'Dairyland' Wisconsin hopes to ride protein boom into Asia

Food & BeverageUS producers look further afield for buyers as supply grows with whey productionFromagination in Madison offers a wide variety of cheeses, many of which are made locally. (Photo by Mizuki Uchiyama)MIZUKI UCHIYAMAAugust 29, 2026 05:41 JSTMADISON, Wisconsin -- The U.S. is producing more cheese than ever to meet the global appetite for protein-rich by-product whey, leading dairies in the top cheesemaking state of Wisconsin to seek new sales opportunities in Asia.