What Does It Mean to Be a Louisiana Master Cattleman (MC)?

Has knowledge of sustainable practices in production, business management, marketing, herd health, and natural resources

• Has successfully completed the curriculum for the Louisiana Master Cattleman program
• Has demonstrated comprehension as evidenced by passing quizzes associated with each topic

How Do I Enroll in the Master Cattleman Program?

Contact your local parish extension office to express interest and find out whether the program will be offered locally. The agent may refer you to another parish if a program is not being held in that area.

Please Explain the MC Certification Requirements and Curriculum.

Becoming a Master Cattleman requires completion of a “core” curriculum including 30 hours of classroom instruction. This classroom instruction covers 10 weeks of educational material, including Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification.

Is the Louisiana Master Farmer Program the Same as The Master Cattleman Program? Can I Participate in Both?

The Louisiana Master Farmer Program is a voluntary, environmental stewardship program that is available to all producers, regardless of commodity. It was once part of the LA Master Cattleman curriculum as a required topic but has since been offered as an option at the end of the program. It addresses environmental issues related to production agriculture, specifically Best Management Practices and conservation planning. A producer may participate and be certified in both programs, but it is not required for Master Cattleman certification.

How Can Producers Find Out Where MC Programs Are Being Offered?

The MC website includes a list of classes and other livestock events under the Calendar of Events or Find Classes in Your Area.

How Will Registration and Attendance Be Handled?

Extension agents and/or regional livestock agents will accept pre-registration applications and fees before the program has begun. Attendance will be documented at every class in order to verify the producer has attended all 30 hours for certification.

Will The MC Program Vary in Different Parts of the State?

The LA Master Cattleman Program uses a "core" curriculum for all its classes, regardless of geographic location. Livestock field days, pasture walks, and other workshops are not required for MC certification, but are typically offered to producers and participants in surrounding areas.

How Long Does it Take to Complete the MC Program?

The classroom instruction is a total of 10 weeks (3 hours per session), and may be taught in 10 consecutive weeks, or alternate weeks, which would be a total of 20 weeks. The regional livestock coordinators and extension agents decide the format, based on presenter and location availability.

How Does BQA Fit Into the MC Program?

• Beef Quality Assurance is a module in the MC program, which is consistent with national BQA guidelines. Some benefits to this certification include:
• Demonstrates commitment to food safety and quality.
• Upholds consumer confidence in valuable beef products.
• Protects the beef industry from additional and burdensome government regulation.
• Improves sale value of marketed beef cattle.
• Enhances herd profitability through better management.

If I Miss a Session, What Are My Options?

A participant must not miss more than TWO sessions of instruction in the 10 week course. If a session is missed, he or she must schedule a time with the agent to watch the presentation(s) and pass the quiz to receive credit.

A participant may also attend sessions in another area and receive credit for those missed sessions (this must be approved in advance).

What If a Spouse or Other Family Member Wants to Attend With a Paid Participant?

Each participant will be required to register individually if he or she wishes to complete the course and become certified.