AUBURN UNIVERISTY, Ala. — Cattlemen and women are found in every county in Alabama. For those cattle producers who want to distinguish themselves from others, Alabama Extension at Auburn University is offering a new, intensive program.

Participants of the upcoming Master Beef Producer Training will learn the newest technologies and best management practices during 15 classroom sessions. This round of sessions will take place in Northport and is a joint effort between Tuscaloosa County Extension and Tuscaloosa County Cattlemen’s Association.

Rickey Hudson, an animal sciences and forages agent with Alabama Extension, has worked with numerous Extension staff to compile a robust agenda that features the latest research focused on improving beef cattle production.

“Raising beef cattle is a competitive world market, and it’s an industry where things are always changing,” Hudson said. “This training will help farmers and ranchers stay up to date about strategies and technologies that they can feasibly implement into their operations.”

Topics, Timing and Certification

Topics covered will include economic profitability, forage-based feeds, grazing systems, environmental stewardship, natural resources conservation and sustaining enterprises. The program is part of the Green Cattle Production Systems initiative.

Starting Monday, March 2, classes will be held every Monday and Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 9 p.m. until April 20. At the Synergic Center in Northport, expert presenters will lead in-person, interactive lectures. To receive certification, participants must attend 90% of the courses and score 70% or greater on written exams. There will be multiple opportunities to pass each exam.

“Many beef producers may remember the Alabama Master Cattle Producer Training Program, which Alabama Extension used to offer,” Hudson said. “This new program is an updated and expanded version of that training. It’s a demanding course of work. However, attendees who earn their certification will gain new knowledge that can immediately impact their bottom lines.”

How to Register

Registration is required, and there is a $150 fee for training handouts, presentation materials and break refreshments. While March 2 is the overall registration deadline, a minimum of 15 people must complete registration by Feb. 9 in order to offer the program. The course can accommodate up to 60 individuals.

To register online, visit aces.edu/go/5693. For more information, including a mail-in registration option, contact Hudson at 334-726-6814.