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Steve Funk

Dairy Ingredient Specialist

With nearly 50 years of seasoning in the food processing industry, Steve brings a one-of-a-kind mix of skillset and expertise to Nelson-Jameson. 

In his role as Technical Sales Manager, Steve leverages that robust experience to work with customers who use ingredients from Nelson-Jameson to ensure they are used to make the best fermented dairy and cheese products possible.

More specifically, Steve helps customers apply the ingredients in the proper groupings to ensure they get the best results in quality, yield, flavor, body, and texture. And as Steve notes “With increased customer demand for shelf-life, unique flavor profiles, and conversion in many forms, there is an increased need for creating ingredient blends and process procedures to get the final product to its goal.”

Steve has had these honors, among others, in his career:

  • Two terms as a board member for the Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers Program (with the Center for Dairy Research and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin)
  • Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association member
  • Wisconsin Dairy Products Association (former board member and contest judge)
  • New York State Cheese Manufacturers Association contest judge
  • American Cheese Society contest judge

In his career, Steve has served as a Product Line Manager and Plant General Manager. He has served as Senior Cheese Technologist and held sales and management roles with Nelson-Jameson.

Steve has taught cheese classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, South Dakota State University, the University of Vermont, the French Institute in Poligny, France, and the Dairy Research Institute in Lugo, Spain.

Steve has also appeared in many industry publications. However, Steve says that he’ll always be a student as well as a teacher.

"I was taught to never stop learning, never stop garnering resources to make yourself better, and never give an answer if you’re not 100% sure. If you don't know, you don't know. But DO find the answer."

 

Articles & Contributions

September 22, 2023

How Cultures & Enzymes Move the Dairy Industry Forward

Cultures and enzymes are biological catalysts for dairy product production, but they’re also catalysts f...

Ohio's Top Cheesemakers Recognized at Ohio State Fair Cheese Contest

July 18, 2025

Ohio's Top Cheesemakers Recognized at Ohio State Fair Cheese Contest

We're thrilled to shine a spotlight on our very own Steve Funk, Dairy Ingredient Specialist at Nelson-Ja...

Dairy Foods | Cheese ingredients continue their strong growth

June 23, 2025

Dairy Foods | Cheese ingredients continue their strong growth

Beyond your everyday cheddar, what cheeses are truly captivating consumers right now? Our Senior Cheese ...

Upcoming Events

American Cheese Society Annual Conference

July 7, 2026Kentucky

American Cheese Society Annual Conference

The American Cheese Society's Annual Conference is the premier event for cheese lovers and professionals, bringing together cheesemakers, retailers, distributors, and consumers to celebrate American cheese. Held annually since 1983, this conference offers educational sessions like cheesemaking demonstrations, cheese judging competitions, and panel discussions on cheese marketing, sustainability, and food safety. Attendees can network with other cheese enthusiasts, sample hundreds of different cheeses, and purchase cheesemaking supplies.

Resources

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: Navigating the Transition to Natural Colors

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: Navigating the Transition to Natural Colors

Between shifting consumer preferences and tightening regulatory bans, the industry is moving toward natural alternatives. But for R&D and QA teams, this isn't just a simple "swap." Natural colors behave differently under pressure—literally.

Nelson-Jameson Improves Cheesemaker’s Quality, Efficiency with Custom Autobagger Tubing

Nelson-Jameson Improves Cheesemaker’s Quality, Efficiency with Custom Autobagger Tubing

A Wisconsin dairy manufacturer saw frequent leading and bubbling issues with its bags when packaging its 40-lb blocks. These issues impacted quality, and led to inefficiency and unnecessary waste.

Enabling Efficiency for Artisan Cheesemakers in America's Dairy Heartland

Enabling Efficiency for Artisan Cheesemakers in America's Dairy Heartland

Nelson-Jameson partnered with Lake Country Dairy to assess its needs and develop a customized approach that included sourcing solutions, time-saving guidance, and ongoing training and lab support.

Ready for Launch: Helping Streamline Food Manufacturers' Start Up Operations

Ready for Launch: Helping Streamline Food Manufacturers' Start Up Operations

Nelson-Jameson supported Suntado with tailored industry expertise in the launch of a new food manufacturing facility. The launch included implementing programs for food safety, sanitation, and operations.

Industry Education, Training, and Innovation

Industry Education, Training, and Innovation

Explore diverse educational resources and training opportunities for the food and dairy industry, enhancing food safety, sanitation, and operational efficiency.

Bruker Dairy Analyzer Consultation

Bruker Dairy Analyzer Consultation

Elevate the efficiency and consistency of your dairy operations with an expert Dairy Analyzer Consultation. Leverage the right technology and deep technical expertise to tackle quality control challenges — from standardizing raw milk intake to verifying the precise fat, protein, lactose, and moisture content of your final product. We help streamline your laboratory and production workflows, reduce sample preparation time, and help you meet strict industry standards while advancing sustainability goals. Partner with Nelson-Jameson to find the precise milk and dairy analysis solution that accelerates your decision-making and ensures optimal dairy consistency.