Every year, cheesemakers from around the country submit their entries to the American Cheese Society for judging. The competition has grown from just 89 entries 37 years ago to 1,454 entries this year. Industry professionals, cheese enthusiasts, and critics gather to evaluate, recognize, and celebrate the best cheeses in the nation—all expertly crafted with care. Most recently, two of those cheeses hailed from Weston, Missouri’s own Green Dirt Farm.
Sarah Hoffmann founded Green Dirt Farm after she left her job as an academic physician in 1998. Inspired by the desire to give others sustainably made, wholesome food, she began creating the humane and environmentally sustainable sheep dairy known today as Green Dirt Farm. Producing commercial cheeses since 2008, their signature cheese Bossa won first place in the washed-rind sheep’s milk category at the American Cheese Society competition just one year later. And in 2021, the farm was listed among Food and Wine’s top 50 U.S. cheesemakers. Their award-winning tradition continues this year as Prairie Tomme, a 100 percent sheep’s milk hard cheese, was awarded third place for Best in Show.
Inspired by the rustic mountain cheeses of Europe, Prairie Tomme has nutty and caramel notes accompanied by subtle hints of brown butter, according to Green Dirt Farm. Distinctive and captivating, Prairie Tomme’s award in this year’s “Oscars of Cheese” comes as no surprise. Another cheese from Green Dirt Farm, Dirt Lover, also secured first place in its category.
“We are immensely thankful for the recognition bestowed upon Prairie Tomme and Dirt Lover,” says Green Dirt Farm founder and executive director Sarah Hoffmann. “These awards are a testament to our entire team’s hard work and passion, and we are honored to share our cheeses with the world. At Green Dirt Farm, we strive to produce cheeses that not only delight the palate but also reflect our commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.”
Green Dirt Farm sells its signature sheep cheeses at its location in Weston, Missouri, and online.
