Proposal Would Make Cheese Wisconsin’s Official Dairy Product

Wisconsin could soon declare cheese as the state’s official dairy product — an idea that got its start in a fourth grade classroom.

The dairy cow is the state’s official domestic animal, and milk the official beverage, but Wisconsin doesn’t yet have an official state dairy product.

Fourth graders at Mineral Point Elementary School wanted to change that, and got lawmakers to go along. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Todd Novak, R-Dodgeville, in the state Assembly and Sen. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green, in the state Senate.

Members of the fourth grade class testified in favor of the cheese bill Thursday

“Mmm, cheese, I’m sure everyone in here can name a favorite,” said student Isabella Coogan.

Another classmate, Matthew Goninen, pointed out the state’s affinity for “cheeseheads.”

“Wisconsin is known as cheese country, we proudly wear cheese on the top of our heads at Packer games and for fun at some other occasions,” Matthew said.

The bill passed Senate and Assembly committees unanimously. It will now go to the full Senate and Assembly for votes.