Master Cattle Producer
Master Cattle Producer Self-Study Training Online
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.
- 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.
Online registration is available: https://register.extension.msstate.edu/cattle-workshops or this form may be printed and mailed: Mississippi Master Cattle Producer Enrollment Form
MCP Training Materials
- Beef Cattle Nutrition
- Forage Systems
- Beef Cattle Reproduction
- Breeding and Genetics
- Economics and Marketing
- Herd Health and Handling
- Beef End Product
- Beef Quality Assurance
MCP Training Videos
- Beef Cattle Nutrition
- Forage Systems
- Beef Cattle Reproduction
- Breeding and Genetics
- Economics and Marketing
- Herd Health and Handling
- Beef End Product
- Beef Quality Assurance
MCP Certification Exams
- Beef Cattle Nutrition Exam
- Forage Systems Exam
- Beef Cattle Reproduction Exam
- Breeding and Genetics Exam
- Economics and Marketing Exam
- Herd Health and Handling Exam
- Beef End Product Exam
- Beef Quality Assurance Exam (Only available online)
Publications
News
For the first 15 years of their marriage, Ted and Janet Parker lived off one income. She made the living, and nearly every penny he made as a beef cattle farmer went right back into growing their farm.
Mississippi State University experts see a positive outlook for the state’s beef cattle industry, with prices at profitable levels and herd numbers up.
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.
Producers of grass-fed beef cattle will learn the latest recommendations for producing high quality and profitable livestock.
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.”
Success Stories
For the first 15 years of their marriage, Ted and Janet Parker lived off of one income. She made the living, and nearly every penny he made as a beef cattle farmer went right back into growing their farm.
On his Rolling Fork farm, Bill Rutherford is living the life he dreamed of as a child. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)
See what's new in Extension: Gather for First Extension Beef-Production Workshop, the Food Factor Goes Digital, Extension Professionals Share Expertise, and Extension Offers New HappyHealthy Program.
Greg Chambers is one Mississippi producer who’s focused on innovating. Whether he’s growing soybeans and wheat on his Prentiss County property or raising cattle and goats on other acres, Chambers is always looking for a better, more efficient way of doing things.
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.”
