Cheese Fever: A History of "Soft Michigan" Cheese, 1825-1925

"In 1866, through the encouragement of the Michigan State Board of Agriculture, several Lenawee County farmers began the commercial production of 'Soft Michigan' cheese. The commercial success of these farm-made cheeses helped shape business and political careers in southeast Michigan. 'Soft Michigan' cheese production transformed the practice of agriculture by increasing the roles of technology and science and the involvement of government in the food supply. Applying science and technology to food production would lower health risks to consumers and ensure that only the best dairy products were made into cheese. Science, technology, education, government regulation, and capital would promote 'cheese fever' on even the humblest of dairy farms." - from back cover.