By Ansley Roper; University of Tennessee Extension Specialist

The Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (SDBII) offered competitive scholarships to several Southeast dairy operations to attend this year’s NAFDMA Agritourism Convention and Exposition, held in Lexington, Kentucky. Between exploring the history and beauty that Lexington has to offer, attending the convention trade show and conference sessions in the iconic Rupp Arena (Go Wildcats, anyone?), and participating in educational sessions at various agritourism hot spots around the area, it’s safe to say that all of our participants had a fantastic time and gained valuable insights to bring back to their own operations.

SDBII attendees are as follows, in alphabetical order by farm name: Mike Hillebrand from Blue Sky Meadows (Jonesborough, TN), Erin Drake and Clare Reding from Celebrity Dairy (Siler City, NC), Emily Hall from Razzbourne Farms (Fairfield, TN), and Jodie Moore from Rebel Hollow Farm (Tazewell, TN).

The conference spanned a total of six days, including an optional “bonus day,” farm tours, and educational sessions. Attendees had two options for farm tours, consisting of a Mid-Size or Advanced tours, both with a surprise distillery visit. We would like to give a special thank you to Devine’s Pumpkin Patch, Mulberry Orchard, Stepping Stone Farm, Eckert’s, Evans Orchard and Cider Mill, and Gallrein Farms for kindly opening up their operations to conference attendees! We would love for you to join us at next year’s convention in Orlando, Florida, taking place February 5-9, 2026! To view the 2025 Convention highlight video and learn more about NAFDMA, visit their website here Wait List 2026 — NAFDMA Convention & Expo. Stay tuned for updates on the 2026 SDBII scholarships to attend!