breanna brooks

I was born and raised on a dairy farm in Juda. I grew up participating in 4-H, school sports and was a member of my local Juda FFA Chapter, serving as an officer for two years.

I just graduated from Blackhawk Technical College, with an Associate Degree in Agribusiness Science/Technology with my Technical Diploma as an Agribusiness Specialist. I am employed with Green County Farm Service Agency and plan to intern with NRCS Local Land Conservation.

I continue to be present with the family farm. We milk 225 cows southwest of Monroe with my grandparents. Growing up on a dairy farm gave me the know-how of where the Cheese Days celebration began…with the gentle dairy cow.

I invite you to taste cheese along with the many other delicious foods the festival offers, and to polka the night away like our ancestors did in 1914.

Join me on this beautiful journey through Swiss heritage from September 20-22, 2024.

CHEESE DAYS

Back in 1914, the concept of Cheese Days originated from the notion that if some little town in Illinois could have a festival commemorating sauerkraut, then a celebration based on cheese would be an even better idea.

A group of local businessmen planned the festivities in just nine days, driving a roadster through the city of Monroe to publicize the event. A hand-lettered sign attached to the vehicle proclaimed “FIRST CHEESE DAY COMMITTEE 1914 – WE STARTED SOMETHING!”

And did they ever.

100 years later, we invite you to take part in our centennial Cheese Days 2014 – where old-world tradition has generated an out-of-this-world celebration.

Help us celebrate our Swiss heritage with traditional music, dance, drinks, food, and extraordinary cheese!