2023 Hamilton County Master Producer Programs
Hamilton County Extension is proud to offer agriculture programs dynamically through in-person and virtual formats. Delivery will vary based on the program. Please contact the Hamilton County Extension Office if you have any further questions about these programs.
Master Beef 2023 Program
There is programming currently being planned for the 2023 Master Beef course. Please return to this page for updates or contact the Hamilton County Extension Office for more information.
The Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program is designed to provide targeted educational presentations and hands-on demonstrations for a broad scope of topic areas in beef cattle production. Our objective is to provide Tennessee cattle producers with information and experience that can improve profitability while simultaneously making more efficient and sustainable use of natural resources.
UT Extension Specialists in beef and forage production are currently working with the 
U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef to help cattle producers evaluate how their current management practices impact their ability to continue profitable cattle farming for future generations. We are working together to ensure that cow-calf producers have a voice in describing sustainability and are prepared for a beef market that rewards sustainably produced calves. Then, provide training in the areas that need additional attention to improve economic, generational, and natural resource sustainability. Program topics include:
- Beef Product
- Economics and Budgeting
- Facilities and Cattle Handling
- Forages
- Genetic Selection
- Health
- Marketing and Business Management
- Nutrition
- Reproduction
Benefits include networking opportunities with other producers, educators, researchers, and industry representatives. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture supports the Master Beef Producer program and uses it as the educational component of their Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement cost-share program. Upon completing the program requirements, graduates receive a farm sign, cap, and certificate.
This is a county-based program delivered by UT Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents tailored to the specific needs of local environments within the state.
For more information, check out UT Beef.
Master Backyard Poultry 2023 Program
At this time, there is no programming planned related to poultry for the 2023 year. Please contact the Hamilton County Extension Office to inquire further.
Any backyard poultry producer is welcome to attend! Beginning and advanced producers will find the program useful to help with their operations.
The Master Backyard Poultry Producer program focuses on developing producers’ skills and knowledge in backyard poultry production. The program does this by focusing on topics such as:
- Biosecurity & Disease Control
- Management – Husbandry
- Housing
- Environmental Management
- Financials
- Marketing
- Processing
- Regulations
- NPIP Certification
Find more information on our statewide webpage at UT Poultry.
Master Horse 2023 Program
TN Master Horse will be coordinated at a state-level from January 12 -March 16, 2023. The online state program offers 10 weeks of webinars covering the core and supplemental modules needed for program completion. Early bird registration is $165 and ends on December 31, 2022, and late registration runs from January 1-14, 2023 and costs $195. Registration for the state TMHP includes:
- Access to all 10 webinars and the google classroom
- PDF of the TMHP Manual
- TMHP Sign, boot towel, and certificate upon completion
- 1 Forage or soil test
- Registration for the Horse Management Field Day in their region (more information on the field days will be sent in a separate email)
The program is open to individuals ages 15 and over. Participants do not have to be residents of TN to participate.
2023 Program Dates and Topics:
Online Sessions
Each session will be held live on each date from 7-8:30pm Eastern time. Recorded sessions, handouts, and interactive activities will be available on each topic for access throughout the program.
• January 12: Extension Overview & Responsible Horse Ownership
• January 19: Pasture Management
• January 26: Nutrition I (Equine digestive system, feeding fundamentals and rules, forage test, basic rations)
• February 2: Nutrition II (Rations for work, pregnancy/lactation/growth and Feeding special conditions – senior, IR/EMS, starved)
• February 9: Equine Economics and Waste Management
• February 16: Health I (Emergencies and Diseases/Vaccines)
• February 23: Health II (Parasites and Dental Conditions)
• March 2: Health III (Hoof care and common conditions)
• March 9: Equine Liability and Insurance
• March 16: Hot Topics and Graduation
In-Person Sessions
In-person sessions are not mandatory for participants but cost to attend is included in the registration price. Hands-on activities and concepts to apply directly to equine management, nutrition and health will be covered. Each session will cover the same information and are offered at multiple locations to reduce travel distance. Sessions will not be recorded.
• February 7 from 5-9pm Eastern Time: Eastern Region Horse Management Field Day, Brehm Arena, University of Tennessee Brehm Animal Science Building, Knoxville, TN
• February 13 from 5-9pm Central Time: Western Region Horse Management Field Day, Location TBD
• February 14 from 5-9pm Central Time: Central Region Horse Management Field Day, Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center, Spring Hill, TN
Registration Cost:
Early Bird Registration: $165 per person, open until December 31, 2022
Late Registration: $195 per person, open from January 1-14, 2023
Attendance is required in order to successfully complete the TMHP and receive incentive materials. Sessions will be recorded and posted along with activities to earn attendance credit if unable to attend sessions live. A minimum of 25 participants is required to hold the course.
The cost per person is NON-REFUNDABLE. The program fee includes a TMHP Manual, TMHP certificate, TMHP incentive materials, and one forage or soil test.
To find more information, check out UT Horse.
Master Small Ruminant 2023 Program
Our 2023 Master Small Ruminant Program will be held via Zoom Webinar. The course will take place Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:00 PM.
- February 2nd
- February 9th
- February 16th
- February 23rd
- March 2nd
- March 9th
- March 16th
- March 23rd
- March 30th
- April 4th
Topics will be announced soon.
Payment information:
- Course fee: $100
- Payment options: online or by cash/check
- Online payment is available above at the ‘pay online here’ button.
- Call the office at (423) 209-8560 if you experience any issues.
- If you prefer cash or check, please submit the registration form below so we have your contact information.
- Cash or check is payable to the University of Tennessee
- Online payment is available above at the ‘pay online here’ button.
- There will be no refunds issued after class begins.