Cattle are big business in Alabama with a value of $2.5 billion. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s new iBook, “Beef Basics,” will help the state's cattle producers boost their bottom line. An Alabama Extension animal scientist calls “Beef Basics” an exciting new tool for Alabama cattle producers.

“The Beef Basics iBook is a great resource that producers, supporters and anyone connected to the cattle industry can use to brush up on their cattle knowledge,” said Kim Mullenix, an Alabama Extension beef specialist.

 Now available to download for free from the Apple iTunes store, “Beef Basics” is the first iBook devoted to beef cattle production. 

Beef Basics Content

The iBook format allows “Beef Basics” to include videos and interactive graphics along with the comprehensive text and photos. 

Beef Basics Featured Videos and Interactive Graphics

“Almost every farmer has a smartphone or a tablet,” said Mullenix, who is also an assistant professor of animal science at Auburn University. “The iBook format puts the information they need in their hands no matter where they are on the farm.”

“Beef Basics” can be viewed on iPads, iPhones and Mac computers. Want to know more before you buy? iTunes will allow users to download a sample of the book.

Mullenix said that the iBook is an excellent companion to Alabama Extension’s new free online course of the same name.

Mullenix along with a team of Alabama Extension animal science professionals created both the iBook and the online course to support the state’s growing cattle industry.

“Our primary goal is for producers to improve their overall management skills and understanding of the beef industry and help them improve their operation’s bottom line.

The Beef Basics Online Course is a self-paced, eight-week online course that allows producers to watch lessons on beef cattle management topics, take an interactive quiz following each section and receive a certificate of completion at the end.

For more information about the Beef Basics course or iBook, visit Alabama Extension’s Beef Systems website at http://www.aces.edu/go/632.