Widmer’s Cheese Cellars Awarded State Dairy Processor Grant

On Dec. 4, Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced the 13 recipients of the 2026 Dairy Processor Grant program. The grants are designed to help dairy processors modernize facilities, improve efficiency, and strengthen Wisconsin’s dairy supply chain.

Widmer’s Cheese Cellars, located in the Village of Theresa, is one of the state’s oldest continuously operating family-owned cheese factories. The business is best known for its traditional brick cheese and commitment to time-honored cheesemaking methods, many of which remain in use today.

DATCP officials said the Dairy Processor Grant program supports investments in equipment, technology, and infrastructure that help processors remain competitive while maintaining high-quality standards. For long-standing producers like Widmer’s, the funding helps balance tradition with the need for ongoing improvements.

Representatives from Widmer’s expressed appreciation for the support, noting that state investment plays an important role in sustaining small and mid-sized dairy processors. The grant will assist the company as it continues to serve customers while preserving a key piece of Wisconsin’s dairy heritage.

The Dairy Processor Grant program is part of Wisconsin’s broader effort to support agriculture, encourage innovation, and ensure the long-term viability of the state’s signature dairy industry.