A Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Master Marketer program returns to Amarillo in 2022 with in-person and virtual attendance options.

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The program will be from Jan. 25-March 10 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at 6500 Amarillo Blvd. W.

The Master Marketer program is designed for agricultural producers and agribusiness leaders who are experienced in marketing commodities and have some knowledge of futures and options markets. It includes 64 hours of intensive marketing training, focusing on cotton, grains and livestock.

“Master Marketer is a national, award-winning, risk-management educational program where participants learn how to develop marketing plans, evaluate marketing alternatives, manage production and price risk, and execute a risk management and marketing plan,” said Mark Welch, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Bryan-College Station. Welch is both a program presenter and coordinator.

Schedule and registration

The curriculum is offered as four, two-day sessions held every two weeks. It is the most intensive marketing/risk management training provided by the Extension network anywhere in the U.S. Master Marketer sessions will be Jan. 25-27, Feb. 9-10, Feb. 23-24 and March 9-10, with morning sessions offered virtually.

The cost is $350 for both in-person and virtual participation. For in-person participants, the cost includes noon meals and educational materials. For those attending virtually, on or about Jan. 20 participants will be emailed instructions on accessing the virtual program. 

Registration is limited. For more detailed program information and to register, go to https://tx.ag/MasterMarketer22.

Making a difference

“More than 1,600 participants have graduated from the 32 Master Marketer programs since 1996, and their evaluations indicate increased returns to their bottom lines, averaging 4.5% and $35,000 per producer per year,” Welch said. “Evaluations also show a consistent increase in understanding and use of marketing concepts, including budget analysis, developing a marketing plan, general risk management, and crop and livestock marketing strategies.”

Funding has been provided by AgriLife Extension, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Southern Risk Management Education Center, Cotton Inc.-Texas State Support Committee, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Grain Sorghum Producers, Texas Corn Producers and the Texas Wheat Producers Board.

For more information, contact Welch at 979-845-8011 or [email protected], or Justin Benavidez, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist in Amarillo, at 806-677-5600 or [email protected].