Bobby Watkins has attended a comprehensive three-day training program designed to qualify him as a “Certified FeedMaster Specialist” at Southern States Russellville Cooperative, Inc. Russellville Branch.

The rigorous training program is tied to the Southern States’ FeedMaster program and is designed to augment the existing knowledge base of employees involved in advising the co-op’s customers on issues related to feeding various types of beef and dairy cattle. The program provides new and updated information and qualifies for continuing education units (CEUs) by the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS), a national organization that certifies animal scientists through examination.

Professors from land grant universities in the Southern States service area, industry nutritionists and veterinarians were among those conducting technical sessions during the program Watkins attended.

“With all the research and new developments occurring these days, livestock owners need and want the best possible counsel on feed nutrition and feed solutions in general,” says Rich Schneider, part of the Southern States management team that developed the FeedMaster program. “Our people are relied on for their expertise, but we believe it’s also important they have the benefit of the latest and most complete information available,” he added.

Founded in 1923, Southern States is a Richmond, Va. based farm supply and service cooperative that now has more than 300,000 farmer-members. One of the nation's largest agricultural cooperatives, Southern States provides a wide range of farm inputs, including fertilizer, seed, livestock feed and pet food, animal health supplies and petroleum products, as well as other items for the farm and home. The cooperative serves its members and non-member customers through 1,100 retail outlets. Please visit http://www.southernstates.com for more information.