14 pages, via Online Journal, The aim of this article is to show the relevance of the sociology of market agencements (an offshoot of actor–network theory) for studying the creation of alternative agri-food networks. The authors start with their finding that most research into alternative agri-food networks takes a strictly informative, cursory look at the conditions under which these networks are gradually created. They then explain how the sociology of market agencements analyzes the construction of innovative markets and how it can be used in agri-food studies. The relevance of this theoretical frame is shown based on an experiment aimed at creating a local trade scheme between manure from livestock farms and alfalfa grown by grain farmers. By using the concepts of the sociology of market agencements, the authors reveal the operations that are required to create an alternative agri-food network and underscore the difficulties that attend each one of these operations. This enables them to see the phenomena of lock-ins and sociotechnical transition in a new light.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D06960
Notes:
Pages 218-228 in Francine L. Dolins (ed.), Attitudes to animals: views in animal welfare. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom. 262 pages.
19 pages, via online journal, Dairy farms pose many hazards to farmers and their employees, including the risk of injury caused by handling animals. On many farms, there is a lack of consistent information and training related to farm safety topics, including stockmanship, or safe animal handling. The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore effective communication strategies that support the application of stockmanship practices and more broadly support health and safety measures and the adoption of new behaviors by farmers and their employees. Research was conducted in three stages via in-depth farm tours and in-person interviews, a qualitative survey, and follow-up phone interviews with dairy farmers. Findings identified four values and moral norms important to dairy farmers and four barriers to implementation of farm safety practices. The research also revealed publications and in-person meetings as key channels of communication and on-farm consultants as important influencers. From the research findings, three major recommendations emerged. These include using a train the trainer educational model, engaging with professionals and encouraging farmer-to-farmer communication, and leveraging digital resources.
Wilms, Lisa (author), Komainda, Martin (author), Hamidi, Dina (author), Riesch, Friederike (author), Horn, Juliane (author), and Isselstein, Johannes (author)
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
2024-04-15
Published:
USA: Oxford University Press
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 209 Document Number: D13552
11 pages, Virtual fencing (VF) is a modern fencing technology that requires the animal to wear a device (e.g., a collar) that emits acoustic signals to replace the visual cue of traditional physical fences (PF) and, if necessary, mild electric signals. The use of devices that provide electric signals leads to concerns regarding the welfare of virtually fenced animals. The objective of this review is to give an overview of the current state of VF research into the welfare and learning behavior of cattle. Therefore, a systematic literature search was conducted using two online databases and reference lists of relevant articles. Studies included were peer-reviewed and written in English, used beef or dairy cattle, and tested neck-mounted VF devices. Further inclusion criteria were a combination of audio and electrical signals and a setup as a pasture trial, which implied that animals grazed in groups on grassland for 4 h minimum while at least one fence side was virtually fenced. The eligible studies (n = 13) were assigned to one or two of the following categories: animal welfare (n studies = 8) or learning behavior (n studies = 9). As data availability for conducting a meta-analysis was not sufficient, a comparison of the means of welfare indicators (daily weight gain, daily lying time, steps per hour, daily number of lying bouts, and fecal cortisol metabolites [FCM]) for virtually and physically fenced animals was done instead. In an additional qualitative approach, the results from the welfare-related studies were assembled and discussed. For the learning behavior, the number of acoustic and electric signals and their ratio were used in a linear regression model with duration in days as a numeric predictor to assess the learning trends over time. There were no significant differences between VF and PF for most welfare indicators (except FCM with lower values for VF; P = 0.0165). The duration in days did not have a significant effect on the number of acoustic and electric signals. However, a significant effect of trial duration on the ratio of electric-to-acoustic signals (P = 0.0014) could be detected, resulting in a decreasing trend of the ratio over time, which suggests successful learning. Overall, we conclude that the VF research done so far is promising but is not yet sufficient to ensure that the technology could not have impacts on the welfare of certain cattle types. More research is necessary to investigate especially possible long-term effects of VF.
Wolfson, David J. (author) and Sullivan, Mariann (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
2004
Published:
International: Oxford University Press, Oxford, England
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D01516
Notes:
Pages 205-233 in Cass R. Sunstein and Martha C. Nussbaum (eds.), Animal rights: current debates and new directions. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. 338 pages.
16 pages., Animals, Justice and the Law Part 2., Author offered information and perspectives about development of "Ag-Gag" laws in some states involving the reporting of production and slaughter practices in the meat industry, their effect on society, and limitations of self-regulation.
AgriMarketing Update via online issue of Entrepreneur. 5 pages., Describes a college student contest involving video clips related to livestock production.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 157 Document Number: D11639
Notes:
2 pages., Online via AgriMarketing Weekly., Release from Protect the Harvest describes "how extremist groups...are cashing in" on the COVID-19 crisis, jeopardizing animal producers and consumers.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 150 Document Number: C24142
Notes:
TheTelegraph (UK) via Food Safety Network. 1 page., Results of a poll suggest that extremist behaviour by animal rights protesters has had the effect of increasing public support in the UK for testing new medical treatments on animals.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 157 Document Number: C25541
Notes:
AFX UK Profeed via Food Safety Network. 1 page., Food retailers report positive results from use of animal-friendly and "certified humane" labels and logos.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C29036
Notes:
Posted at http://institution.gallup.com, Via "Create a Trend" option, Questions 25c (2008 survey) and Question 37c (2003 survey), Gallup Poll Social Series: Values and Beliefs. 2 pages., Compares responses from national surveys among U. S. adults during 2003 and 2008.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 145 Document Number: D11559
Notes:
1 page., Online via AgriMarketing Weekly., New graduate-level course at Kansas State University will offer a new online course, Sales and Marketing in Animal Health Industry (AGEC 735)
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 147 Document Number: C23428
Notes:
From Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology. 8 pages., Results of the third comprehensive survey by Pew Initiative of U.S. consumer sentiment about the application of genetic engineering in agriculture.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 147 Document Number: C23359
Notes:
Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology. 10 pages., Fourth annual survey of U.S. consumer attitudes about genetically modified food. Research by Mellman Group and Public Opinion Strategies.
"When researchers played recordings of dog 'laughter' (a breathy exhalation made by pooches), barking and pacing canines at an animal shelter calmed down instantly. 'The dogs seemed to be happy, not stressed,' says animal behaviorist Patricia Simonet. To hear the sound, go to www.laughing-dog.org."
USA: Center for Food Integrity, Gladstone, Missouri.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D11946
Notes:
Online from CFI. 29 pages., The Center "examines the most important emerging trends in animal protein, the latest digital ethnography research on consumer mindset and traditional and social media chatter, and provide specific insight to guide strategy going forward."
