Travel Stipend Available for 2025 American Cheese Society Conference

— Written by Brittany Whitmire | May 29, 2025

The Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative 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 the 2025 American Cheese Society (ACS) Conference. Selected individuals will be reimbursed up to $1,500 to help defray registration and selected travel expenses to attend the 2025 ACS Conference in Sacramento, CA between July 23-26.

Eligibility is open to owners, managers, or key personnel of 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. Up to two applicants may apply per dairy operation.

Stipends will be issued as reimbursements once proof of expenses has been provided. Stipends may take 8-12 weeks to process after the conference is concluded. Applicants may be reimbursed up to $1,500. For those who demonstrate expenses less than $1,500, a lower reimbursement amount will be provided to cover expenses in full. To apply for a travel stipend, click HERE by July 15.