Long before milk prices sunk and dairy producers were looking for ways to diversify their businesses, Hoard’s Dairyman embarked on a journey that recently landed them a top 10 finish in the semi-soft cheese category at the 2019 United States Championship Cheese Contest.
For years, a handful of our team members spent their free time perfecting the cheesemaking process — using the high-quality, golden milk from our own Guernsey herd. That work led to the recent release of our Belaire cheese, a Port Salut-style variety that is a smooth, soft, and buttery classic that looks like a Muenster but tastes bolder and creamier. Not only is Belaire easy to eat and a favorite among all ages, but it also melts perfectly on nearly everything.
Many have asked, “Why the name ‘Belaire?’” It was only fitting that our inaugural cheese be named after the naval captain who was the first to bring Guernsey cows to the United States.
“We knew the milk from our award-winning Guernsey herd was exceptional, but the flavor, texture, and volume of cheese produced from our milk has surpassed all expectations, said Hoard’s Dairyman President Brian Knox. “The rich taste of our Guernsey milk really comes through in our cheese.”
So, what’s next for the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm Creamery? We have additional cheese recipes already fine-tuned and will soon be releasing two new varieties — a Camembert-style cheese and a Manchego-style cheese. In the meantime, you can find our Belaire featured at a number of different beer, wine, and cheese festivals across the Midwest as spring arrives and the outdoor events season kicks off.
You can also purchase your own Belaire by visiting one of several local cheese specialty shops. Don’t live or visit the Wisconsin area but still want to enjoy our cheese? Drop us a line and we’ll see what we can do for you.
To learn more about our cheese and how the legacy of Hoard’s Dairyman has carried through to our cheese, visit hoardscreamery.com or follow us on Facebook at @HoardsCreamery.
The author is the digital marketing manager and leads the development and implementation of digital marketing channels and advertising products for Hoard’s Dairyman. A graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, she previously led U.S. and global marketing activities in the cattle genetics industry and has had a lifelong passion for advancing the success of agriculture.
