Kentucky dairy producers have an opportunity to join others from across the region in Atlanta at a January conference addressing some of the major issues currently facing the dairy industry.

Jeffrey Bewley, Extension professor in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences, is part of the Southern Dairy Conference planning committee.

He said the Jan. 24-25 conference will offer several presentations on all facets of the dairy industry. The main emphasis would be on the competitiveness and sustainability of the southern dairy industry.

“Participants will learn about production, processing and manufacturing,” he said. “Topics include policy and legislation, milk prices, animal well-being, risk management, farm ownership and the next generation of dairy farmers.”

The conference will take place at the Embassy Suites near the Atlanta airport. Lodging reservations must be made with the hotel by calling 1-800-362-2779 or 404-767-1988. The Southern Dairy Conference rate is $120 per night.

Registration for the conference is $250. Online registration is available at http://www.areg.caes.uga.edu. To find more information, visit the conference website at http://www.southerndairyconference.com.

Fifteen southern land-grant universities are sponsoring the event: Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana State, Mississippi State, Missouri, North Carolina State, Texas A&M and Virginia Tech.