Become A Member
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association is here to help the people behind the world’s best dairy products – from makers of cheese, butter, yogurt, and whey to the innovators who process, market, and supply our industry.
Learn more about the valuable benefits and resources available exclusively to WCMA members below.
WCMA membership benefits include:
Business Support & Advocacy
Personalized Support: Work directly with our experienced team for help with business challenges, networking, government access, and more.
Legislative Advocacy: Be part of WCMA’s member-driven efforts to shape common-sense policy and regulations at the state and federal level.
Grants & Funding Access: Tap into in state and federal funding to enhance your operations.
Industry Connections & Visibility
Member Directory Access: Instantly connect with thousands of dairy industry professionals through WCMA’s complete online and printed directories.
Marketing Opportunities: Showcase your products on a global stage with entry to the World & U.S. Championship Cheese Contests.
Priority Placement: Get first access on WCMA courses, training seminars, and webinars.
Timely News & Communication
Weekly WCMA Newsletter: Delivered straight to your team with exclusive industry insights, regulatory updates, funding opportunities, and more.
Special Updates: Stay informed with our Annual Report and timely news alerts when it matters most.
Workforce Development & Support
Training & Education: Empower your team with leadership workshops, monthly free webinars, and scholarships.
Workforce Resources: Participate in WCMA’s Wage & Workforce Survey and connect with local schools and colleges through our Internship Exchange.
Jobs Board: Post and browse industry-specific openings at no cost.
Member Committees & Industry Engagement
Influential Action: Join free WCMA committees focused on food safety, policy, education, export, employee safety, wastewater, workforce development, and more.
Young Professionals Group: Engage the next generation of dairy leaders through networking events and career-building opportunities.
Access to World Class Events
Discounted Rates: Save significantly on registration for WCMA’s signature events:
- CheeseExpo – Milwaukee, Wisconsin | April 14-16, 2026
CheeseCon – Madison, Wisconsin | April 20-22, 2027
Annual Golf Outing & Trap Shoot – Central Wisconsin | July 16, 2025
- Gain Recognition: Compete in WCMA's signature contests:
- World Championship Cheese Contest – Milwaukee, Wisconsin | March 3-5, 2026
- U.S. Championship Cheese Contest – Green Bay, Wisconsin | March 9-11, 2027
Member Types
WCMA’s membership is broken down into three distinct types:
Dairy Manufacturer
A dairy manufacturer is a business engaged in converting milk and milk components into natural dairy products.
If you'd like to apply for membership, please contact WCMA Membership Director Sara Schmidt.
Dairy Processor/Marketer
A dairy processor/marketer is a business engaged in producing processed cheese types or converting natural cheese into spreads and dairy foods; engaged in cutting, converting and packaging cheese; or engaged in marketing, buying, brokering or distributing cheese. Whey processors that produce, blend, and package whey products are included, as well as whey buyers, brokers and distributors.
If you'd like to apply for membership, please contact WCMA Membership Director Sara Schmidt.
Supplier
A supplier is any business that provides a good and/or service to dairy manufacturers or to dairy processor/marketers.