The annual Ashe County cheese sale, which raises money to fund the operation and events of NC State’s Dairy Science Club by selling cheese manufactured at the oldest cheese-producing plant in North Carolina, came to a close Monday.
The cheese sold was from western North Carolina’s Ashe County Cheese, which has been producing cheese since 1930. All cheeses sold are made from farms in the state and then manufactured in North Carolina.
“There is definitely an avid group of followers who look forward to the sale every year,” said Hannah Elmore, a senior studying agriculture education and the secretary of the dairy science club. “A lot of professors will have their order forms filled out the day we start the sale.”
Elmore, who headed last year’s sale, brought in a record amount of sales at almost $900. This year, she lead the sale again with partner Coty Redding and hoped to top that number to bring in more revenue for the club.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we put a lot of work into it,” Elmore said.
Jake Page, a junior studying agricultural science, said he heard about the sale last year but never ordered from it before this year.
“I plan to bring a wheel home to my family for Christmas this year,” King said.
The dairy science club works to educate future dairy workers by participating in events within the community. Members of the club work at the NC State Fair annually as “Ring Leaders” to herd the cattle during shows and run a stand selling local cheeses, Elmore said.
Last year, the club worked with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help oversee the production of locally produced milk. Members of the club worked to make sure the manufacturing and sanitation process was up to standards to rank the milk with grade A, the standard used to produce cheese.
Elmore, who grew up in western North Carolina, said she has been familiar with the company since childhood.
“I grew up going to Ashe County Cheese plant with my family and always enjoyed their cheese,” Elmore said. “Now I’m selling their cheese and helping them in that way. I’m glad for it to come full circle like that.”
The dairy science club has chosen to partner with a local state business to give back to North Carolina agriculture. As the state’s premier agricultural university, many NC State graduates are at work in the dairy industry of North Carolina.
“Aside from raising money for the club, I’m happy to show what Ashe County Cheese has for the public to appreciate,” Elmore said.
This year’s sale featured specials on the cheese that aimed for prices faculty and students alike could afford. The most popular item was a two pound cheddar wheel.
