Beef cattle (Photo by Johnny Morgan, LSU AgCenter)

AMITE, La. – Cattle producers in the Florida parishes are invited to sign up for the LSU AgCenter’s Master Cattleman program to be held in Tangipahoa Parish beginning Aug. 11 and ending Oct. 13.

The Master Cattleman program is a 10-week series of classes designed to help beef producers increase their knowledge and profitability, said LSU AgCenter agent Whitney Wallace.

The program will be held on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at the LSU AgCenter’s Amite office at 305 East Oak Street.

“Topics covered during the 10 classes will include animal health, pasture agronomy, pasture weeds, nutrition, cattle handling, economics and marketing, reproduction, breeding and selection, end product and beef quality assurance,” Wallace said.

Speakers will include LSU specialists and beef industry representatives from every area of beef cattle production. LSU AgCenter specialist Gary Hay is coordinating this program with Wallace.

“The Master Cattleman program is a commodity-specific program to enhance the profitability of beef producers by equipping them with best management practices,” Hay said. “It also allows participants further integration into farm management and marketing components related to beef production.”

This program is designed to help producers who want to enhance the profitability of their beef operations and the quality of their cattle.

The program is open to participants in the Florida parishes area and will be limited to the first 35 producers who sign up.

The cost is $125, which includes Master Cattleman curriculum materials, a meal at all meetings and a steak dinner at the final session.

“Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Master Cattleman cap and a metal farm sign to signify endorsement,” Wallace said. “Also, participants will receive the Beef Quality Assurance certification.”

To register, contact Wallace at 985-748-9381 or by email. The deadline to register for this program is Aug. 1.

Johnny Morgan