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 offered live in the fall and the sessions are recorded for later viewing.

Participants can sign up at any time as hands-on classes are offered year-round. Virtual classes are offered in the fall, but available throughout the year. The cost of the program is $125 and certification is good for three years.

Registration

Payment

Class Schedule

Virtual Sessions 2026 -Focus on Heifers

Virtual sessions this year will be a combination of virtual and recorded sessions. Participants are able to attend the live sessions as well as receive access to the recordings. Once a participant has registered, they will receive a link to the videos. This year, sessions listed below will be focused on “Heifers.” (Specific topic dates may change). All sessions will begin at 5:30 pm (central).

August 12-Tennessee Ag Enhancement Update and other Programs
August 17-Forage Management
August 19-Marketing Strategies
August 24-Herd Health
August 26-Genetics
August 31-Reproductive Management
September 2-Nutrition
September 17-Hot Topic

Included Hands-On Sessions

Beef

Precision Livestock Beef Field Day (9/22-23/26, $10 Fee for those not registered for 2026 Master Beef Program)
Hay Selection (9-23-26)
Raising Freezer Beef (9-28-26)
Williamson County Beef Field Day (10-2-26)
AI & Pregnancy Checking (4-12-27)
Bull Selection (TBA 2027)
Beef Heifer Development Field Day (TBA 2027)

Pasture and Forages Management

Fall Planting (9-14-26)
Hay Selection (9-23-26)
Equipment Calibration (1-12-27)
Spring Pastures (3-30-27)
Multi-Species Grazing (6-9-27)
Summer Weeds (7-6-27)

All Hands-On Classes

Pasture and Forages Management

Fall Planting (9-14-26)
Hay Selection (9-23-26)
Equipment Calibration (1-12-27)
Spring Pastures (3-30-27)
Multi-Species Grazing (6-9-27)
Summer Weeds (7-6-27)

Horse

Equine Wrapping and Bandaging Techniques (2-2-27)
Horse Management Field Day (2-9-27)
Maintaining a Healthy Hoof (3-3-27)
Trailering Clinic (5-18-27)
Equine Ground Manners (6-1-27)

Small Ruminant

Beef

Precision Livestock Beef Field Day (9/22-23/26, $10 Fee for those not registered for 2026 Master Beef Program)
Hay Selection (9-23-26)
Raising Freezer Beef (9-28-26)
Williamson County Beef Field Day (10-2-26)
AI & Pregnancy Checking (4-12-27)
Bull Selection (TBA 2027)
Beef Heifer Development Field Day (TBA 2027)

Poultry

Breed Selection (9-29-26)

Horticulture

Seed Saving (7-16-26)
Seeding Cool-Season Turf Grasses (9-8-26)
Edible Landscaping (4-15-27)
Dig, Divide, & Design with Perennials (5-6-27)
Landscape Irrigation (6-1-27)

Other Topics

Homestead Farm Layout (9-9-26)
Tractor Maintenance (1-27-26)(Postponed Due to Weather)

Craft Products

Culinary

Art of Knife Sharpening (11-16-26)

Mechanics

Small Engine Troubleshooting (11-3-26)
Crawlspace Science (4-20-27)

Outdoors

Deer Processing Clinic (11-21-26)

Poultry

Poultry Processing (10-31-26)

Horticulture

Seed Starting (2-25-27)
Blueberry & Elderberry Workshop (6-24-27)

Trainings

Private/Commercial Applicator Recertification

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 8 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 $125 for first time attendees and those seeking recertification. The fee covers the cost of the class. Materials can be purchased for additional costs.

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