Kentucky Master Cattleman Program



		Frequently Asked Questions
		WHAT IS A MASTER CATTLEMAN? A Master Cattleman in Kentucky is someone who has successfully completed the curriculum for the Kentucky Master Cattleman program which includes: attending at least 8 of 10 4-hour sessions and holding a current Beef Quality Assurance certification. It is expected that Master Cattleman graduates demonstrate a working knowledge of sustainable practices in beef production and management upon completion of the program. HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHERE MASTER CATTLEMAN PROGRAMS ARE BEING OFFERED? Contact your local Extension office to find out whether the program will be offered in your area. If it is not, contact Master Cattleman Coordinator, Lori Porter, at lori.porter@uky.edu or (270) 365-7541 ext 210 to find out about other programs across the state. HOW DO I ENROLL IN THE MASTER CATTLEMAN PROGRAM? Start by contacting your local Extension office to find out when the program will be offered in your area. Each multi-county group sets their own registration deadlines, fee schedules and meeting locations. Your local agent for agriculture and natural resources should be able to direct you. PLEASE EXPLAIN THE MC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND CURRICULUM. The Master Cattleman Program in Kentucky consists of 10 4-hour sessions on the following topics: Management Skills Forages Nutrition Facilities and Animal Behavior Environmental Stewardship Genetics Reproduction Herd Health End Product Marketing and Profitability There are also optional hands-on field days held at the University of Kentucky Research Farms in Princeton and Versailles that cover a broad range of topics from health practices to reproduction. To complete Master Cattleman, a producer must attend at least 8 of the 10 sessions and hold a current Beef Quality Assurance certification. Upon successful completion, graduates will be recognized at the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention and receive a custom Master Cattleman farm gate sign. HOW DOES BQA FIT INTO THE MC PROGRAM? Producers do not have to be BQA certified to enroll in Master Cattleman, but BQA certification is required for completion of the program. Producers are responsible for completing BQA certification on their own through their county Extension agent. WHAT IF A SPOUSE OR OTHER FAMILY MEMBER WANTS TO ATTEND WITH A PARTICIPANT? Master Cattleman participants may bring one immediate family member (spouse, child, parent) who lives in the same household. Only one set of materials will be provided per household. Since registration fees cover the cost of meals and facilities, each family member will be expected to pay the registration fee. IF I MISS A SESSION, WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? Producers who miss a session in their home group can make that session up in any of the other groups around the state. In order to make up a session, producers are asked to contact Lori Porter, Master Cattleman Coordinator at lori.porter@uky.edu or (270) 365-7541 ext 210 to arrange a make up. If you cannot make up the session within the current year, you have up to two years from the time of registration to do so and still be eligible for completion and a farm gate sign. CAN PARTICIPANTS ATTEND SESSIONS IN OTHER COUNTIES TO MEET THE 8 OF 10 SESSIONS REQUIREMENT? Yes, if it is more convenient for you, sessions can be made up in another area. This can be done by contacting Master Cattleman Coordinator, Lori Porter at lori.porter@uky.edu or (270) 365-7541 ext 210 for other groups' dates and locations. WILL THE MC PROGRAM VARY IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE STATE? The Master Cattleman curriculum is consistent across the state. The only things that may vary according to location or calendar are the presenters, locations of the End Product Sessions, and locations of the Field Days. CAN PARTICIPATION IN PAST PROGRAMS COUNT TOWARD COMPLETING THE PROGRAM THIS YEAR? Yes, if a producer began the program last year but was unable to complete, sessions attended last year can be combined with current sessions to complete the 8 of 10 requirement. HOW LONG DO PRODUCERS HAVE TO COMPLETE THE MC PROGRAM? Two years from the time they register. HOW MANY PLACES ARE AVAILABLE AND HOW WILL THEY BE DISTRIBUTED? There can be a maximum of 35 participants per group in 10 groups around the state. As groups apply, preference will first be given to groups that have not hosted the program in their area during the past year. HOW CAN I GET PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS FOR USE AT LOCAL MEETINGS? Search this site or contact Master Cattleman Coordinator, Blair Knight at blair.knight@uky.edu or (270) 365-7541 ext 297 to get more information . HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR CHANGES OR IMPROVEMENTS IN MATERIALS? Please contact Lori Porter at (270) 365-7541 ext 210 or lori.porter@uky.edu.