From the very first wheel formed in 1941 to the award-winning cheese enjoyed today, the legacy of Maytag Blue Cheese has been rooted in a commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and tradition.
Time-honored techniques used by our cheesemakers generations ago are carried out with the same care today. Our story is built on decades of dedication to crafting the finest American blue cheese. At Maytag Dairy Farms, we take pride in creating products meant to be shared, because Maytag Blue Cheese is better enjoyed together.
1919: The Maytag Farm Begins
In 1919, Elmer Henry (E.H.) Maytag purchased a Holstein-Friesian cow to provide fresh milk for his family. From there, the Maytag family competed in livestock shows across the United States, earning numerous ribbons for their expanding herd of cattle.
E.H. also served as president of the Maytag Corporation, the appliance company founded in 1893 by his father, Frederick Louis Maytag. While the family name was known for dependable household machinery, it would eventually become synonymous for its one-of-a-kind Maytag Blue Cheese.
1940: An Idea for an American Blue
Upon E.H.'s death in 1940, leadership of the Newton, Iowa farm was passed on. Sons Frederick and Robert Maytag took over, with aspirations to make further use of the milk from their prize-winning Holstein cows. After traveling to Europe, Fred developed the idea of creating an artisan cheese with flavor similar to those he tasted abroad. However, unlike traditional European cheeses made from sheep's milk, such as Roquefort, this blue would be made from Maytag cow's milk.
In coordination with Iowa State University, Fred and Robert Maytag developed a recipe for a unique blue cheese made using cow's milk. This revolutionary approach combined the bold flavor of European cave-aged cheeses with American cheesemaking techniques, resulting in one of the first successful attempts of an American blue cheese.
1941: Blue Cheese Commercialization Begins
On October 11, 1941, the first wheels of Maytag Blue Cheese were formed. The farm that was once used to bottle milk was transformed into a cheesemaking facility, and Maytag Blue was commercialized. Fred became president of the newly founded Maytag Dairy Farms, and both brothers served as stockholders.
Maytag Blue Cheese was introduced to customers in a unique way - through mail-order. Fred Maytag became recognized as a pioneer of the modern American mail-order food industry. Customers could browse a printed curated catalog with Maytag Dairy Farms products, submit an order form, and have their cheese delivered directly to their home. Nearly a century later, these catalogs are still produced and mailed to homes all over the United States!
1950s: Blue Goes Nationwide
By the 1950s, Maytag Blue Cheese had become a beloved staple in homes across the country. Its popularity was growing nationwide, enjoyed by families all over the United States. In Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidential campaign, he was even gifted a wheel of Maytag Blue Cheese, a testament to its reputation as a renowned, celebrated American cheese.
1962: New Leadership at Maytag
Leadership at Maytag Dairy Farms shifted into the hands of Fritz Maytag, Fred's son. He guided the company for the next 50 years, establishing Maytag Blue Cheese as one of the most recognizable blue cheeses in the country and expanding its reach nationwide.
2022: AgCertain Acquires Maytag Dairy Farms
After being led by the Maytag family for over 80 years, Maytag Dairy Farms was acquired by AgCertain, a food, agricultural, and bio-based product development, manufacturing, and marketing company.
This transition marked a new chapter for Maytag Dairy Farms, providing the resources to pursue new opportunities and innovation while remaining true to the Maytag family's roots and commitment to quality.
Notable Achievements
For the past 25 years, Maytag Dairy Farms has been recognized for our exceptional blue cheese, receiving numerous honors, including the James Beard's Foundation's Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional Award, the Beard's Foundation's Award for Lifetime Achievement, and a Gold sofi Award in the Cheese - Cow's Milk category.
The Future of Maytag Dairy Farms
What started out as one dairy cow turned into generations of handcrafted, award-winning blue cheese. Today, Maytag Dairy Farms is proud to offer an expanded variety of Maytag Blue Cheese products, cheddars, curated cheeses, and accompaniments.
We are honored to share our legendary Maytag Blue Cheese with you, crafted with the same care and tradition used in 1941. For generations, Maytag Dairy Farms has brought families together around the table. Today, we encourage you to share and enjoy Maytag Blue with those who matter most.
