97 billion by 2034 at a 5.8% CAGR. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the dominant sales channels, accounting for 50% of the market in 2024, expected to rise to $34.2 billion by 2034.

Regional dynamics reveal that North America holds a 24.7% global market share in 2024, with the U.S. leading at $7.07 billion, projected to grow to $11.63 billion by 2034. Meanwhile, East Asia is expanding its market share, driven by urbanization and rising incomes, with Japan at the forefront.

Recent market developments include Saputo‘s August 2022 launch of ‘Frigo Cheese Heads Swirls‘ and Dalter Alimentari’s March 2021 debut of cheese matchsticks, emphasizing the market’s focus on innovation and versatility.

1 )  Vermont Creamery Bonne Bouche

Bonne Bouche is an acclaimed aged goat cheese produced by Vermont Creamery in Websterville, Vermont, USA. This cheese is known for its distinctive ash-ripened rind that develops a creamy and robust flavor as it ages. Initially aged for 10 days, Bonne Bouche can continue to mature for up to 90 days, becoming softer and more piquant over time.

It’s made from pasteurized goat’s milk sourced from small family farms, both local and Canadian, and is celebrated for its wrinkly, geotrichum-rind, giving it a unique texture and appearance.

2 )  Vermont Creamery Bijou

Bijou is a type of aged goat cheese produced by Vermont Creamery, known for its artisanal dairy products. Bijou, meaning “jewel” in French, reflects the small, precious nature of this cheese. It is characterized by its delicate, wrinkled rind and creamy, dense interior that becomes more complex in flavor as it ages.

Typically, Bijou has a mildly tangy, slightly sweet taste with earthy undertones, making it a versatile option for cheese boards, salads, or cooking. The cheese is hand-rolled and aged to ensure consistency and quality, showcasing the creamery’s dedication to traditional cheese-making techniques.

3 )  Vermont Creamery

      Vermont Goats’ Milk Feta

 

Vermont Goats’ Milk Feta, made by Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, is a type of feta cheese crafted primarily from fresh, high-quality goats’ milk. This cheese is known for its creamy yet crumbly texture and its tangy, slightly salty flavor profile, which makes it versatile for various culinary applications such as salads, sandwiches, and Mediterranean dishes.

This artisan cheese is produced in small batches, ensuring close attention to detail and quality.

4 ) LaClare Creamery

     Fig & Honey Goat Cheese

Fig & Honey Goat Cheese made by LaClare Creamery is a type of cheese that combines the savory flavors of goat cheese with the sweet and fruity notes of figs and honey. This artisanal cheese offers a creamy texture and a delightful balance of tanginess from the goat cheese and sweetness from the added ingredients.

Crafted by LaClare Creamery, a well-known producer of premium goat cheeses, the Fig & Honey Goat Cheese is often enjoyed on its own, paired with crackers, or used in various culinary dishes to enhance flavors.

5 )  Pennyroyal Farm

      Boonter’s Blue

6 )  Vermont Creamery

      Classic Goat Cheese Crumbles

Classic Goat Cheese Crumbles by Vermont Creamery are well-known for their creamy texture and distinct tangy flavor. This product is made from high-quality goat’s milk, which is sourced from local farms in Vermont. The crumbles are often used in a variety of dishes such as salads, pizzas, and pasta due to their ability to add a rich, savory element.

The cheese undergoes precise aging processes to bring out its characteristic flavor profile.

7 )  LaClare Creamery

     Chipotle Honey Goat Cheese

LaClare Creamery produces a unique cheese known as Chipotle Honey Goat Cheese. This cheese combines the creamy, tangy flavor of goat cheese with a sweet and slightly spicy kick from honey and chipotle peppers. The result is a balanced blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that can enhance a variety of dishes.

This product is ideal for spreading on crackers, incorporating into recipes, or simply enjoying on its own.

8 )  Vermont Creamery

     Clover Blossom Honey Goat Cheese Log

The Clover Blossom Honey Goat Cheese Log is a product crafted by Vermont Creamery. Vermont Creamery, known for their artisanal dairy products, specializes in high-quality cheeses. This particular cheese log combines the creamy texture of goat cheese with the natural sweetness of clover blossom honey, offering a unique flavor profile.

The cheese is typically available in a log shape, which makes it easy to slice and serve.

9 )  BelGioioso Cheese

      Romano

BelGioioso Cheese produces a variety of Italian cheeses, one of which is their Romano cheese. This variety of Romano, crafted by BelGioioso, is known for its firm texture and sharp, tangy flavor that distinguishes it as a classic choice for grating over pasta dishes, soups, and salads.

Made using traditional Italian cheese-making techniques, BelGioioso’s Romano is typically aged for several months, which enhances its rich flavor and granular texture. This cheese is often appreciated for its versatility in cooking and can add depth to many Italian recipes.

10)  Vermont Creamery

       Classic Spreadable Goat Cheese

Classic Spreadable Goat Cheese by Vermont Creamery is a fresh goat cheese known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. This product is crafted using traditional French cheese-making techniques, ensuring a high-quality and smooth consistency that is easily spreadable.

Typically, it is made from pasteurized goat’s milk and contains no artificial preservatives, making it a healthier option compared to some other spreadable cheeses. It is versatile in culinary applications, suitable for spreading on bread, incorporating into recipes, or enhancing the flavor of various dishes.