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. The next program will begin August 28, 2023. Classes start at 5:30 pm unless noted.

Participants can sign up at any time as hands-on classes are offered year-round. Virtual classes are only offered in the fall. If a participant signs up August-December 2023, they will qualify for the 2023 program year. If a participants signs up January-July 2024, their classes will count towards the 2024 program year.

Registration

Payment

2023-2024 Class Schedule

Virtual Sessions 2023 (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
- September 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 25, 28
Hands-On Sessions (Sept. 2023-July 2024)
- Introduction and BQA Session (8-28-23)-Ag Park and Zoom
- Introduction and BQA Session (9-13-23)-Zoom Only
- Beef & Forage Field Day (9-26-23)
- Working Cattle (10-23-23)
- Breeding Soundness Exam Clinic (10-28-23)
- Birthing Management (11-20-23)
- Tractor Maintenance (1-24-24)
- Handling Facilities (2-3-24)
- Sprayer Calibration (2-28-24)
- Flight Zones (3-xx-24)
- Spring Weeds (3-20-24)
- AI & Pregnancy Checking (4-22-24)
- Multi-Species Grazing (6-12-24)
- Summer Weeds (7-9-24)
- Fall Planting (9-9-24)

Requirements & Costs

50% Cost Share Requirements

Master Beef Program + BQA Certification +
Cattlemen’s Membership

Cost–$145

Master Beef Cert: $80/ 3 yrs

Cattlemen’s Membership: $55

BQA Cert: $10/ 3 yrs

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 only offered in the fall. If a participant signs up August-December, they will qualify for the 2023 program year. If a participants signs up January-July 2024, their classes will count towards the 2024 program year.

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 $80 for first time attendees and those seeking recertification. There are additional fees for those seeking TAEP (cost share program) certification (visit TN Cost Share for details). Participants will receive an official Master’s sign and hat.

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