8 Unexpected Secrets Of The Miss State Cheese Shop: Inside The Newly Renovated MAFES Store
For over 85 years, the "Miss State Cheese Shop"—officially known as the MAFES Sales Store—has been more than just a retail outlet; it’s a beloved Mississippi State University (MSU) tradition and a national powerhouse in dairy production. As of December 2025, the shop is celebrating its return to a newly renovated facility, a significant upgrade that solidifies its status as the second-largest campus-based cheese producer in the United States. This deep dive uncovers the rich history, the current-day impact, and the essential products you need to know about from this iconic institution.
The store serves as the primary public face for the cutting-edge research and educational efforts of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) and the MSU Dairy Science program. From its famous signature "cannonball" Edam cheese to a surprising range of gourmet goods, the MAFES Sales Store is a testament to the university's commitment to agricultural excellence and a mandatory stop for any true Bulldog fan or Southern food enthusiast.
The Legacy of the "Cannonball": MSU Cheese Shop's Rich History
The story of the Miss State Cheese Shop is inextricably linked to the history of dairy science in Mississippi. The tradition began in 1938 when Professor FH Herzer ordered ten teakwood hoops—the molds—to begin making Edam cheese.
This marked the birth of the famous Edam cheese ball, a three-pound sphere encased in a signature red wax, earning it the affectionate nickname "cannonball."
The MAFES Sales Store operates as a self-supporting unit, channeling the research and educational products from the Custer Dairy Processing Plant and the Dairy Manufacturing Plant directly to consumers. This unique model ensures that the products are not only delicious but also a direct result of the hands-on learning and research conducted by MSU students and faculty.
The entire operation begins at the Bearden Dairy Research Center, where a herd of Holstein, Jersey, and crossbred cows is milked daily, providing the fresh, high-quality milk that is the foundation of every product sold.
The Edam Tradition: A Holiday Phenomenon
While the cheese is available year-round, its sales spike dramatically during the holiday season. The MAFES Sales Store ships approximately two-thirds of its total annual sales during the Thanksgiving and Christmas rush, making the Edam cheese ball a highly prized and traditional gift across the South and beyond.
The demand is so high that the university ranks as the second-largest campus-based cheese producer in the United States, churning out an impressive 350,000 pounds of cheese annually.
What's New: Inside the Newly Renovated MAFES Sales Store (2025 Update)
A major development for the Miss State Cheese Shop community was the completion of a significant renovation. The MAFES Sales Store, located at 925 Stone Blvd., underwent a substantial upgrade to enhance its facilities and better serve the MSU community and its loyal customer base.
The newly renovated facility officially reopened in May 2025, providing a modern, enhanced shopping experience while still maintaining the traditional charm of the historic location.
Patrons are now invited to visit the new and improved store, which is typically open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Central Time), though it is always best to check for university holiday closures.
Essential 2025 Holiday Shipping Dates
For those looking to order the famous Edam or other products for holiday gifting, the MAFES Sales Store has set specific dates for shipping. For the 2025 holiday season, the store announced that it would begin shipping orders on November 10, 2025. Early ordering is highly recommended to ensure timely delivery, especially given the massive volume of orders processed during this period.
Beyond Edam: A Complete Guide to Miss State's Must-Try Products
While the Edam cheese is the undisputed star, the MAFES Sales Store is a treasure trove of other dairy and specialty products, making it a true hub for "farm fresh" goods. The store’s inventory extends far beyond cheese, offering a comprehensive list of items produced or curated by the university’s agricultural programs.
Here is a list of the must-try products and relevant entities you can find at the Miss State Cheese Shop, proving its extensive topical authority in Southern agriculture and food science:
- Edam Cheese: The iconic three-pound "cannonball" in red wax.
- Vallagret Cheese: A popular, distinct variety often ordered alongside the Edam.
- Cheddar Cheese: Classic, aged varieties.
- Jalapeno Cheese: A spicy, crowd-pleasing option.
- Ice Cream: Fresh, dairy-based frozen treats.
- Butter: High-quality, artisan-produced butter.
- Milk: Fresh milk products from the MSU dairy herd.
- Juice: A selection of fruit juices.
- Condiments: Various spreads and sauces.
- Peanuts: Specialty peanut products.
- Jelly: Locally sourced or university-produced jellies.
- Coffee: Coffee beans and related products.
- Seasoning: Spice mixes and seasonings.
- Gifts: General MSU-themed gift items.
- MAFES Research Support Unit: The overarching entity supporting the plant’s operation.
- Custer Dairy Processing Plant: Where the cheese is manufactured.
- Bearden Dairy Research Center: Where the dairy cattle are housed.
The Educational and Economic Power of MSU Cheese
The MAFES Sales Store is more than a commercial success; it is a vital part of the university's educational mission. The entire process, from the Bearden Dairy to the Custer Dairy Processing Plant, serves as a living laboratory for students in the Dairy Science and Food Science programs.
Students gain invaluable, hands-on experience in dairy herd management, milk processing, quality control, and retail sales. This practical application ensures that MSU graduates are well-prepared for careers in the agricultural and food industries, contributing to the economic vitality of Mississippi and the entire region.
By purchasing a product from the Miss State Cheese Shop, customers are not just buying a high-quality item; they are directly supporting the research, education, and outreach efforts of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. This connection between the farm, the lab, and the consumer is what makes the MSU cheese tradition so unique and enduring. The 2025 renovation ensures that this essential educational and economic engine will continue to operate at a high level for decades to come, keeping the "cannonball" rolling for future generations of Bulldogs.
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