When and Where is the Contest?

Cheese Making Contest

will take place at the

University of Minnesota

*see dates below*

How do I participate?

Any current member of the NCCIA can enter the Cheesemaking Contest. All entries must list the manufacture date, the name, and address of the individual entering the cheese. You can submit one entry per category.

Cheddar Barrel

Barrel entries must consist of 3 plugs of cheese taken at random with a barrel cheese trier. Plugs must be individually wrapped with aluminum foil (do not use plastic) and placed in a plastic bag.

*Each barrel entry will be charged a $50 entry fee for the contest*

40 lb Cheddar Block

Cheddar Blocks must be a minimum of 40 lbs and must include the manufacture date.

Miscellaneous Cheese

Cheddar Blocks must be a minimum of 40 lbs and must include the manufacture date.

Miscellaneous Flavored Cheese

Miscellaneous Flavored entries must be a minimum of 5 lbs. Any type of cheese that contains condiments blended internally or externally for additional flavors may be entered in this classification.

Judging occurs September 23 at the University of Minnesota.  Professionally-trained judges grade all entries and provide you with an official ADSA scorecard that identifies the grade of and feedback for your product.

Judges select one Grand Champion, as well as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category.

Award-winning Cheeses are put up for auction at the NCCIA Annual Conference on October 9, 2024. All remaining Cheese entries (except barrel) become part of the cheese buffet served during the conference auction.

Important Dates

Entry Deadline: September 20, 2024

Contest Judging: September 23, 2024

Cheese Auction: October 9, 2024

Contest Awards: October 9, 2024

Barrel

Please make checks payable to:
NCCIA
Send payment to:
NCCIA
1748 Weston Hills Dr NW
Cleveland, TN 37312

Shipping Address

Attn: Mitch Maher
University of Minnesota
Dept of Food Science and Nutrition
225 Food Science and Nutrition #106
1334 Eckles Avenue
St Paul, MN 55108