If you're looking for a solid resource manual on cow-calf production, consider the “Cow-Calf Management Guide and Cattle Producer's Library.” Boasting more than 230 fact sheets on all aspects of beef-cattle production compiled in a four-in., three-ring binder, it's the most complete set of up-to-date material available in the beef industry.

Each fact sheet is peer-reviewed by state Extension beef cattle specialists and educators from across the 12 western states. Known as the Western Beef Resource Committee, this group revises the entire publication annually; for an additional cost, revised fact sheets are available each year for those who have previously purchased the book.

Among the topics addressed are: quality assurance, nutrition, reproduction, range and pasture, animal health, management, marketing, finance, genetics, drought and other natural disasters. Visit www.avs.uidaho.edu/wbrc/samples.html to view selected fact sheets.

The guide is available for $95, plus postage. To order the printed book or CD-ROM version, contact the University of Idaho Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at 208-885-6045 or angelac@uidaho.edu.