Our Family Legacy in Wisconsin Dairy
For four generations, our family has been producing the most wholesome foods that have been enjoyed locally, regionally, and now nationally. We are proud to provide healthy nutrition by maintaining the highest quality standards.
Wisconsin Dairy Farming Roots
The Knaus family's Wisconsin dairy roots go back to 1911, when Edwin and Pauline Knaus married, bought a dairy farm in central Wisconsin, and began making "Wisconsin's Finest" cheese. Pauline managed a small herd, while Edwin produced quality cheese by hand for over 45 years. He worked closely with his son, James (Jim), teaching him the family trade. Both became experts at developing cheese cultures, a key ingredient that determines the favor, texture and aroma of the cheese. Their cheese products were sold in bulk to local food companies and quickly built a reputation for quality and integrity. Through their hard work and a mission to create the very best products possible, they set the foundation of success for generations to come.
Establishing A Cheese Brand
In 1975 Jim carried on the Knaus family legacy of artisan cheese-making. He purchased an established dairy in the town of Weyauwega, WI, and renamed it the Weyauwega Star Dairy. His vision was to go beyond bulk cheese production. He began to package cheese and to develop a brand. In 1982, his son Steve Knaus established his own company and developed the Weyauwega Cheese brand. He works closely with his brothers, who continue to own and manage the Weyauwega Star Dairy.
Building Regional Brands and Products
Over the past 40+ years Steve has continued to build recognizable dairy companies and brands. The Weyauwega Cheese brand has grown in popularity in the Midwest due to its high quality, full product line and reasonable price point. He acquired Scott's of Wisconsin in 2011, a company with a legacy in the craft of cheese spreads. In 2016 he established Old World Creamery, which manufactures butter and in 2023 began making cream cheese.
Today, along with his daughter Nichole, sons Jason and Chad who are all integral to the operations of the business, the family continues to own and operate these nationally recognizable dairy companies and brands.
In 2018 the siblings, Nichole, Jason and Chad established Wisconsin Dairy Distributing, initially with the focus on Dairy brokering. In 2020, after seeing an opportunity to expand their capabilities and strengthen their commitment to their customers they purchased their first facility in Waupun, WI. Over the past 6 years their commitment to their customers has only grown. In 2026 this commitment was highlighted with the acquisition of the 1950-127 Brand.
Providing Fresh, Wholesome Dairy to America
The family, now well into the fourth generation, are excited to be launching Lov-it, a brand initially offering stick butter and cream cheese. The vision for Lov-it is that it will be a national full-line brand of fresh dairy products which are for every family's refrigerator. The Knaus's passion and talent for producing "fresh, wholesome dairy" helps make healthy dairy nutrition accessible to all American families.
Now after over 100 years they continue to grow their family of companies, bringing them all under one family tree. Lov-it Brands USA represents their knowledge and experience in the cheese industry. Collectively, they have spent their entire lives in the business, building relationships, expertise, and a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver quality and consistency. We continue to be rooted in our heritage but focused on the future.