On behalf of the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative we are excited to announce that the application is open for the Northeast Value-Added Dairy Experiential Learning Course!
DESCRIPTION
Dairy farmers, value-added dairy producer-processors, and industry partners from Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, and surrounding southeastern states are invited to join UT Extension this fall as part of a Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (SDBII) experiential learning course.
The Northeast Experiential Learning Course will take place September 2nd – 7th, 2024. Course participants will begin in the Albany, NY area and travel to Vermont for four days of educational programming including visits to cheese processing facilities, creameries, and other value-added dairy enterprises.
The course itinerary includes stops at various 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 especially targets value-added dairy producers, interested technical assistance providers and industry partners are encouraged to apply.
Funding for this program is made possible, in part, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Additional information about the Southeast Dairy Business Initiative can be found at the University of Tennessee - Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives.
DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION
The Northeast Experiential Learning Course will take place on September 2 – 7, 2024. Dates of travel include September 2 (flying in) and September 7 (flying home). Learning course activities will take place during September 3 – 6.
Tour stops will be spread out between Albany, NY, and the Burlington, VT area. Transportation around NY and VT will be included as part of the learning course. Tour logistics and a detailed agenda will be shared with participants after they have been notified of acceptance into the course.
REGISTRATION
Pre-registration is required to participate in the Northeast Experiential Learning Course, and spaces are limited. While there is no cost associated with submitting an application, submission does not guarantee admission to the program. A completed application form is required for each individual who wishes to participate in the program.
The deadline to apply for a seat in this learning course is August 5th, 2024 at 6 PM EST.
Please complete an application form online
AEP AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL CREDIT
Producers participating in the tour who successfully complete a tour evaluation will fulfill one of two Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Producer Diversification educational requirements for the following Producer Diversification sectors: Agritourism and Value-Added. Questions about TAEP should be directed to the TAEP Producer Diversification Coordinator at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture at producer.diversification@tn.
Producers participating in this educational tour are also eligible for Tennessee Master Dairy Producer credit for the year.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Shep Stearns at sstearn1@utk.edu for more information.
