By Jamie Martin
University of Tennessee (UT) Extension is hosting a hands-on educational tour for dairy farmers and partners across the Southeast from July 29 to August 4, 2025.
The Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (SDBII) Experiential Learning Course will include farm visits, training sessions, and participation in the Southeast Value-Added Dairy (SEVAD) Conference.
Participants will begin in Knoxville, Tennessee, then travel to North Carolina for more learning. The course includes seven on-farm visits where producers will explore marketing, packaging, agritourism, and other value-added practices. The course aims to help farmers grow and diversify their dairy operations.
Professional development continues with the SEVAD Conference at the University of Tennessee. The combined program gives attendees a full experience in both education and networking.
All applicants must apply to attend, and spaces are limited. Travel costs to and from Knoxville are the participant’s responsibility, but conference registration and lodging are covered.
A limited number of scholarships up to $700 are available, with priority for dairy producers. Attendees who complete an evaluation can earn Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) educational credit for Agritourism and Value-Added sectors, as well as five hours of Tennessee Master Dairy Producer credit.
“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, UT Extension dairy specialist.
Those interested should apply online at tiny.utk.edu/SoutheastDBIReg. Questions can be directed to Shep Stearns or Ansley Roper at UT Extension. The program is funded in part by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
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