Master Small Ruminant Program
The Tennessee Master Small Ruminant Producer Program is tailored to meet the educational needs of the sheep and goat producer. The program offers producers a combination of hands-on learning and classroom teaching. Educational sessions provide producers with opportunities to increase their knowledge and skills. These are needed to effectively apply management practices that are essential to profitability and sustainability in the sheep and goat industry. Educational sessions are delivered by your local UT-TSU Extension agents. An online Zoom series is also offered in the Spring each year. Please keep in mind that not all Master Series courses are offered in an in-person format in each county each year.
All sheep and goat producers are welcome to attend! New and seasoned producers will find the program useful for their operations. The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) provides cost share opportunities for long-term investments in Tennessee farming operations. Having a current Tennessee Master Producer Certificate is one of the requirements needed for producers to be eligible for the maximum 50% cost share assistance. The Tennessee Master Small Ruminant program will satisfy that requirement for certain categories. For more information on which categories can be fulfilled by the Master Small Ruminant program, please see the TAEP Program page of this website or the Eligible Master Courses by TAEP Program Document.
Schedule
Zoom Series 6:30PM – 8:30PM nightly
February 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and April 4th
Contact your county agent for more details or to register.
Fees
Master Small Ruminant Course – $100
Our office currently accepts cash and check. Please make checks payable to UT Extension Hancock County.
- What is the Master Small Ruminant Producer program?
- The Master Small Ruminant Producer program is a fee-based educational program designed to provide producers science based, practical information about sheep and goat production.
- Do I need to own a certain amount of property or livestock to participate in the program?
- No, the Master Small Ruminant 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: Mast Beef Producer, 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 Small Ruminant Producer course earns participants a certificate that is valid for 3 years.