STARKVILLE -- Cattle producers and horse owners can take part in certified training through the upcoming Master Stockman programs at Mississippi State University.

The Mississippi Master Horseman and Mississippi Master Cattle Producer programs will take place Sept. 14-15 at the Mississippi Horse Park, located adjacent to MSU’s South Farm near Starkville. Each program will offer different tracks to accommodate specific interests and experience levels -- basic and advanced. The cattle tracks will address cow-calf production and stocker cattle management.

Registration for the program is $150. The fee includes all the educational materials, lunch and a steak supper on Friday. At the conclusion of the program, participants can take tests to become certified as a Master Cattle Producer or Master Horseman. The certification includes a certificate, plaque (for horse participants), metal farm entry sign (for beef participants) and a cap.

Nationally recognized speakers will join MSU experts on the program. Curt Pate, a professional horseman from Montana, will take part in the training and provide instruction during an optional group ride on Saturday afternoon. The ride is limited to 25 participants and costs an additional $50 each.

Dr. Bridgett McIntosh, an equine nutritionist with Blue Seal Feeds, will discuss many nutrition issues for horses including management strategies for the insulin-resistant horse.

For more information or to register, contact MSU’s Animal and Dairy Science Department at (662) 325-3515. Individual faculty members who can answer questions about the cattle program include Jane Parish at jparish@ads.msstate.edu or Justin Rhinehart at jrhinehart@ads.msstate.edu. Address questions about the horse program to Preston Buff at pbuff@ads.msstate.edu.