Portland, OR(July 27 th , 2006)- The Wisconsin sheep Dairy Cooperative (WSDC), a leading provider of sheep milk and sheep milk cheeses, today announced that they have received the top award (2 nd with no 1 st awarded) in the aged sheep milk category at the annual American Cheese Society (ACS) Competition July 21 in Portland, OR. The “Dante” 100% sheep milk cheese was judged to be the best aged sheep milk cheese based on both technical and aesthetic traits.

The contest this year featured a record 941 entries – nearly 200 more than any previous ACS competition – from 157 producers representing 28 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. Twelve teams of judges each selected the finest North American made dairy products. For details please visit www.cheesesociety.org .

Made with 100% pure sheep milk and aged a minimum of six months, Dante has a rich, nutty flavor with a firm and somewhat dry texture. Dante is made for WSDC at Cedar Grove Cheese in Plain, WI. “Dante is a labor intensive, yet very rewarding and artful cheese to make. It's a real labor of love.” said Cedar Grove cheese maker Dane Huebner. Made one small vat at a time with fresh milk provided by WSDC farms during the grazing season, Dante is a very special cheese which is cave aged, hand turned and salted daily. “The quality and taste of Dante not only pays homage to excellence in cheese making, but also reflects the ‘terroir' of the region of Wisconsin where the milk is produced” said Yves Berger, WSDC Vice President and Superintendent of the University of Wisconsin Spooner Ag Research station.

WSDC is seeking to expand the market reach for Dante while maintaining the small batch, seasonal production which makes the cheese unique. Other products currently offered by WSDC include Mona, a milder aged blend of sheep and cow milk and a 100% fresh sheep milk Feta.