A Geographical Analysis of the Cheese Industry in Green County, WI

Abstract

The area of Green County, Wisconsin serves as an epicenter for the dairy industry in the state, an industry practically as old as the state itself. Through the hard work of cheesemakers and dairy farmers, Green County maintains its role as a prominent cheese producing region. What is unique about the county?s role in cheese production are its cultural practices and economic opportunities that sustain its local cheesemaking. Therefore, we are seeking to determine how the factors of (1) human interaction with the physiographic setting, (2) Swiss cheese and dairy culture, and (3) economic changes in the cheesemaking industry led to the establishment and continued prominence of the Green County cheesemaking industry.