Wisconsin is still the Top Cheese Producer!

A recent article in the Wisconsin State-Journal announced that since production statistics started being recorded in 1975 Wisconsin has remained on top of the nation when it comes to total production of cheese in the United States.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_0d6fd9aa-7a66-11e0-bf6c-001cc4c002e0.html

Some of the finest artisanal cheesemakers in the world are found in Green County.  Monroe, WI is still the only place in North America that produces Limburger Cheese.

Regardless of what you think of Larry the Cable Guy, or Limburger Cheese, even his take on the unique aromatic cheese is pretty humorous.  http://www.history.com/shows/only-in-america-with-larry-the-cable-guy/videos/cheesehead-charity#cheesehead-charity

The builder of The Ludlow Mansion, Arabut Ludlow was very influential in Monroe.  He was also a banker who had an understanding of the economic significance of area cheese-making that combined with action and leadership; put Monroe on the path to cheese-making history.  He was very well aware of the importance of cheese to the Green County economy.

In 1873, Monroe’s economy was depressed and to top it off, some Monrovians were making a pretty big stink about the wafting wagon-loads of Limburger cheese that were being regularly hauled through the streets on their way to the railroad for shipment elsewhere.  In the face of a citizen revolt, Ludlow (together with J. Regez and J. Karlen) staged a public display that would shape Monroe’s connection with Limburger to the present day.

It was Ludlow’s idea to gather local cheese-producing farmers together on a particular day at his farm and then parade wagon-loads of Limburger into the city to the Courthouse square.  Of course, the aroma and the commotion of all that Limburger attracted a crowd of curious onlookers and Ludlow took the opportunity to make a speech in which he declared that limburger was here to stay and that it would make Green County famous.  He told them that this was the smell of money and the key to economic prosperity for the entire county and region.  The grumbling quickly stopped and the cheese wheels continued to roll.

This move got through to folks and effectively put an end to the Limburger revolt in Monroe, paving the way for a rich tradition of Limburger cheese-making that is alive and well in Green County today.  Ludlow’s leadership in that parade and his speech have been sited as evidence to his being attributed some of the founder status of Cheese Days that began 41 years later in 1914.

As for Limburger Cheese, Monroe is the only place in North America where it is produced.  Ludlow’s defense of the stinky cheese was an important step in bringing a lasting industry to Monroe and Green County and serves as an excellent example of the value of vision and leadership.

We invite you to come stay at The Ludlow Mansion and experience the old world charm and witness first hand the unique flavors of Monroe, WI and all that Green County has to offer.