SECOND ANNUAL PEOPLE’S CHOICE JERSEY CHEESE CONTEST TO BE HELD IN SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
Reynoldsburg, Ohio (May 22, 2026)—The American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) invite cheesemakers from across the country to participate in the Second Annual People’s Choice Jersey Cheese Contest, to be held during the 2026 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in Springfield, Missouri, June 17-20, 2026.
The contest will once again showcase the exceptional quality, flavor and versatility of cheeses made with Jersey milk while highlighting the innovation and craftsmanship of Jersey dairy producers and artisan cheesemakers nationwide.
The inaugural contest, held during the 2025 Annual Meetings, featured outstanding entries from across the country. Cinnamon Ridge Dairy of Iowa earned top honors as the first-ever People’s Choice Jersey Cheese Contest champion, while Marcoot Jersey Creamery of Illinois was named runner-up.
Contest entries will be featured throughout the annual meetings during several social events, including the Welcome Reception and Wine & Cheese Social, the National Heifer Sale social and the AJCA Breeders’ Banquet. Attendees from across the Jersey industry will have the opportunity to sample cheeses and vote for their favorites throughout the week, with winners announced following the AJCA Breeders’ Banquet on Saturday evening.
“All entries must use Jersey milk, allowing us to showcase the rich quality and exceptional components Jersey milk brings to dairy products,” said Kim Billman Director of Communications for AJCA. “This contest is a fun and engaging way to promote Jersey products while giving attendees the opportunity to experience cheeses from Jersey producers across the country.”
There is no cost to enter the contest, and participating cheesemakers will be recognized as sponsors of the social events during the annual meetings. Participants are encouraged to provide promotional materials to accompany their entries.
Contest guidelines include:
- Entries must use Jersey milk.
- A minimum of 10 pounds of each cheese entry must be submitted.
- Full wheels or cuts are accepted.
- Entries should arrive at the meeting headquarters hotel no later than Monday, June 15, 2026.
- Each cheese variety requires a completed entry form.
The 2026 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Springfield, Missouri, and will feature educational sessions, tours, youth activities, the National Heifer Sale and celebrations recognizing 50 years of Young Jersey Breeders and 50 years of the Equity Program with National All-Jersey Inc.
For contest information or entry submissions, contact:
Kim Billman, kbillman@usjersey.com | 614-322-4451
Entry link can be downloaded from: https://usjersey.com/wp-content/uploads/AJCA_Awards/Cheese_Contest/EntryForm_Cheese26.pdf
Information sheet also available at: https://usjersey.com/wp-content/uploads/AJCA_Awards/Cheese_Contest/InformationSheet_Cheese-Contest.pdf
Additional information and registration details for the Annual Meetings are available at:
www.usjerseyannualmeeting.com