Dairy Farmer Resources

Helpful Information and Resources for Dairy Farmers

The Dairy Alliance is not just about promoting the consumption of milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy foods to consumers within the Southeast region. We are also here to assist you, the dairy farmer. This page shows how checkoff dollars work to assist dairy farmers and promote milk. It also offers a variety of resources to help farmers meet the needs of the 21st century dairy farm, including industry resources, tools to help foster a positive dairy image and knowledge about current trends.

Update Your Contact Information

Are you a dairy farmer, milk producer or dairy advocate? Update your contact information to stay informed about local promotion programs that are helping drive milk and other dairy product sales.

UPDATE HERE

Order Promotional Materials

The Dairy Alliance has a wide variety of posters, handouts, banners and other materials dairy farmer, nutritionists and educators can use to promote the goodness of dairy.

ORDER MATERIALS
EVENT TOOLKIT

Receive Community Outreach Training

The Community Outreach program offers opportunities to explain the dairy experience to consumers. Request access to training videos and handouts that will prepare you to share your dairy story. The form Request Access to Community Outreach Training Series is no longer accepting responses.

REQUEST ACCESS
WATCH THE SERIES

Value-Add Dairy Business Resources

The Dairy Alliance is here to support dairy farmers in meeting their business challenges. We have pulled together available resources to support you as you build your dairy enterprises. 

Not seeing what you need? Reach out to our dairy team.

Contact Your Ag Affairs Manager For More Information

Elizabeth Moretz

North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia

Elise Carpenter

Kentucky and Tennessee

Audri Crews

Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi

Contemplating value-added products for your dairy business?

Utilize these resources to consider the benefits and risks of vertical integration

Vertical Integration for Long-Term Sustainability in the Dairy Industry
Value Added: Should You Produce Your Own Specialty Food Products?

State-Specific Agriculture Marketing Programs

Alabama (Sweet Grown Alabama)
Alabama (Alfa Farmers)
Georgia (Georgia Grown)
Kentucky (Kentucky Proud)
Kentucky (Kentucky Dairy Development Council)
Mississippi (Genuine Mississippi)
North Carolina (Got To Be NC)
South Carolina (Certified SC)
South Carolina (South Carolina Agribusiness)
Tennessee (Pick Tennessee Products)
Virginia (Virginia's Finest)

General Businesses Resources

Several organizations and universities provide free or low-cost technical assistance and educational resources to help start or grow your value-add business:

  • Collaboration of dairy experts from across the southeast to provide guidance, grants, and support to spur growth for dairy farmers and processors by helping to modernize and diversify. LEARN MORE

  • A program provided by Penn State Extension, find resources for running a dairy operation—from market trends and insights to resources management, dairy herd metrics, record-keeping, and cash-flow planning. LEARN MORE

  • Help producers in Kentucky prepare their products to meet the needs of larger market buyers. The website contains helpful resources accessible to farmers in all states. LEARN MORE

  • The center provides educational programming and technical assistance for Tennessee farmers interested in value-added enterprises. They also work with SDBII to provide training outside of Tennessee, so check the SDBII website for upcoming events. LEARN MORE

  • A program of North Carolina State Extension to help small food business owners and prospective entrepreneurs make informed decisions leading to greater economic development and job creation. LEARN MORE

  • A business advisory resource for growing small to mid-size businesses. While the resource is for any small business in NC, there are helpful resources accessible for anyone. LEARN MORE

Resources for Specific Areas of Interest

Marketing & Sales

Conduct Research to Estimate the Market Potential for New Products
Insights and Trends for Southeast Consumers (Coming Soon)
Pricing for a Profit
Steps and Resources to Bring Your Ideas to Life
Basics of Starting a Small Dairy Processing Plant

Utilizing Federal Food Programs to Increase Sales

Please check your state for specific requirements for your farm.

Adding Snap and EBT Sales
SNAP and EBT Sales for Farmers

Financial

Developing Your Business Plan
On Farm Milk Processing Costs
Identifying Grant Opportunities
IDFA Food Safety Education Portal
Determine the Feasibility of a Dairy Processing investment

Be sure to check for grant opportunities regularly and sign up for our free quarterly On-Farm Processor Newsletter for updates on local grant opportunities!

Distribution and Quality

Food Safety - Interactive Map
Find the Best Distributor

Quality Assurance and Inspections

Dairy's Focus on Food Safety
USDA Guidelines for Design of Dairy Processing Equipment
Guidelines to Improving Milk Quality

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Standards
Association of Food Officials
FDA’s Pasteurized Milk Ordinance
Label Requirements and Nutrition Information

Dairy Display Resources

Think Your Drink