Through USDA Dairy Business Innovation Initiative resources, UT's Center for Dairy Advancement and Sustainability is pleased to provide stipends to assist value-added dairy producers or key personnel in the Southeast Region (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia) to participate in a special cohort of the Carpigiani Frozen Dessert University in High point, North Carolina January 12 - 16, 2026. Selected individuals will be reimbursed up to $1,000 to help defray registration and selected travel expenses for travel and lodging.

Eligibility is open to owners, managers, or key personnel of the following operation types located in the Southeast Region. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with either an existing or prospective value-added dairy operation. Existing value-added dairy operations must be producing and marketing value-added dairy products (from cattle, sheep, goats, etc.) such as fluid milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, soaps, lotions, or other cosmetics. Operations working toward becoming licensed dairy product manufacturers within the next 12 months are eligible to apply as well. Only one applicant is allowed per dairy operation. However, applicants may suggest another person from their operation to be considered if the cohort does not fill up.

Stipends will be issued as reimbursements once proof of expenses has been provided. Stipends may take up to 12 weeks to process after the course is completed. Tuition for the course will be paid for directly by UT's SDBII program. Applicants may be reimbursed up to $1,000. For those who demonstrate expenses less than $1,000, a lower reimbursement amount will be provided to cover expenses in full.

More information about Carpigiani's Frozen Dessert University

Applications open Saturday November 1 for free tuition and the travel stipend to apply. Applications close December 10 by 11:59pm.