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
Sam Metzger - ​Agropur

Vice President
Jared Terning - First District Association

Executive Secretary
Lloyd Metzger, South Dakota State University

Board of Directors
Brian Anderson, Land O'Lakes
Austin Asche, Agropur 
Gerry Buescher, Agropur
Chuck Derdall, Tetrapak 
Matt Green, Kansas Dairy Ingredients 
Lane Lindquist, Valley Queen Cheese 
Randy Paulson, Plainview Milk
​Kathy Ratka, Proliant Inc.
Shane Reynolds, Milk Specialties Global
Terry Simon, Bongards
Sarah Speltz, ​Prairie Farms
Mark Tastad, Nelson-Jameson
Mike Wolkow, ​AMPI

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