About Us

Our Story

Weyauwega Star Dairy has been proudly owned and operated by the Knaus family since 1975. Located in the small central Wisconsin community of Weyauwega, we are artisan cheesemakers specializing in handcrafted Italian-style cheeses, including Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano.

Our president, Jim Knaus, has a lifelong passion for cheesemaking and takes tremendous pride in every wheel of cheese produced at Star Dairy. That passion is matched by a strong sense of fun and community. In 1995, Jim earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records by creating the world’s longest string cheese, stretching an incredible 1.5 miles. The giant cheese was carried through town on the shoulders of local volunteers, creating a memorable celebration for the entire community.

Cheesemaking is truly part of the Knaus family’s heritage. Jim’s father, grandfather, and possibly even his great-grandfather were cheesemakers. Today, that tradition continues with his sons Dan, Gerard, and Mike working alongside him. Jim often jokes that he “grew up in a cheese vat,” as his parents would place him there while they worked so they could keep an eye on him.

Our Commitment to Quality

No matter how our cheese is prepared, whether as a wedge, grated, shaved, or shredded, every product begins with the same traditional brine-cured, 22-pound mother wheel. Each wheel is carefully aged for a minimum of 10 months to develop the rich flavor and quality our customers expect.

We are equally proud of the relationships we’ve built over the years. Our milk comes from local dairy farmers located within a 50-mile radius of our cheese factory, many of whom we’ve worked with for more than 40 years. These long-standing partnerships help ensure the consistent quality of every batch of cheese we produce.

The same commitment extends to our customers. We take pride in delivering exceptional products and outstanding service, always focused on producing the highest-quality cheese possible.

Looking Ahead

Weyauwega Star Dairy is more than a business. It’s a family tradition, a way of life, and a passion that has been passed down through generations. We look forward to continuing that tradition for many years to come.

-The Knaus Family