It's called the Master Marketer Program. It started in 1996 in Amarillo and, because of its success, has spread statewide, winning numerous national awards along the way. Intensive education, master volunteers and marketing clubs. Producers are trained in advanced risk management and marketing techniques during an intensive 64-hour program conducted by financial experts from throughout the nation.
Participants take their knowledge to other producers by providing leadership for marketing clubs.
For example, either because of the program's reputation or its results, or maybe even because of the current economic conditions, the 1999 Amarillo training class filled five weeks before the application deadline. So far, a total of 438 producers and agribusinessmen have successfully completed the training. Razor-thin profit margins and losses may encourage Valley producers to attend. Robinson said cotton and grain producers would be especially hard-hit this year, based on future prices for cotton and grain. They're worse than they have been in a long time.