In 2006, the beef cattle industry in Louisiana saw the total value of sales at more than $419 million, up from $406.4 million in 2005, making it the 2nd largest animal food industry and ranked one of the top 5 agricultural industries overall in the state.
Because of the diversity and scope of agriculture production in Louisiana, the Master Farmer program has expanded to more effectively meet the needs of all agricultural producers in the state.
The Louisiana Master Cattle Producer program began in the summer of 2004. The course includes 10 three-hour lectures on all aspects of beef production. With this, producers are also asked to complete the first phase of Master Farmer and Beef Quality Assurance offered from the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association.
The Louisiana Master Cattle Producer program is launching a new series of classes this fall in 2007. New to the program are online producer tutorials, various lecture updates and one new class -- beef production systems. Thus far more than 600 producers have been certified, and we look forward to many more in the coming years. County agents interested in hosting a Master Cattle Producer program should contact Jason Rowntree, jrowntree@agcenter.lsu.edu. Producers should contact their local county agent.
This program is designed as a follow-up to the Master Farmer Program. It is a commodity-specific program to enhance the profitability of beef producers by equipping them with important information on all aspects of beef production. The program will be provided statewide in various multi-parish areas, and participants will have two years (until June 30, 2009) to complete the programs and become certified. It will allow participants further integration into farm management/marketing components related to beef production. Upon completion of the Master Cattle Producer Program, participants should be better able to increase farm profitability while being environmentally sustainable. Registration fee for the program is $100, which will cover teaching materials, a meal & refreshments during each session, certificates for graduates and a sign to display on the farm.
To enroll into the Louisiana Master Cattle Producer Program, one must also complete the Louisiana Master Farmer Program Phase 1 -- Environmental Stewardship Instruction and Beef Quality Assurance Certification with the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association.
The Master Cattle Producer Program curriculum consists of 10 three-hour blocks including:
- Animal Health/Biosecurity
- Nutrition
- Reproduction
- Breeding and Selection
- Animal Handling/BQA
- Pasture Management (Parts I and II)
- Financial Management/Marketing (Parts I and II)
- End Product
For more information, contact:
Jason Rowntree
Assistant Professor-Animal Sciences
107 J.B. Francioni
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Phone (225) 578-3345
Fax (225) 578-3249