2025 Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat Recap

2025’s Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat was a resounding success. Held annually in July, SEDYR is a fun and educational event where students ages 9–19 learn all things dairy. One of seven Southeastern states hosts the event each year. This year, eleven Georgia dairy youth traveled to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to learn more about the dairy industry through hands-on learning classes, dairy tours, and by meeting like-minded youth passionate about dairy.

Making social connections, being exposed more thoroughly to the dairy industry, and specific events like visiting Kenny’s Cheeses were highlights for this group hailing from counties such as Morgan, Putnam, Burke, and Jones. Participants enjoyed touring other dairies, especially seeing the different ways families run their dairy farms. Getting to know other Georgia dairy kids and meeting new people from different states was a favorite part of every youth’s experience.

Each student learned new things and brought back a greater understanding of the dairy industry. Students saw robotic milking for the first time and learned more about Kentucky’s 350 dairy farms. They deepened their knowledge of dairy genetics and new dairy technologies. They even learned about the Amish and their approach to dairy, while experiencing the variety in size and scale of operations, even within the same counties and region.

Many students gave their experience a five-star review, noting the trip was fun and engaging, that they learned a lot about the dairy industry, toured many farms, and made new friends from Georgia and across the Southeast.

This fun and educational program would not be possible without Dr. Bohlen, the chaperones, the Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation, and other sponsors dedicated to Georgia’s dairy youth. If you are interested in next year’s event, keep an eye out for GDYF social media posts or visit www.gadyf.com. We would love to have you join in on the dairy fun!