About Us
The LaGrander’s Hillside Dairy Journey – Since 1916
Over A Century of Cheesemaking Excellence!
LaGrander’s Hillside Dairy has been crafting world-class Wisconsin cheese for over a century—rooted in tradition, powered by passion, and fueled by family.
Humble Beginnings, Bold Vision.
(1916–1978)
Our story began in 1916 as a humble farmer’s co-op, serving the Stanley, Wisconsin community with fresh dairy products and a commitment to quality. After a devastating fire in 1925, the dairy was rebuilt on the very site where we continue to craft our cheese today. In 1933, Leo Beil took the helm. Then in 1960, cheesemakers Dannie and Lorraine LaGrander moved from Marshfield to Stanley and took over daily operations—bringing with them grit, expertise, and a deep love for cheese. At that time, the plant handled just 8,000 pounds of milk a day, producing staples like Muenster and Brick, later expanding to 13-lb Cheddar longhorns and 23-lb daisies. By 1978, Hillside Dairy had fully transitioned from canned to bulk milk—a leap forward in modern dairy production.
From Family Legacy to Master Craftsmanship (1992–Present)
In 1992, we officially became LaGrander’s Hillside Dairy, and a year later, Randy LaGrander, along with his wife Sandy, ushered in the second generation of LaGrander leadership. Randy earned his cheesemaker’s license at just 15 years old, later achieving the prestigious title of Master Cheesemaker in 2004—a true testament to his lifelong dedication to the craft.
Today, the third generation carries that legacy forward. Master Cheesemaker Ryan LaGrander and cheesemaker Joe LaGrander lead our growing team with passion and precision. We now receive a staggering 800,000 pounds of fresh milk daily from over 140 trusted local producers.
Award-Winning Cheese, Made in Wisconsin
With seven licensed cheesemakers, three Master Cheesemakers, and a dedicated staff behind the scenes, LaGrander’s produces an impressive lineup of cheeses—from classic curds to crowd-favorite specialties:
- Colby, Cheddar, Monterey & Monterey Jack
- Colby Jack, Pepper Jack & a variety of Goudas
- And yes—some of the best cheese curds you’ll ever taste (we’re proud, not shy)!
We’ve been honored with numerous National and World Championship Awards, but what matters most to us is staying true to our roots: producing safe, wholesome, high-quality cheese for generations to come.
Questions or comments? We’d love to hear from you. Welcome to the LaGrander’s family—where tradition meets taste.