Southeastern Dairy Farmers Gain Tools for Value Added Growth
University of Tennessee Extension will lead a Southeast Experiential Learning Course for dairy producers and processors from July 29 to August 4, 2025. The course aims to enhance value-added farm skills across Tennessee, North Carolina, and neighbouring states.
The program begins in Knoxville, then continues in North Carolina, featuring seven on-farm visits. Participants will engage with successful dairy entrepreneurs to explore packaging, marketing, and agritourism strategies.
Held in conjunction with the 2025 Southeast Value-Added Dairy (SEVAD) Conference, the course offers a rich mix of professional development and peer collaboration.
“We are excited to provide a unique educational experience for our southeastern dairy producers that combines both the benefits of the annual Experiential Learning Course and the SEVAD Conference into one program,” said Liz Eckelkamp, SDBII Program Director.
Applicants must apply online. Admission is limited, and submission doesn’t guarantee entry. Registration and hotel costs for the SEVAD Conference are covered for accepted attendees. Travel to Knoxville is the responsibility of participants, though scholarships of up to $700 are available, mainly for producers.
The course satisfies one TAEP Producer Diversification education requirement in either Agritourism or Value-Added sectors. It also grants five hours toward Tennessee Master Dairy Producer credit.
Interested participants can apply at tiny.utk.edu/SoutheastDBIReg. More info is available at tiny.utk.edu/sdbii, or by contacting Extension specialists Shep Stearns and Ansley Roper.
Support for the course comes from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, helping to grow knowledge and opportunity for the region’s dairy industry.