Cattle farmers in and around Warren County will soon have the opportunity to become certified Master Cattle Producers while learning about improving production and marketing skills.

John C. Coccaro is county Extension director. Write to him at 1100-C Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39180, call 601-636-5442, or e-mail.

The Mississippi Master Cattle Producer program is offered by the Mississippi State University Extension Service dand focuses on nutrition, forage systems, reproduction, genetics, economics, marketing, herd health and quality assurance.  

The Warren County Extension office will serve as a host site for the sessions, scheduled for Jan. 12, 14, 19 and 21. These Tuesday and Thursday night sessions are from 6 to 9. Though the educational program is free, participants can, for $75, receive printed course materials, a metal farm sign, a cap and certificate of completion. Extension Service specialists will serve as instructors.  

The beef cattle industry in our state has struggled. The number of beef cattle farms has dropped below 18,000, and the number of cattle has dropped below 1 million. However, there are still a significant number of farmers who strive to keep up-to-date on the most current production techniques.

If you go

• Master Cattle Producer sessions — Jan. 12, 14, 19 and 21 at Warren County Extension Office; 6-9 p.m. 601-636-5442.

• NxLevel sessions — Mondays Jan. 25-March 22, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Extension office; register by Jan. 18; $100.

Cattle producers interested in enrolling in the Master Cattle Producer program may register at the Warren County Extension Office.

Another exciting training program being offered through the Extension office, beginning in approximately one month, is called NxLevel for Entrepreneurs. NxLevel sessions are Monday evenings from 5:30 until 8:30, Jan. 25 -March 22, and are designed to teach business skills and practices that can help small-business owners succeed.   

Participants will learn vital techniques and tools concerning financial management, market forecasting, marketing, deal-making, business research and management and legal issues. Future entrepreneurs or current business owners will also learn how to write a business plan from start to finish. The program will offer unique opportunities for interaction with business experts in various fields. NxLevel will help participants take a closer look at business ideas, determine markets, and discover financing and business planning options.  

NxLevel session topics include Intro, Planning and Research; Organizational Management and Legal; Marketing I and II; Financial Overview; Managing Money; Financing and Deal Making; Financial Statements; and Managing Growth.

The registration deadline for NxLevel is Jan. 18, and there is a $100 registration fee. Contact the Warren County Extension Service office for registration forms or for additional details.