Invited Review: Dairy extension programs in the southern region: Finding novel ways to meet the needs of our producers

Dairy extension specialists must adapt to meet the challenges of a dairy industry that is increasingly adopting technology to assist with daily management activities as well as to make long-term decisions. Specialists typically work with youth programs to provide educational opportunities for young people that will attract new people into the dairy industry. Although many traditional methods used to transfer information to our clientele are still useful, there are a variety of new technologies available for providing information and engaging producers, youth, and consumers.The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the changes that have occurred in the southeastern dairy industry and to discuss the opportunities for dairy extension in the United States Southeast to provide programs to meet the needs of dairy producers in the future.