Dairy farmers, value-added dairy producer-processors, and industry partners from Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, and other southeastern states are invited to join University of Tennessee Extension this summer as part of a Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (SDBII) experiential learning course.
The SDBII Southeast Experiential Learning Course is planned for July 29 through August 4, 2025. Course participants will spend several days in Knoxville, Tennessee, before traveling to North Carolina for three additional days of educational programming. Course activities include on-farm learning at a variety of value-added dairy operations across Tennessee and North Carolina. Course participants will be able to network with dairy producers from across the nation while engaged in the program.
In addition to valuable networking opportunities, course participants will have the opportunity to engage in continued professional development via participation in the 2025 Southeast Value-Added Dairy (SEVAD) Conference held on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This year’s experiential learning course is being held concurrently with the SEVAD Conference. Additional information and registration for the SEVAD Conference can be found online at tiny.utk.edu/SEVAD25.
The Southeast Experiential Learning Course itinerary includes seven stops at farms where participants will learn directly from farm owners and staff about a variety of topics, such as on-farm marketing, product packaging and agritourism. These sessions are intended to help value-added entrepreneurs analyze, develop and grow their farm enterprises. While the program focuses on dairy producers and processors, interested technical assistance providers and industry partners are welcome to participate.
Source : tennessee.edu