CARRINGTON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Cows and Co Creamery claimed the top spot at the Minnesota State Fair’s artisan cheese competition.

Hailing from the rural landscapes of Carrington, ND, Cows and Co Creamery clinched the first-place title with their entry, an exquisite Extra Old Gouda aged for an impressive 20 months right at their farmstead creamery near Carrington, ND. This triumphant win marks a significant milestone for Cows and Co Creamery, who, despite being relative newcomers to the artisan cheese scene, have only been crafting cheese for a mere two years.

Maartje Murphy, the proud owner, expressed her delight at their debut in the competition, stating, “We’ve been deeply engrossed in all things cheese, gelato, and family matters over the past few years, leaving no room for entering competitions. However, when the opportunity to participate arose, we knew we had to make the time, and we are absolutely thrilled with the impressive performance of our entries.” She emphasized the dedication of their team to consistently deliver top-quality products, starting right at the dairy and culminating in the creamery. She added, “Without the utmost care for our cows, there would be no Cows and Co.”

The competition, orchestrated by the UMDIA, drew entries from some of the most esteemed cheese and butter artisans in the Minnesota region. For a comprehensive list of results, please visit their website.

Cows and Co Creamery is a cherished family-owned and operated farmstead cheese producer, also renowned for its premium gelato, sold under the Duchessa Gelato brand. You can savor their exceptional offerings either at the farm, online, or at Brewhalla Fargo.