By Ray York, Business Counselor for the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Green Bay
Sheboygan County, WI – For more than 177 years, the Trimberger family has played an active role in Wisconsin’s agricultural economy. Today, that legacy continues through Homestead Cheese Processors, a specialized cheese reclamation and food processing business located between Oostburg and Sheboygan Falls.
The Trimberger property was first homesteaded in the mid-1800s, just after Wisconsin became a state. Over the past 177 years, the land has supported row crops, dairy operations, livestock, and a mink farming operation. In 2022, following the closure of the mink business, the family once again adapted, this time launching Homestead Cheese Processors as a value-added agricultural enterprise serving Wisconsin’s cheese industry.
A Specialized Service for Cheese Producers
Homestead Cheese Processors operates as a cheese reclamation facility, providing professional cleaning and handling services for large cheese blocks. Daily operations include shipping and receiving, sorting, cutting, cleaning, vacuum sealing, and metal detection. All activities are performed with precision and care, ensuring compliance with strict food safety and quality standards.
“Our mission is simple,” said Jayce Trimberger, Plant Manager and Quality Supervisor. “We want to provide our customers with a quality cheese cleaning service that is prompt and flexible, helping them better serve their own customers.”
By focusing on this niche and critical function within the dairy supply chain, Homestead Cheese Processors allows cheese producers to maintain product quality, reduce waste, and improve efficiency, while keeping that work rooted in Wisconsin’s agricultural economy.
A Generational Transition Grounded in Stewardship
The family-run business is currently undergoing a generational leadership transition, with brothers Nick and Gerard Trimberger gradually passing day-to-day operations to the next generation. Jayce Trimberger now leads plant operations, continuing the family’s long-standing philosophy of stewardship, adaptability, and reinvestment in their land.
“We’re passionate about Homestead Cheese Processors because it gave our family the opportunity to continue putting our best foot forward and utilizing land that has been in our family for 177 years,” Jayce said.
Looking ahead, the company plans to grow thoughtfully while remaining responsive to industry needs and exploring additional value-added services for cheese producers.
“Sheboygan County has a long history of legacy, family-run businesses,” said Don Hammond, Board Chair with Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC). “Seeing the Trimberger family carry forward their incredible work ethic, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial spirit generation after generation is exactly what keeps our rural communities strong and thriving.”
Local Impact, Regional Opportunity
As Homestead Cheese Processors grows, the company remains committed to sourcing vendors and services locally whenever possible to strengthen relationships across Wisconsin’s agricultural and manufacturing ecosystem.
“Our success is everyone’s success,” Jayce noted. “As we grow, the need for local services grows with us. Supporting our neighbors and nearby businesses is part of how we have always operated.”
With an entrepreneurial focused legacy, and room for growth, the company also welcomes dialogue with the broader cheese community and is actively seeking input on services that may be in high demand as the industry continues to evolve.
Partnership with the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation
The Trimberger family has worked with the SCEDC and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Green Bay for several years across multiple business ventures. In 2019, this assistance helped the family secure a critical local banking relationship during a challenging transition, ultimately contributing to the successful sale of a prior business in 2023 and allowing the family to focus fully on growing Homestead Cheese Processors.
“Based on our experiences, everyone in this community is extremely fortunate to have such an exceptional team at SCEDC and SBDC,” said Nicholas Trimberger. “They get more done without recognition than most people realize.”
Looking Ahead
With longstanding agricultural roots, a modern food-processing focus, and a new generation stepping into leadership, Homestead Cheese Processors represents both heritage and evolution in Wisconsin’s agricultural economy. As awareness grows, Homestead Cheese Processors will continue expanding their partnerships with cheese producers across the state and region as a trusted provider of specialized cheese processing services.
Cheese producers interested in learning more about Homestead Cheese Processors’ services or exploring future collaboration opportunities are encouraged to connect directly.
Contact:
Jayce Trimberger, Plant Manager & Quality Supervisor
Phone: (920) 980-2730
Email: jayce@homesteadcp.com
Website: Visit the Contact Us page at homesteadcp.com/contact-us
