An evaluation of selected management practices of Oklahoma Master Cattleman program graduates

Scope and Method of Study. The purpose of this study is to examine the management practices of graduates of the Master Cattleman Program offered to Oklahoma Cattle Producers through the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. The data, collected through two cross-sectional questionnaires, was compared to Vestal's 2007 assessment of Beef Cattle Manual Recipients. Beef cattle and calves continue to be the number one ranked commodity within the state based on value of production and account for approximately 1/3 of the state's agricultural production in most years. Collection of data is needed for continuing research and planning educational programs. Descriptive statistics were used to review and categorize the data.;Findings and Conclusions. Graduates of the Master Cattleman Program chose to participate in the Master Cattleman Program to meet and interact with others in the industry and to learn more about the cattle industry. Respondents reported finding out about the Program from their local Extension Educator. Program graduates believe the most beneficial section of the Program to be the Nutrition section and are very eager about starting an Advanced Program. To determine their winter supplement, Program graduates have increased consulting Extension Educators, Estimating Animal Requirements, and using OSU's Cow-Culator. Program graduates have also increased how often they forage test hay or silage they produce. The typical Master Cattleman Program graduate was found to be a white, non-Hispanic male, who has some formal college education.