Bingham Hill Cheese Company (the cheesemakers who, in a very roundabout way, first inspired me with this whole cheesemaking thing) are suing Morning Fresh Dairy for theft of trade secrets, claiming the other cheesemakers stole their recipes. The funny thing is, Bingham Hill has been defunct since February (apparently because they put most of their eggs in one basket, Trader Joes).

I really don't understand how a traditionally made artisanal cheese recipe could even be considered a "trade secret." While there is certainly an art to the production of cheese, there's really no great secret to how it's made. The techniques and ingredients have been the same for centuries and any self-respecting "artisan" should be aware of his or her place in that tradition.