Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common WCMA membership questions.
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.
Membership term: One-year (July 1 - June 30)
If you'd like to apply for membership, please contact us at membership@wischeesemakers.org.
Dairy Processor/Marketer
A dairy processor/marketer is a business engaged in producing pasteurized processed cheese types or converting natural cheese into cold pack cheese, cheese spreads, or cheese food products; engaged in cutting, converting and packaging cheese; processing, blending, and/or packaging whey; or engaged in marketing, buying, brokering or distributing dairy products.
Membership term: One-year (July 1 - June 30)
If you'd like to apply for membership, please contact us at membership@wischeesemakers.org.
Supplier
A supplier is any business that provides a good and/or service to dairy manufacturers or to dairy processor/marketers.
Membership term: Two-year (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2027)
A Dairy Manufacturer Member is:
Any organization engaged in converting milk and milk components into natural dairy products, including:
- Natural cheese
- Butter
- Cultured dairy products (e.g., yogurt, kefir, sour cream, labneh)
- Fluid Milk
- Ice cream
- Milk powders
- Other natural dairy products
A Dairy Processor/Marketer Member is:
Any organization involved in cheese and dairy processing or marketing, including:
- Manufacturers of pasteurized process cheese products
- Businesses converting natural cheese into cold pack cheese, cheese spreads, or cheese food products
- Cheese cutters, converters, and packagers
- Whey product manufacturers, blenders, and packagers
- Dairy product brokers, buyers, and distributors
Not sure which category fits your business? We're happy to help you select the best fit.
Any organization whose business is supplying goods or services to the dairy industry is considered a Supplier.
No — WCMA membership is open to dairy manufacturers, processors, marketers, and suppliers regardless of location.
WCMA memberships are organizational memberships for dairy manufacturers, processors, marketers, and suppliers. Individuals are not eligible to join on their own, but all employees of member organizations receive access to member benefits.
WCMA membership dues vary by membership type.
Supplier Memberships
$800 USD per membership term. (Currently: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2027)Dairy Manufacturer Memberships
Dues are based on your annual finished production volume, using tiered levels to determine the appropriate dues amount.Contact us to learn more.Dairy Processor/Marketer Memberships
Dues are based on your annual sales volume, also using tiered levels.Contact us to learn more.
Dues, contributions or gifts to the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. However, the majority of your dues payment to the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association is deductible as a necessary and ordinary business expense. A portion of your dues related to lobbying efforts by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association cannot be taken as a business expense deduction. Based on WCMA lobbying expenditures and dues income, our Association estimates that 80% of your dues payment may be deducted by your firm as a business expense. The remaining 20% cannot be deducted, as this percent of the Association’s expenditure of dues relates to lobbying activities.
WCMA membership includes access to a wide range of resources and opportunities to support your team, operations, and growth, including:
- Access to the nation’s top dairy processing events
- Proactive advocacy on federal and state policy
- Hands-on business support from our responsive team
- Reliable updates and insights to help you stay current, connected, and prepared
- Targeted training programs that build leadership and safety skills
- Year-round networking opportunities, including WCMA committees and working groups
- Member recognition programs that celebrate leadership, innovation, and impact across all areas of dairy processing
🔎 Explore full member benefits here.
WCMA memberships cover your entire organization — not just one contact. There’s no limit to the number of employees you can include, so your whole team can take advantage of WCMA programs and resources.
Dairy Manufacturer and Dairy Processor/Marketer Members
Yes. WCMA members can list multiple subsidiaries or locations under a primary membership. These additional entities are included as sub-members, allowing them to appear in WCMA directories and member records while keeping billing and primary communications consolidated.Conversely, members can purchase separate memberships for subsidiaries. This option increases the visibility of each subsidiary and offers the opportunity for subsidiaries to serve on the WCMA Board of Directors.
Supplier Members
Yes. WCMA supplier members can list multiple subsidiaries or locations in one member record and one WCMA member directory listing.
Conversely, suppliers can purchase separate memberships for divisions or subsidiaries. This option provides independent visibility in WCMA member directories, trade show exhibitor listings, and sponsorship at events, and offers the opportunity for member subsidiaries to serve on the WCMA Board of Directors.
Not sure how to list your brands or locations with WCMA? We're here to help!
There are many ways for your team to get engaged:
Serve on WCMA committees and industry groups
Participate in WCMA's highly rated training programs
Attend webinars, annual meetings, conferences, contests, and networking events
Share expertise by speaking on a webinar, serving on a panel, or joining a working group
- Sponsor WCMA programs and events to build visibility and support the industry
- Nominate your team and peers for WCMA awards and recognition programs
Stay connected through member communications and opportunities to provide input