About Us

NCCIA is a not-for-profit trade organization whose mission is to advance the knowledge of its members by providing opportunities to interact with experts in the business and learn technical aspects of the cheese industry.

Governed by a volunteer board of 15 individuals who are active in the cheese business; assisted by advisors from academic institutions, and government and state regulatory agencies.

Our History

NCCIA was established in 1951 to encourage the improvement in quality of cheese, to further the professional interests of cheese makers, and to promote the welfare of the cheese industry.

Board Members

President
Mindy Berrey, Land O'Lakes

Vice President
Kirk Baldwin, Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Executive Secretary
Lloyd Metzger, South Dakota State University

Board of Directors
Tom Berry, Associated Milk Producers, Inc
Erin Davis, Tetra Pak Inc.
Chris Dayberry, Kansas Dairy Ingredients
Wendy Devney,  Agropur
Troy Gascoigne, Swiss Valley Farms
Mike Homewood, Agropur
Daryl Larson, Bongards’ Creameries
Mike Matter, Proliant
Sam Metzger, Agropur
Shane Reynolds, Milk Specialties Global
Mark Tastad, Nelson-Jameson
Jared Terning, First District Association

Advisors
Stephanie Clark, Iowa State University
Lisa Hensel, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Lloyd Metzger, South  Dakota State University
Vikram Mistry, South Dakota State University
Tonya Schoenfuss, University of Minnesota
Kristine Thompson, U.S. Department of Agriculture
P.C. Vasavada, University of Wisconsin-River Falls