Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program
The Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program provides educational presentations as well as hands-on demonstrations for a wide range of topic areas in beef cattle production. The goal of this program is to provide Tennessee cattle producers with information and experiences that can improve the profitability of their operation, while also making more efficient use of our world’s resources.
This program is designed to work for the first time cattle producer, as well as the seasoned, generational farmer. Presentations and activities are carefully tailored by UT Extension Specialists and Agricultural Agents in beef and forage production to help cattle producers assess how their current practices impact their ability to continue farming profitably into the future. We work collectively to ensure that Tennessee’s cow-calf producers have a voice in the industry they place so much effort into and are prepared to utilize a beef market that rewards sustainable practices. We then provide education in areas that need additional attention. Program topics may include:
- Reproduction
- Health
- Genetics
- Nutrition
- Forages
- Facilities and Handling
- Marketing and Management
- Economics and Budgeting
- Beef Product
One of the greatest benefits of this program is the opportunity to meet leading individuals in the cattle industry and make valuable connections for your operation. You will have the chance to meet other producers, educators, researchers, industry representatives, and your local UT Extension Agent and Area Specialists. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture supports the Master Beef Producer program and uses it as the main educational component for the Tennessee Ag Enhancement cost share program. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate valid for 3 years, farm sign, and cap.
This program is delivered by county Extension personnel and specifically designed with the needs of the local community in mind.
Schedule
Hancock County Health Department
February 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 20th, 22nd, and 27th
Beginning at 6:30PM nightly
If you have a scheduling conflict and cannot attend all sessions, contact our office about obtaining Master Beef credit through the Cumberland Gap Cattle Conference or the Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo.
Fees
Master Beef Certification Course – $100
Our office currently accepts cash and check. Please make checks payable to UT Extension Hancock County.
- What is the Master Beef Producer program?
- The Master Beef Producer program is a fee-based educational program designed to provide producers science based, practical information about beef production.
- Do I need to own a certain amount of property or livestock to participate in the program?
- No, the Master Beef Producer program is designed for all producers. If you plan to apply for Tennessee Ag Enhancement cost-share, certain requirements must be met then. See the TAEP Eligibility Page for more information on those requirements.
- How does this program help me?
- This program will provide you with education and experience on a variety of topic areas. Also, successful completion of this program qualifies you for the Tennessee Ag Enhancement cost-share program.
- Can I take a different course to maintain eligibility for the TAEP?
- Yes, UT offers other Master Courses that will count towards TAEP eligibility. Some of the other courses include: Master Small Ruminant, Master Farm Manager, or Master Farm Family Health and Wellness.
- How long does this course take to complete?
- Master courses require a minimum of 7 different topics, generally one per session, for approximately 1.5 hours each. Scheduling of the sessions is determined by agents in each individual county, with sessions being tailored to the needs of the community.
- How often do I have to take this course?
- Successful completion of the Master Beef Producer course earns participants a certificate that is valid for 3 years.
Beef Quality Assurance
What is BQA?
Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a program that provides information to beef producers of how good husbandry can be combined with scientific knowledge to raise cattle under optimum management conditions. Program information is derived from the National Beef Quality Audits that occur every 5 years. BQA programs include best practices of cattle handling, facility management, transportation, herd health and record keeping, which all result in better outcomes for cattle and their producers. Having a BQA certification is more important now than ever! The whole beef supply chain is utilizing the program to ensure producer’s commitment to food safety, animal well-being, and beef product quality. BQA is designed with the consumer in mind! By following BQA guidelines, producers ensure consumers have confidence in the beef products they purchase and trust in the beef industry.
BQA’s Mission
The mission of the Beef Quality Assurance program is to guide producers towards continuous improvement using science-based production practices that assure cattle well-being, beef quality and safety.
Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and BQA
The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) is a network of over 7,000 cattle producers across our great state. The association works to provide cattle producers with an organization capable of functioning collectively for the protection of the members’ interests and constructively solving cattle industry issues. They also strive to establish the necessary good-will that brings about governmental and public confidence and recognition for the industry. The last part of this mission is directly tied to the purpose of BQA!
The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association is the head of Beef Quality Assurance in Tennessee. Upon completion of BQA certification training, contracts are sent to TCA and participants are assigned a BQA number if they are new to the program or current members’ certifications are updated. As an added benefit, members of TCA receive a discount off the cost of their BQA certification.
Why is all of this important to me?
Most of all, BQA is important because the educational content provided helps cattle producers adopt safe, sustainable practices that contribute to the longevity of consumer trust and confidence in the beef industry. Also, your support of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association through membership and program funds helps to ensure the association continues to be an essential voice for producers across the state.
“Taking responsibility…because its our job, not someone else’s. Empowering people…because producers can make a difference. Working together…because product safety and wholesomeness is everyone’s business.”
Schedule
February 6th, 2024 6:30PM (first session of the master beef series) Hancock County Health Department
More dates available upon request.
Fees
Non Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Members – $40
Current Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Members – $10
To join Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and BQA – $60
Tennessee Cattlemen’s State Dues – $50
Our office currently accepts cash and check. Please make checks payable to UT Extension Hancock County.
- How do I become BQA certified?
- Attend an in-person training held by an authorized BQA trainer. For Hancock County, the authorized BQA trainer is the local UT Agriculture Extension Agent.
- How long does it take to become BQA certified?
- BQA certification training is one session that usually lasts 2-2.5 hours.
- What does BQA certification training look like?
- Certification trainings are usually a combination of videos, two-way conversation between the trainer and participants, as well as accompanied hand-outs or activities. At the end of training, participants fill out a questionnaire and a contract to send the the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association.
- What if my schedule does not work with the pre-scheduled BQA classes in the county?
- Please reach out to our office and we will do our best to assist and accommodate you.
- What if I am BQA certified, but I do not know my BQA number?
- Contact our office and our staff can look your BQA number up for you. The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association also has a database found here that can be used to look up BQA numbers.
