Rob Stellrecht’s Masterful Cheesemaking Journey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Grantsburg, WI – Founded in 1896, Burnett Dairy Cooperative® takes pride in its deep roots and innovative spirit. Among its shining stars is Rob Stellrecht, whose remarkable career escalated from working the floors to receiving one of Wisconsin’s highest honors in his field.

Starting Humble

Rob joined Burnett Dairy at 15, taking a janitorial job to pay for gas. What started as a summer gig turned into a lifelong vocation. Over the past 38 years, he has mastered nearly every role in the plant before finding his true passion in cheesemaking.

Innovating in R&D

Rob found his niche in Research & Development, where he was instrumental in creating multiple award-winning cheeses for both retail and foodservice. Among his standout innovations is Wood River Creamery® Gouda Gruyere, a unique fusion cheese celebrated for its nutty, caramel-like flavor and signature crystalline texture. Most recently, this cheese earned Best of Class at the 2025 United States Championship Cheese Contest in the Hard Cheeses category.

For the foodservice world, Rob helped craft Patria® Mozzarella, known for its exceptional stretch, rich flavor, low browning, and reliable performance under high baking temperatures, attributes that make it a standout choice for professional kitchens.

Master Cheesemaker Certified

In April 2025, Rob earned the prestigious Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker® certification, specializing in cheddar and mozzarella. Wisconsin’s program, one of only two in the world alongside Switzerland’s, is often considered the “PhD in cheese.” To qualify, cheesemakers must have a minimum of 10 years’ experience and pass extensive coursework and a rigorous exam.

Mentorship & Future Focus

Today, Rob shares his knowledge with the next generation of cheesemakers, mentoring them under the guidance of Gurmeet Singh, Burnett Dairy’s Chief Technology and Quality Officer. Rob describes the Master Cheesemaker program as “packed with information and knowledge,” helping him elevate not only his own skills, but the craft of cheesemaking at large.

Rob’s journey from a high school part-timer to a nationally recognized Master Cheesemaker is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and love for the craft. Whether it’s developing award-winning cheeses like Gouda Gruyere or Patria® Mozzarella, or mentoring future masters, Rob plays a vital role in shaping the legacy of excellence at Burnett Dairy Cooperative®.

Photos Courtesy of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

About Burnett Dairy Cooperative

Burnett Dairy Cooperative® is a farmer-owned cooperative based near Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Founded in 1896, it’s where farm families partner with crop and dairy experts to produce the highest-quality milk from the ground up. Guided by Master Cheesemaker Rob Stellrecht, Burnett’s award-winning cheeses are Masterfully Made™ with inventive flavors and inspired craftsmanship for retail, deli, foodservice, and private label customers. Products are available through national distribution.

Media Contact:
Alison Hoefs, CHRO/Marketing Lead
Burnett Dairy Cooperative
Alison.Hoefs@burnettdairy.com
715.689.2000