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A Publication Featuring The Information Services Technology of Maine State Government
| Volume IV, Issue 10 | October 2001 |
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Computer usage by dairy producers in New England continues to grow. A recent survey by the National Agricultural Statistics Service indicates that 72% of New England farmers have computers, and that 56% have access to e-mail and the Internet. This number has increased by 13% in one year and increased by over 400% in 4 years. In Maine, David Marcinkowski, University of Maine Cooperative Extension (UMCE http://www.umaine.edu/livestock/) dairy specialist, makes use of e-mail and Internet technology to provide research-based knowledge to people in the dairy business. |
Marcinkowski began publishing the Cows and Crops newsletter via e-mail in November of 1997. The newsletter is distributed monthly and contains timely information for dairy producers and industry personnel. Each issue includes a market analysis with price projections, a website review, upcoming meeting information, and timely educational articles from UMCE and other Extension personnel throughout the country. In three and a half years of publication, the mailing list has increased to over 240 individuals, with significant increases in circulation each year. Recipients include Extension personnel from Maine and neighboring states, dairy producers (more than 80), agribusiness and government consultants (over 70), large animal veterinarians, university educators, students, and media contacts.
Marcinkowski reaches a high percentage of the agribusiness community with this newsletter, including
There is also a significant multiplier effect associated with the Cows and Crops newsletter. The electronic format of the newsletter makes it easy for reprinting by county staff and others. Articles have been reprinted in New England Country Folks, Northeast Dairy Business, and the Bangor Daily News, as well as by the Maine Dairy Industry Association, the Maine Department of Agriculture, the Maine Veterinary Medical Association, Farm Bureau Newsletters, and the Weekly University Media Packet. Perhaps most importantly, an overwhelming majority of recipients have indicated that Cows and Crops information had changed or improved their ability to manage their operation.
David Marcinkowski received his doctorate in Dairy Science at Ohio State University. With expertise in dairy, computers, reproduction, and farm finances, he is an Extension dairy specialist and assistant professor in the Biological Sciences and Engineering Department at the University of Maine. Marcinkowski can be reached at: Room 332, Hitchner Hall, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469. Phone 207-581-2740 or 1-800-287-7170 (in state) Fax 207-581-4430. His e-mail is: davidm@umce.umext.maine.edu.
