KNUTSFORD, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 07: Dairy cows graze in a field in the Cheshire countryside on August 7, 2007 in Knutsford, England. In a tense week the British farming community continue to work through the Foot and Mouth disease crisis. Further test results are due today that will determine the source of the outbreak. It has also been confirmed today that a second outbreak on a Surrey farm is gripped by the disease. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

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By Blair Fannin, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications

COLLEGE STATION — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Beef Council together will launch a Ranch TV website, http://ranchtv.org, a comprehensive site that offers video instruction and materials for livestock producers and ranchers, as well as 4-Hers and high school agriculture students.

"The purpose of this site is to extend information on the best management practices that enhance our environment, food safety and food quality," said Dr. Dan Hale, AgriLife Extension meat specialist and website coordinator.

Texas Beef Council financial support allows courses and videos to be offered on the site for free.

Livestock producers can receive Beef Quality Assurance certification as well as select from a number of courses to gain a better understanding of beef cattle production management and production systems, he said.

Courses offered include cattle nutrition and feeding, creating value through low-stress handling, and market cow management. Those who visit the site can also view over 400 individual videos on various beef cattle and meat science production topics, Hale said. The majority of videos are two to six minutes in length.

"We all have busy schedules, and the video content and course offerings on the site allow livestock producers and ranchers the freedom to visit and receive instruction during their own time of choosing," Hale said. "We think we have a comprehensive offering of videos and instructional content that will help users understand all facets of beef cattle production."

For information, go to http://ranchtv.org/.