The 2013 Wisconsin Cheese Industry Conference (WCIC) will see more than 1,400 cheese industry leaders from around the nation gather for the latest in cheese technology, product safety, marketing and dairy issues. The conference, which is co-hosted by the Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research and Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, takes place at La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wis., April 17-18.

Specialty and artisan cheeses are in this year. Cheesemakers are putting their efforts into developing all-natural and low-fat varieties. And processors are planning a wide variety of capital investments, including form-fill-sealers, cutting equipment, vats and tanks.