As many of you know, obtaining a Wisconsin Cheesemaker's License is no simple matter, and involves five cheesemaking courses, 240 hours of apprenticeship, and a written test. The Dairy Business Innovation Center has awarded $1,000 scholarships to several worthy aspiring cheese makers to help them obtain this hard-won license. Here's the lineup of scholarship winners:

Shannon Adams of Ferryville, Wis., plans to continue pursuing her cheesemaker’s license to bring value-added products to her small dairy goat farm. Shannon will be beginning her apprenticeship this month. Her long-term goal is to develop a line of fresh dessert cheeses.

Theresa Depies of Springbrook, Wis., owns a herd of Jersey cows and dairy plant, in addition to operating a small CSA. Springbrook Organic Dairy sells their organic cream-line milk in stores, buying clubs and farmers markets. Theresa’s future plans include becoming an artisan cheesemaker and helping other inspiring cheesemakers by welcoming them to her plant for tours and internships.

Jennifer Digman of Cuba City, Wis., is currently apprenticing with Roelli Cheese factory in Shullsburg. In addition, she milks 80 dairy goats on her small farm. Jennifer’s dream is to build her own farmstead artisan cheese plant and create her own upscale cheese chalet to market her own cheeses.

Vanessa Herald of Madison, Wis., works on a farmstead cheese plant, Dreamfarm, located in Cross Plains. Her work at the farm has instilled her passion for farming and making cheese. Vanessa’s long-term vision is to craft small batch, unique farmstead goat cheeses.

Heidi Stein of New London, Wis., currently works on her family farm as the calf care expert. Her ultimate goal is to see her family’s multi-generational commitment to dairy farming evolve into a site of culinary and community pride through the opening of a farmstead cheese plant.