Through USDA Dairy Business Innovation Initiative resources, UT's Center for Dairy Advancement and Sustainability is providing stipends to assist value-added dairy producers or key personnel in the Southeast Region 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.
Eligibility is open to owners, custodians, or key personnel of the following operation types:
· 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 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 per dairy operation may apply.
Stipends will be issued as reimbursements once proof of expenses has been provided. Stipends may take 8-12 weeks to process after the conference in concluded.
For more information about the American Cheese Society Conference, click HERE.
To apply for a travel stipend, click HERE by July 15th.
For any questions, please contact Extension specialist Shep Stearns for more information at sstearn1@utk.edu.
