October 20 - 23, 2026 | Tennessee Dairy Experience
Why Attend?
Join Kentucky dairy producers, industry partners, and industry leaders for four days of learning, networking, and exploring innovative dairy farms, processing facilities, and value-added businesses across Tennessee.
Innovative Farms
Explore robotic, rotary, conventional, and family dairy operations.
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Practical Solutions
Learn strategies related to milk production, succession planning, labor management, value-added processing, and direct marketing.
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Industry Connections
Build relationships with fellow dairy producers and industry professionals.
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New Perspectives
See how dairy businesses across Tennessee are adapting, growing, and preparing for the future.
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Tour Highlights
The 2026 Fall Tour will showcase a diverse range of dairy operations, processing facilities, educational programs, and agricultural experiences across Tennessee.
Robotics & TechnologyExplore robotic milking systems and technology-driven dairy management.
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Processing & Value-Added DairySee how dairy businesses add value through processing, branding, and direct marketing.
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Building Strong Farm BusinessesLearn about family resilience, succession planning, leadership, and long-term farm success.
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Heritage & Industry ConnectionsConnect agriculture's past with the future of dairy through history, benchmarking, and producer networking.
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Featured Tour Stops
From robotic milking systems and value-added processing to family business success and agricultural heritage, these featured stops represent the diverse experiences participants will explore during the 2026 Kentucky Dairy Fall Tour.
Hatcher Family DairyLocated in College Grove, Tennessee, Hatcher Family Dairy combines robotic milking technology with on-farm processing and direct-to-consumer marketing. Participants will explore how the Hatcher family has blended innovation, diversification, and family legacy to build a thriving dairy business.
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Sweetwater Valley FarmSweetwater Valley Farm showcases a unique combination of dairy production, processing, agritourism, and consumer engagement. See how value-added dairy products, agritourism, and consumer engagement create opportunities beyond traditional milk marketing.
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Harmony Way DairyA sixth-generation dairy operation, Harmony Way Dairy highlights robotic milking technology and the role of young producers in shaping the future of dairy. Participants will learn how technology and leadership work together to support long-term farm success.
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Davis Brothers DairyDavis Brothers Dairy provides a real-world example of adaptability, family resilience, and business continuity. The operation offers valuable lessons on navigating change while maintaining a successful dairy enterprise.
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Barham Jersey DairyKnown for its Jersey cattle and strong family involvement, Barham Dairy will provide insight into genetics, succession planning, and the challenges and opportunities of managing a multi-generational operation.
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Museum of AppalachiaMore than a museum, this stop provides context for the agricultural traditions and rural heritage that continue to influence farming today. Participants will explore the connection between agriculture's past and the future of dairy.
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Dairy Gauge Producer Networking Session
Participants will engage with Dairy Gauge benchmarking specialists and fellow dairy producers to discuss performance metrics, management strategies, and practical ideas that can be applied on their own operations.
Tentative Itinerary
The following itinerary is tentative and subject to adjustment as tour details are finalized.
Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Tour Details
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Tour Dates
October 20-23, 2026 Departure & Return Location
WKU's L.D. Brown Ag Expo Center Bowling Green, Kentucky Transportation
Chartered motor coach transportation is included throughout the tour. Lodging
Three nights of hotel accommodations are included.
Meals
Meals are included as noted on the final itinerary. What's Included
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Educational Focus Areas
Who Should Attend?
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Registration
Registration is now open for the 2026 Fall Tour.
Join fellow dairy producers, farm families, industry professionals, educators, and dairy supporters for four days of learning, networking, and exploring innovative dairy operations across Tennessee.
Space is limited. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join fellow dairy producers, farm families, industry professionals, educators, and dairy supporters for four days of learning, networking, and exploring innovative dairy operations across Tennessee.
Space is limited. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration Includes:
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Important Information
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Registration Options
Kentucky Dairy Producer$400 per person
Available to active Kentucky dairy producers, including young producers actively involved in a Kentucky dairy operation. |
Additional Family Member / Farm Employee$200 per person
Must accompany a registered Kentucky dairy producer. This registration option is intended for farm family members and farm employees attending with a registered producer. |
Industry Member / Non-Producer$600 per person
Available to agribusiness professionals, industry partners, educators, consultants, service providers, students, and others who are not active Kentucky dairy producers. |
Discounts Available
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KDDC Director Discount
Available to eligible KDDC Directors. Contact KDDC for eligibility information and discount codes prior to registering. Discount applies to Kentucky Producer and Industry Member registrations only. |
Young Producer & Student Discount
Available to eligible young producers and students interested in dairy agriculture. Contact KDDC for eligibility information and discount codes prior to registering. Discount applies to Kentucky Producer and Industry Member registrations only. |
Contact KDDC for discount eligibility information.
Registration Deadline is October 11th, 2026, or when tour capacity is reached.
Payment
Registration is completed through the KDDC online registration system. Payment is required at the time of registration.
Registration is completed through the KDDC online registration system. Payment is required at the time of registration.
Cancellation Policy
$50 per attendee is non-refundable. Refund requests received prior to the registration deadline may be eligible for a partial refund. No refunds will be issued after the registration deadline of October 11th, 2026.
$50 per attendee is non-refundable. Refund requests received prior to the registration deadline may be eligible for a partial refund. No refunds will be issued after the registration deadline of October 11th, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the tour begin and end?
Participants will depart from and return to WKU's L.D. Brown Ag Expo Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A designated monitored parking area will be available for vehicles during the duration of the tour.
Participants will depart from and return to WKU's L.D. Brown Ag Expo Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A designated monitored parking area will be available for vehicles during the duration of the tour.
Is transportation provided?
Yes. Chartered motor coach transportation is included throughout the tour.
Yes. Chartered motor coach transportation is included throughout the tour.
Are meals included?
Meals are included as noted on the itinerary. Participants may also have opportunities to purchase dairy products, souvenirs, snacks, and other items at select tour stops.
Meals are included as noted on the itinerary. Participants may also have opportunities to purchase dairy products, souvenirs, snacks, and other items at select tour stops.
Is lodging included?
Yes. Three nights of hotel accommodations are included.
Yes. Three nights of hotel accommodations are included.
What should I bring?
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for farm visits, weather-appropriate clothing including rain gear, medications, spending money for optional purchases, and any personal items needed during the trip. Participants interested in purchasing dairy products or other perishable items during the tour may also wish to bring a cooler for transporting purchases home.
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for farm visits, weather-appropriate clothing including rain gear, medications, spending money for optional purchases, and any personal items needed during the trip. Participants interested in purchasing dairy products or other perishable items during the tour may also wish to bring a cooler for transporting purchases home.
Is the itinerary final?
The itinerary is tentative and subject to adjustment as tour details are finalized. Participants will receive final tour information prior to departure.
The itinerary is tentative and subject to adjustment as tour details are finalized. Participants will receive final tour information prior to departure.
Is there an age requirement?
Participants must be at least 13 years of age and accompanied by a chaperone.
Participants must be at least 13 years of age and accompanied by a chaperone.
Will biosecurity measures be followed?
Yes. Participants will be expected to follow all biosecurity protocols established by host farms and tour organizers. Closed-toe shoes are required for all farm visits, and additional biosecurity measures may be implemented at individual tour stops.
Yes. Participants will be expected to follow all biosecurity protocols established by host farms and tour organizers. Closed-toe shoes are required for all farm visits, and additional biosecurity measures may be implemented at individual tour stops.
Questions?
For questions regarding registration, tour logistics, accommodations, or participation, please contact:
Melissa Huggett, KDDC Program Coordinator
859-516-2458
[email protected]
Melissa Huggett, KDDC Program Coordinator
859-516-2458
[email protected]
Looking Back
For many years, the Kentucky Dairy Fall Tour has provided opportunities for producers and industry professionals to learn from innovative dairy operations, explore new ideas, and build relationships throughout the dairy industry.
Explore previous tour destinations, featured stops, and highlights from past Kentucky Dairy Fall Tours.
Explore previous tour destinations, featured stops, and highlights from past Kentucky Dairy Fall Tours.
