Our History

1890s

Burnett Dairy Cooperative has its roots in the Branstad and Wood River creameries located in northwest Wisconsin, which boast a long tradition of serving dairy producers. The Branstad Creamery was the third creamery in Burnett County and started operations in May 1897.

Burnett Dairy Cooperative commenced operations in June 1896 and continues to make the Fancy® brand established by Wood River Creamery.

1960s

In the 1960s, the creameries decided to merge and begin the more profitable venture of creating cheese. They focused on Mozzarella and Provolone in particular. In 1966, the two creameries were closed and Burnett Dairy Cooperative was formed at the Alpha location (named after its Alpha De Laval cream separator). The facility was converted to cheese manufacturing with the assistance of a $25,000 grant from the State of Wisconsin.

2010s

In 2013, Burnett Dairy Cooperative acquired Cady Cheese Factory in Wilson, WI.  Cady Cheese Factory has a great history of cheesemaking going back to early 1900's with the first known cheesemaker hired in 1908.  Cady is known for its many varieties of  longhorn cheeses as well as its small batch specialty cheeses.

Today

Honored with many worldwide, national and statewide awards, Burnett Dairy Cooperative continues to produce high quality cheese products. We produce a wide range of cheeses for retail and foodservice use.  In addition to producing and selling award-winning cheese, our 295 employees also work hard to provide the latest crop, feed, fuel and animal health services to our farmers.