NW Michigan Food and Farming Network Report to the Community 2015 Report to the Community | Page 22

Food and Farming network

Sue Kurta: Making Swiss
Artisan cheese-making
on the rise in region
By Tom Carr
Interlochen Public Radio
Artisan cheese making is on the
rise in Michigan, though it’s not an
easy business to get into. The number
of small, independent cheese producers in Michigan is expected to nearly
double in the near future.
Sue Kurta is among those leading the way with her business, Boss
Mouse Cheese. Boss Mouse is one of
about 20 small, artisan cheese makers in Michigan. Most are also dairy
Sue Kurta, of Boss Mouse Cheese, is one of about 20 small, artisan cheese
farmers.
“For the most part, it’s people who makers in Michigan. (Photo: Tom Carr)
already have milking animals and de- Environmental Assurance Program.
kets, but also sells at upscale markets
cide to go into the production side of
Kurta sells her cheeses through the and restaurants downstate.
things,” says Terry Philibeck, deputy
winter at the indoor farmers market
Kurta lived in New York City and
director of the Michigan Department at Grand Traverse Commons. She
was a secretary for Wall Street bankof Agriculture and Rural Developsays her formula for success is simp K