Dairy-L: An Electronic Information Exchange Network for Professionals Advising Dairy Producers

¹ Department of Animal Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park 20742
² Washington State University, 7612 Pioneer Way East, Puyallup 98371-4998

The objective of this study was to establish an electronic information exchange network, called Dairy-L, for professionals who advise dairy producers. Usage rates and types of communications were monitored to determine the utility of Dairy-L to dairy science programs. Listserv software loaded on an IBM 3081 mainframe computer was used to maintain a list of electronic mail addresses and to process submitted electronic mail for distribution to subscribers. The existence of Dairy-L was announced to ADSA Production Division members at meetings, by electronic mail, and by personal letter. Since its inception in February 1990 through December 1992, Dairy-L membership has increased to 322 subscribers. At various times, there have been subscribers from as many as 42 states and territories and 23 countries. Most subscribers were from academic institutions, but many were from private industry, demonstrating the potential for more widespread appeal. A total of 1342 messages were sent; most were questions and associated responses. Few questions went unanswered. Most questions received a response in less than 1 d. A network for professionals advising dairy producers has been successfully established, and use of Dairy-L is summarized.

Key Words: electronic mail • dairy production • computer networks

Submitted on November 30, 1992
Accepted on April 12, 1993

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