Master Cattle Producer

Master Cattle Producer Self-Study Training Online

The Mississippi Master Cattle Producer logo.

The Mississippi Master Cattle Producer Program is a comprehensive training in major beef cattle production topic areas. An Internet-based self-study version of the Mississippi Master Cattle Producer Program is available for online completion below. This self-study course is open to any producer interested in learning more at their own pace about improving production on their beef cattle operations.

The Master Cattle Producer program consists of training modules in eight beef cattle production subject areas. Links to these eight training modules are posted below. Beef cattle producers enrolled in the Master Cattle Producer program will complete about 20-24 hours of training which includes the following:

Beef Cattle Nutrition
Forage Systems
Beef Cattle Reproduction
Breeding and Genetics
Economics and Marketing
Herd Health and Handling
Beef End Product
Beef Quality Assurance

The Internet-based training features streaming video of speakers and slides (MCP training videos). Slides with scripts (MCP training materials), reference publications, and certification exams (MCP certification exams) are available for online viewing or download.

Producers must successfully review all course materials and complete the exams for the eight training topics listed above to be eligible for Master Cattle Producer certification. Participants can view online training modules and download training materials free of charge. Participants within the United States completing the program also have the option to receive printed course materials, a metal farm sign (image above right), Master Cattle Producer cap, and certificate of completion for a course fee of $75.00. To enroll in the program fill out the form below or contact Mari Quinn at 662.325.3516 or m.quinn@msstate.edu.

Mississippi Master Cattle Producer Enrollment Form

Publications

Publication Number: P2520

Market Cow and Bull Management and Marketing

Publication Number: P2521

Anti-quality Factors in Beef Cattle Diets

Publication Number: P2518

Feed Additives for Beef Cattle Diets

Publication Number: P2499

Protein in Beef Cattle Diets

Publication Number: P2628

Artificial Insemination Programs for Cattle

One red and white cow faces the camera while standing in a pasture green with grass and trees.

State beef industry enjoys good times

Filed Under: Livestock, Beef September 21, 2018

Mississippi State University experts see a positive outlook for the state’s beef cattle industry, with prices at profitable levels and herd numbers up.

A Mississippi State University specialist stands before a room of seated meeting participants.

Clients offer suggestions to MSU scientists, agents

Filed Under: Commercial Fruit and Nuts, Green Industry, Organic Fruit and Vegetables, Other Vegetables, Nuts, Forages, Beef, Equine, Goats and Sheep, Swine February 26, 2018

Agricultural clients met with Mississippi State University personnel to discuss research and education needs during the annual Producer Advisory Council Meeting for the southwest region February 20.

Two beef cattle grazing in a green pasture.

Grass-fed beef conference set for December in Purvis

Filed Under: Beef November 9, 2017

Producers of grass-fed beef cattle will learn the latest recommendations for producing high quality and profitable livestock.

China beef market access will help cattle producers

Filed Under: Agricultural Economics, Beef September 8, 2017

The first shipment of U.S. beef to China in more than 13 years reached its destination in June, and Mississippi cattle producers are beginning to see modest rewards of new market access.

Current cattle prices in Mississippi are up from a year ago. Lightweight cattle are $1.67 per pound, while heavyweight feeder cattle are around $1.35 per pound. A year ago, lightweight cattle were $1.55 per pound, and heavyweight cattle were in the range of $1.17 per pound.

“The cattle market has exhibited strong demand through most of 2017 despite the increased supply of cattle in the U.S.,” said Josh Maples, an agricultural economist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. “Prices have generally decreased over the past month, which is due to a combination of seasonal factors and the increased supply.”

Alliance field day set for Aug. 18

Filed Under: Beef August 7, 2017

LUCEDALE, Miss. -- Farmers can learn about free-range livestock rearing and pecan orchard practices during the Aug. 18 Alliance of Sustainable Farms field day.

Sweet Grass Pastures in Lucedale will host the event. Topics include raising pastured poultry, beef and pork using rotational grazing. Attendees will tour the farm’s pecan orchard, and farm owners will demonstrate how to set up a mobile chicken coop and mobile hog fencing.

Smiling man in gingham dress shirt leans on a tractor

Making a Difference

Beef
Volume 3 Number 4

The people who know Virgil Walker look up to him. The Covington County native is a leader for his church and several local organizations. He loves his wife, his children, and his grandchildren, and he values his way of life.

“It’s just in my blood to walk out and see a cow on my farm,” he says on a humid, late-summer afternoon. “It’s five generations, counting my son’s kids. The one who’s 9 or 10, I gave her a calf, and she wants to come every day to look at it. I believe she’ll be the one to come and live on the farm. It would be rewarding for me. Where I’m living, I’ve been here for 50 years.”

Joe Davis with two 4-H'ers with a champion heifer

A Cattleman's Calling

4-H Livestock Program, Volunteers, Beef
Volume 3 Number 3

When third-generation cattleman Joe Davis was a teen, he had no idea his competition in the show ring would one day be his Extension agent in Union County.