Friday, 08 January 2010 16:43

Visit Tillamook County, Oregon and you'll quickly learn why people are dedicated to cheese – it's a huge part of everyday life.

Take a short drive from Portland on Highway 6 toward the Oregon coast, and you’re in the heart of Tillamook County. Each August thousands come to town for the Tillamook County Fair to find the usual suspects: rides, hot dogs, cotton candy, animals, clowns, fortune tellers and more. But there is something special at the Tillamook County Fair that you can’t find anywhere else – residents who are passionate to their core about the land, cows and the award-winning cheese made right down the street at the Tillamook Cheese Factory.

In Tillamook County, dairy farming is a way of life. The 110 family farmers who are a part of the Tillamook County Creamery Association care for the land and cows meticulously. Their cows produce the high-quality milk that goes into Tillamook cheese and other dairy products.

At the fair you can sample the various Tillamook cheeses and ice creams, but what we found most fulfilling was getting to know the community that supports a brand that is on the fast track.

At the fair we had the pleasure of visiting with residents that touch the Tillamook County Creamery Association in various ways. There were young people, no older than 25, who grew up on a dairy learning the trade, and now are preparing to take over the family business. Others who had worked for decades caring for the land that is so integral to a cow’s health and diet. There were young women, vying to represent Tillamook and the dairy industry under the title of ‘Dairy Princess’. The employees have so much pride for the final product that they contribute to. Everyone has a story to tell about their history and connection to the brand, their favorite macaroni and cheese recipe, and all extend a warm welcome into their home. In Tillamook County, the dairy industry is a way of life, and the final product their milk produces is their gift to cheese lovers around the country!

In a consumer centric world where billions are spent on advertising, it is difficult for consumers to navigate through all the noise to find truly genuine brands. After spending a few days in the backyard of Tillamook Cheese, it’s easy to see how this brand’s tagline rings true, tastes better because it’s made better. It’s the passion, love and dedication that come from the 110 family farmers that make Tillamook a brand that this cheese lover will never stray from.