We successfully shaped, synchronized and staged the 2026 Championship Dairy Products Contest, a marvel of logistics, hands-on volunteering, and incredibly tasty samples of cheese, butter, sour cream, dips, beverages, ice cream, and powders. Our three grand champions:
Cheese: BBQ Chip Flavored Cheese Curds • Pleasant Lane Farms Creamery • Latrobe, PA
Taking home top honors in the cheese category is an absolute dream come true for our team. Cheese curds represent one of the freshest and purest forms of dairy, and winning with a product like that is a testament to our family’s dedication to sustainable farming and the passion our team puts into cheesemaking every single day. We’re incredibly honored to stand alongside the finest cheesemakers in the country. About the BBQ Chip Flavor… This was one of those end of day conversations we had as a cheesemaking team. We wanted a fun flavor to introduce to our customers. Since we already had many savory options, we sought something with a hint of sweetness that also reflected a classic Western Pennsylvania flavor profile. • Jason Frye, Head Cheesemaker, Pleasant Lane Farms Creamery
Grade A: 10% Vanilla Greek Yogurt • Cabot Creamery Cooperative • Waitsfield, VT
When we introduced Triple Cream Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt in 2020, our goal was simple: exceed consumers’ expectations for premium Greek yogurt. We set out to develop a truly decadent yogurt with rich milkfat, luxurious creaminess, and an unforgettable flavor experience. The result is a yogurt that consumers have embraced in ways that have exceeded our expectations. Triple Cream Vanilla Bean has quickly become one of our leading yogurt offerings and one of the most popular cultured products in the Cabot portfolio. Earning this recognition validates the dedication and expertise of our team, the support of our farmers, and everyone involved in bringing this product from farm to table. • David Lynn, CEO, Cabot Creamery Cooperative
Ice Cream: Yippee Skippee • Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company • Madison, WI
For nearly 20 years, Yippee Skippee has been a part of the Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream lineup, bringing together some of our favorite flavors and textures in one scoop. It has been a hit with peanut butter lovers ever since. Yippee Skippee is a creamy peanut butter ice cream loaded with salted caramel ripples, soft brownie chunks and crispy chocolate-covered pretzels. The combination of sweet, salty, rich and crunchy makes every bite a little different. • Sarah Deadman, COO, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company
Click here to see the winners in each class.
Thanks to all of the entrants, the event chairpersons, the volunteers (and the companies that sent them), the judges, and the team at Madison College for making the 2026 contest a success.
Be sure to join us to celebrate the winners and auction their delicious products as part of World Dairy Expo:
Monday, September 28
5:00 PM
The Tanbark @ Alliant Energy Center
Madison, WI
A portion of proceeds from the auction will go to benefit food and ag scholarship programs at Wisconsin universities and colleges.
RSVP by signing up here.