By Shannon DeWitt
The Master Beef Producer Program is an extensive educational program developed to provide information to assist you and other Tennessee cow-calf producers in improving the profitability of your cow-calf operations. The classes provide opportunities to gain knowledge in current beef cattle management practices that are important to the profitability and sustainability of the industry.
This fall, Union County hosted the Master Beef Producer Classes. Classes were held in partnership with UT Ag Research with two on farm field days. North East Tennessee Beef Expo was held in Greeneville October 7 and Ag in the Foothills was held in Louisville on October 14.
A wide variety of topics were covered from farm design, nutrition, herd health, marketing, direct to consumer beef sales, pasture management and fencing. Dr. Samantha Collins of Sharps Chapel gave the keynote Herd Health presentation. Farmer Tim Campbell said, “Dr. Collins was enjoyable and very knowledgeable.”
Surveys revealed that the estimated economic impact from changes made to operations was over $37,500 to local farmers. The Master Beef Producer Certification Program helps farmers qualify for up to 50 percent cost share through the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program (TAEP). The program cost shares on equipment, genetics, health, structures and hay barns to improve Tennessee farms.
The TAEP program has been utilized by many farmers over the last 15 years. In 2020, Union County farmers were approved for over $120,000 in cost share funds. Since inception, the program has paid out $909,060 on 318 projects to help farmers make improvement on their farms.
If you are not sure when your last Master Beef certificate was issued, give me a call and I will look it up. Email sdewitt@utk.edu or call 992-8038.
The cost for attending was still $100. Graduates received a hat, sign, certificate and hay thermometer.
Programs with University of Tennessee Extension in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences and resource development are a cooperation between the University of Tennessee, USDA and Union County Government.
UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. All educational programs and/or activities sponsored or assisted by county Extension employees are open to all regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability