The Master Cattleman program is the flagship educational program for Kentucky cattle producers. This program incorporates all aspects of beef production into a mid-level educational program developed to provide foundational knowledge to allow Kentucky beef producers to be competitive and successful. This program is funded by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and developed and delivered by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food & Environment faculty and staff. 

Participants receive up to 40 hours of classroom instruction divided equally among these topic areas: 

• Management Skills for the Beef Business
• Forage Production and Utilization
• Nutrition for Optimum Production
• Environmental Stewardship & Industry Issues
• Genetics for the Beef Herd
• Managing Reproduction
• Herd Health
• Understanding the End Product
• Marketing and Profitability​

In addition, field days are conducted to allow producers to get hands-on training on topics related to estrous synchronization, pregnancy diagnosis, bull selection using EPD's and visual appraisal, body condition scoring, properly handling and administering vaccines, cattle handling facilities, and other areas. 

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Master Cattleman FAQ

What are the requirements to complete the master cattleman program?

To complete the Master Cattleman program, participants must attend 8 of the 10 sessions and have their up-to-date Beef Quality Assurance certification. 

Who can participate?

Any beef producer or person involved in the beef industry can participate. This program is not an introduction to beef cattle. The program was developed for individuals with prior experience with beef cattle. Inexperienced individuals are encouraged to participate but information may be more advanced than anticipated. 

How do i enroll in the master cattleman program?

Contact your local county extension office to find out when the program will be offered in your area. If the program is not offered in your area, contact Ben Crites to find out about other programs across the state.

Ben Crites - 859-257-7512
[email protected]

How does bqCa fit into the master cattleman program?

Producers do not have to be BCQA (Beef Quality Care Assurance) certified to enroll in Master Cattleman, but BCQA certification is required for completion of the program. Producers are responsible for completing BCQA certification on their own through their local county extension office. 

What are the benefits?

The Master Cattleman program provides an opportunity for all cattlemen to gain foundational knowledge on every aspect of beef cattle production. Producers are provided with reference materials from educational sessions, receive a Master Cattleman farm gate sign, and are prepared for additional educational programs offered through the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Beef Network.