Producers can register for the University of Minnesota Beef Team's new home study course through Dec. 15.

Six lessons focusing on cow/calf health management comprise the 2007-08 course, developed to help beef producers further their knowledge on topics that may help improve the management of their operations.

The cost to participate in the program is $50, and the registration deadline is Dec. 15. The registration fee covers a course booklet with lessons and supporting materials. The first lesson will be mailed to participants in early January, and a new lesson is mailed out every two weeks.

Members of the University of Minnesota Beef Team will be available throughout the course to assist participants and answer questions about the materials.

The six lessons covered in the course are:

1 "Common Breeding Herd Diseases," Alfredo DiCostanzo, University of Minnesota Beef Team

2. "Internal and External Parasite Control," Bethany Lovaas, University of Minnesota Beef Team

3. "Antibiotic Use, Biosecurity and Quality Assurance," Lori Schott and John Shutske, University of Minnesota Beef Team

4. "Herd Health Calendars," Ryon Walker, University of Minnesota Beef Team

5."Newborn Calf Care," David Smith, University of Nebraska

6."Preparing Calves for Weaning," Grant Crawford, University of Minnesota Beef Team

For more information, contact Crawford at (320) 234-0441 or craw0105@umn.edu, Schott at (320) 225-5055 or weddl002@umn.edu, or visit Extension's Beef Team Web site at www.extension.umn.edu/beef.