2026 Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat Recap

Jul 22

3 min read

The Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat (SEDYR) is an annual summer event that brings together youth with an interest in the dairy industry from seven states across the Southeast. Each year, the retreat rotates to a different participating state, giving attendees the opportunity to experience the dairy industry and agriculture unique to that area.

Throughout the retreat, participants visit dairy farms and agricultural businesses, take part in educational workshops and hands-on activities, and interact with dairy industry professionals. Just as importantly, SEDYR gives youth the opportunity to meet and build friendships with other young people from across the Southeast who share an interest in dairy. Each host state also incorporates local attractions and recreational activities into the week.

In 2026, it was Georgia's turn to welcome Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat participants and showcase the state's dairy industry from July 6-10. Georgia had a large delegation of 17 young people, joined by 36 youth from four other states, for a total of 53 participants. Dr. Jillian Bohlen, Merideth Meckel, and Pam Sapp led Georgia's hosting of the event, and by all measures, the week was a success.

The retreat kicked off with Barnyard Olympics, giving students from around the Southeast their first chance to get to know one another through some friendly competition. The event ended with a dress-a-heifer contest between state teams. Past SEDYR alumni and Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation Jr. Board members were all hands on deck helping produce the competition. Over dinner, participants learned about local and Georgia agriculture, followed by a white pants swap to help everyone get ready for the upcoming dairy show season.

Tuesday was a full day, beginning with the group learning about crop dusting, an agricultural service that isn't common across all areas of the Southeast. Students then divided into three groups and rotated through agricultural technology experiences, including the Georgia Farm Bureau Ag Experience Trailer, drones, and integrated pest management. Audri Crews from The Dairy Alliance presented "Telling Your Agricultural Story" to the group before lunch.

The afternoon continued with workshops on soil and hay sampling and technology in Georgia agriculture, followed by a trip to W&R Dairy. Students practiced dairy judging and put their knowledge to work in an activity combining a scavenger hunt, escape room, and Family Feud.

At dinner, Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation President Carol Williams spoke about her experience entering the dairy industry from a non-agricultural background. The day concluded with more dairy competition and games, including Skillathon, Dairy Bus Trivia, Dairy Quiz Bowl, and Pin the Part on the Dairy Cow.

Wednesday brought another full day of dairy education as the group traveled to Hillcrest Dairy in Appling for a farm tour. Two hands-on workshops, Reproduction and Artificial Insemination and Udder Dissection, were hosted at Hillcrest. During lunch, Bryce Trotter from Georgia Milk Producers explained the organization's role in Georgia's dairy industry.

Following lunch, participants traveled to Harmony Grove Dairy, where they toured the dairy and calf barn. Two additional workshops were held there, including a calving dystocia class with a simulator and a mastitis workshop. After a busy day of farm tours and hands-on learning, the group headed to the Burke County Office Park for a relaxing evening with a movie, popcorn, and cornhole.

The group's final day began with a stop at 920 Processing in Millen to learn about the meat processing process. After several days packed with education, the students enjoyed some well-earned fun in the sun at Splash in the Boro Water Park.

A barn dance that evening brought the 2026 Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat to a close as the groups said their farewells. And, like any good gathering of dairy kids, plenty of ice cream and dairy products were consumed along the way!

Thank you to all of the volunteers and presenters who made the week possible, along with Dr. Bohlen, the Burke and Jefferson County Extension offices, Pam Sapp, and Merideth Meckel.

Special thanks also go to the generous sponsors who helped make the 2026 Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat possible: The Dairy Alliance, BSC Arena, Dairy Farmers of America, GENEX, Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation, Georgia Milk Producers, Jefferson County Farm Bureau, Jefferson County Cattlemen's Association, Southern Swiss Dairy, Rock House Creamery, Pine Hill Poultry, and Planters EMC.