Oregon: Where There is Cheese for Every Palate and Plate

Guest Blog

Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council works on behalf of dairy farm families to build trust and demand for local dairy foods. 

Oregon is An Agricultural Wonderland
Throughout the state of Oregon, a thriving food and drink industry means that locally made foods are in abundance. More than 220 high-quality crops are grown here, placing Oregon 6th in the U.S. for crop diversity. With our rich volcanic soil, clean mountain air, pure spring water and diverse climate zones, Oregon is not only an exceptional place to grow crops, but a place where people (and dairy cows) thrive. 

Happy, Responsibly Raised Cows Make Great Milk!  
The Oregon dairy community’s unwavering eye on sustainability and social responsibility has resulted in an impressive 11 US Dairy Sustainability awards for the region in the last 10 years. Dairy farmers are committed to being stewards of the land, and focus on upcycling byproducts, particularly to maintain good nutrition for their herds, reducing water usage, and adapting new game-changing technologies.  As of 2023, Oregon has 156 dairy farm families caring for more than 126,000 cows. Dairy farms across the state vary in size, from just a few milking cows, to as many as 30,000. Oregon dairy farms of all sizes ensure the high quality of the milk they produce by raising healthy, happy cows. Oregon milk consistently ranks in the nation’s top five for quality, which we can enjoy in the premium and award-winning dairy products that are crafted here. 

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From Great Milk, Comes Exceptional Cheese  
You can find every type of artisan cheese within the borders of our state…from brie to blue, and fromage blanc to aged cheddar.  Our award-winning, premium cheeses stand out in both national and international competitions. Oregon artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheesemakers took home 18 medals, including blue ribbons in six categories, at the American Cheese Society’s (ACS) 2023 Annual Cheese Competition. Oregon is also home to the 2019 World’s Best Cheese winner – Rogue River Blue by Rogue Creamery, the first and only USA cheese to ever win the coveted top honor at the World Cheese Awards.

Dairy IS Oregon
Our local dairy farms and cheesemakers in Oregon are an essential part of our communities. These businesses provide jobs, support community programs, give back to local organizations and are champions of Oregon as a destination to live, work and play. By choosing Oregon, you’re not just supporting our farming families and passionate artisans, you’re getting some of the best cheeses being made today.  

Eat More Cheese!
Oregon made cheeses elevate any cheeseboard, salad, burger, breakfast sandwich, and more with a bit of wild landscape and handcrafted love in every delicious bite. You can discover Oregon cheese at your local farmer’s market, independent and natural grocers, or by visiting one of the 15 cow’s milk creameries in the state. Learn even more about these unique cheese makers and the delicious and diverse range of products on offer by visiting  Oregoncheeseguild.org/cheesemakers.

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This guest blog was submitted by the Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council (ODNC). For more information on guest blog opportunities, contact Marla McColly, Business Development Director, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association.