Tennessee Master Beef Producer

Master Beef-Producer Program

About Master Beef

The Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program offers educational presentations and hands-on demonstrations on various aspects of beef cattle production, aimed at helping cattle producers improve profitability while using natural resources more efficiently and sustainably. In partnership with the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, the program assists producers in evaluating and enhancing their current practices to ensure long-term profitability and sustainability. Topics covered include genetics, health, nutrition, marketing, and more. Graduates benefit from networking opportunities and receive a farm sign, cap, and certificate, with support from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s cost-share program. Visit our Program Registration page.

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: Economics, Farm Management, Forages, Genetics, Handling, Health, Industry, Marketing, Nutrition, Product, Reproduction, and other 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 8-15 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; for online classes.

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: There are usually four options for taking the program and each set of topics is different. The January class is 3 Wednesdays in a row from 8:30a to 4:00p each day, spring session which is a webinar. Times vary but will be posted on our website, Facebook, and Instagram. The fall session September which are two and a half days beginning on a Thursday evening, all day on Friday, and two-three hours on Saturday morning. The final class begins on the same Thursday as the September class and runs four Thursday evenings in a row. Attendees only have to complete one of the programs to receive certification. *All schedules are “weather permitting” and some classes may be rescheduled in this case.

Q: What time does the class start and how long is it?
A: Times vary and information is listed above.

Q: What is the cost of the program?
A: The cost for each producer are listed above.

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.

*Content adapted from Williamson County Website