Open Nomination and Voting Period Begins for WCMA Recognition Awards

Dairy industry personnel play a key role in the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) Recognition Awards. The voting ballot for WCMA members to select the 2026 WCMA Distinguished Service Award nominees is now open through October 31, 2025, and industry nominations are sought for additional WCMA industry honors. 

“The individuals who earn WCMA awards are first named by colleagues in the dairy industry. Take a moment to nominate a mentor or friend who has made a difference in dairy’s success,” said John Umhoefer, WCMA Executive Director. 

Nine nominees for the WCMA Distinguished Service Award are on a ballot built by industry members, including the WCMA Recognition Committee. This award recognizes supplier partners who have played a significant role in building the success of the dairy industry. Vote now through October 31 at WisCheeseMakers.org/Recognition to advance these nominees to “top three” finalists. 

Voters can also nominate industry greats for WCMA’s Babcock Award, focused on educators and affiliated associations; the WCMA Vanguard Award, focused on outstanding cheesemakers and dairy manufacturing staff; and the WCMA Luminary Award, highlighting excellent sales and marketing persons, R&D leaders, and quality assurance professionals. 

Finally, members of industry can offer names for WCMA’s Cheese Industry Champion Award, recognizing dairy business leaders whose leadership has created opportunity and spurred growth.  

These nominations are considered by the WCMA Recognition Committee, which advances finalists to the WCMA Board of Directors. The Board makes final picks, and a full slate of 2026 WCMA Recognition Award honorees are announced in January and feted at the WCMA Recognition Breakfast on April 16, 2026, during CheeseExpo. 

Find complete details and offer your nominations at WisCheeseMakers.org/Recognition today! Contact WCMA’s John Umhoefer at jumhoefer@wischeesemakers.org with any questions.