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UKIAH -- Welcome to "Cattle College," a six-session introductory course in the nuts-and-bolts of cow-calf management on California's North Coast. First day of instruction for the freshmen in this University of California Cooperative Extension course is March 31, running most Wednesdays through May 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mendocino County Agriculture Building.

"Ranching on the North Coast is unique because of its high rainfall, varying topography and distinctive mix of vegetation types," said John Harper, UC Cooperative Extension livestock and natural resources advisor for Mendocino and Lake counties. "Nutrition and health care for cattle are different than for ranches located farther inland."

Cattle College is intended for novice cow-calf producers, older 4-H youth, FFA and adult 4-H leaders. However, many experienced cattle ranchers will find the course useful for review, as well as a source of new information. The course will be taught by Harper, coordinating instructor for the course, and other Cooperative Extension advisors and specialists from the University of California and Oregon State University.

Topics will cover a broad range of production and marketing subjects, such as genetics and breed selection, reproduction and breeding, nutrition and feed requirements, calving and calf management, herd health and diseases, and range management. Participants will receive a copy of and become well-acquainted with the Cow-Calf Management Guide, a comprehensive manual of production information geared toward Western cattle ranchers.

The course fee is $115 per person or ranch (only one set of course materials per registration). The fee covers all lectures, the course book, and other course expenses. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Class dates are March 31, April 7, April 14, May 5, May 12 and May 19. Participants are not required to attend all sessions.

Class sessions will be held at the UC Cooperative Extension office in the Mendocino County Agriculture Building at 579 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah. To register contact Linda Blatchford at (707) 463-4495. Harper can also be reached at that number or by e-mail at jmharper@ucdavis.edu for more information about course content.