Events

NCCIA Annual Conference

Our annual conference offers both educational and networking opportunities for professionals in the cheese and dairy industry. Special events include cheese judging contests, cheese auctions, workshops, and a banquet dinner. Conferences are held in October and alternate between Minnesota and South Dakota. We develop our program around new scientific work, cutting-edge technologies, and advancements in policies and regulations that are pertinent to the industry.
A panel of experts discuss and debate these contemporary issues.

Please contact Susan Eschbach with any questions, Thank you!

2026
NCCIA Conference

October 13-16

DoubleTree St Louis Park MN
Conference Registration - Open Soon

All proceeds from the Conference and Auction are used for over $29,000.00 in annual scholarships at the University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, South Dakota State University, and University of Wisconsin – River Falls.

Cheese Making Contest

The competition is open to any individual or cheesemaker who is a member of the Association. Each year, since 1953, NCCIA has raised money for dairy-related scholarships at South Dakota State University, University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin - River Falls, Kansas State University, and Iowa State University from the proceeds of the Cheese Auction.

Contestants may submit one cheese per category. Professionally trained judges will grade all entries and will select one Grand Champion; and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category.

Award-winning cheeses will be put up for auction at the NCCIA Conference on October 14, 2026.

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