Master Beef Program | Williamson County

The Master Beef Producer program uses a combination of hands-on and classroom teaching to educate participants about all aspects of beef production. The program is designed for first time producers all the way to the seasoned veterans. Virtual classes are self-paced and can be viewed at any time

Participants can sign up at any time as hands-on classes are offered year-round. Virtual classes are also offered year-round.. The cost of the program is $100 and certification is good for three years.

Registration

Payment

Class Schedule

Virtual Sessions 2025

Virtual sessions this year have been recorded and participants are able to watch them at their own pace. Participants are able to make their own selection of videos to watch from the Master Beef library. Once a participant has registered, they will receive a link to the videos. Example sessions are listed below.

Tennessee Ag Enhancement Update and other Programs (8-26-25)
Forage Management
Genetics
Marketing Strategies
Reproductive Management
Parasite Management
Nutrition
Bull Selection
Farm Transition and Estate Planning

Included Hands-On Sessions

Beef

Precision Livestock Beef Field Day (9-23-25)
Hay Selection (9-24-25)
Raising Freezer Beef (9-29-25)
Williamson County Beef Field Day (10-3-25)
Bull Selection (11-6-25)
AI & Pregnancy Checking (4-13-26)

Pasture and Forages Management

Summer Weeds (7-8-25)
Fall Planting (9-15-25)
Hay Selection (9-24-25)
Equipment Calibration (1-13-26)
Spring Pastures (3-24-26)
Multi-Species Grazing (6-10-26)

All Hands-On Classes

Pasture and Forages Management

Summer Weeds (7-8-25)
Fall Planting (9-15-25)
Hay Selection (9-24-25)
Equipment Calibration (1-13-26)
Spring Pastures (3-24-26)
Multi-Species Grazing (6-10-26)

Horse

Equine Wrapping and Bandaging Techniques (2-3-26)
Maintaining a Healthy Hoof (2-11-26)
Trailering Clinic (5-19-26)
Equine Ground Manners (6-2-26)

Beef

Precision Livestock Beef Field Day (9-23-25)
Hay Selection (9-24-25)
Raising Freezer Beef (9-29-25)
Williamson County Beef Field Day (10-3-25)
Bull Selection (11-6-25)
AI & Pregnancy Checking (4-13-26)

Poultry

Breed Selection (9-30-25)
Brooding Basics and Transition Housing (10-14-25)

Small Ruminant

Horticulture

Seed Saving (7-17-25)
Seeding Cool-Season Turf Grasses (9-9-25)
Edible Landscaping (4-16-26)
Dig, Divide, & Design with Perennials (5-7-26)
Landscape Irrigation (5-19-26)

Other Topics

Homestead Farm Layout (9-10-25)

Craft Products

Fall Craft Brew (10-25-25)
Intro to Home Brewing (1-22-26)

Culinary

Art of Knife Sharpening (11-17-25)
Jams & Preserves (6-9-26)
Canning (6-16-26)

Mechanics

Small Engine Troubleshooting (11-11-25)
Tractor Maintenance (1-27-26)

Outdoors

Deer Processing Clinic (11-22-25)

Poultry

Poultry Processing (11-1-25)

Horticulture

Blueberry & Elderberry Workshop (7-3-25)

Masters Programs

Q: What is the Master Beef Program?
A: The Master Beef Program is an educational program designed to provide a foundation of science-based and practical beef and environmental information.

Q: What can I receive with a Master’s certification?
A: Most importantly, education and hands-on experience in a variety of topic areas. Additionally, completing one of the Master’s programs qualifies you for Tennessee Ag Enhancement which is a state of Tennessee cost share program.

Q: What are the topics covered?
A: Topics change for each year’s program, but typically cover: Pasture Management, Reproduction, Genetics, Nutrition, Health, Marketing, Economics, Hot Topics.

Q: Do I have to own a certain number of cattle to participate?
A: No, the program is designed for those interested in future ownership, 0-29 head, and 30 and over. First time producers and generational producers will all learn.

Q: How long is the Master Beef Program?
A: The program is anywhere from 8-22 classes in which the participant is required to attend a minimum of 7 classes to receive certification. Selection and attendance is entirely up to the participant.

Q: What is the format of the program?
A: The program is designed to meet the needs and schedule demands of all participants. The program is a combination of hands-on, on-farm, classroom, and virtual Zoom presentations.

Q: When does the program take place?
A: Participants can sign up at any time as hands-on classes are offered year-round. Virtual classes are also offered year-round and are self-paced.

Q: What time does the class start and how long is it?
A: Classes typically start at 5:30 pm and run 1.5 hours.

Q: What is the cost of the program?
A: The cost for the program is $100 for first time attendees and those seeking recertification.

Q: How often do I need to take the program to maintain TN Ag Enhancement certification?
A: Upon taking the course, certification is good for three years.

Contact Us

Matt Horsman
Extension Agent