20 pgs., Several U.S. federal government agencies collect and disseminate scientific data on a national scale to provide insights for agricultural trade, research, consumer health, and policy. Occasionally, such data have potential to provide insights to advance conversations and actions around critical and controversial issues in the broad agricultural system. Such government studies provide evidence for others to discuss, further interpret, and act upon, but to do so, they must be communicated well. When the research intersects with contentious socio-political issues, successful communication not only depends on tactics, but as this study illuminates, it also depends on relationship quality between research producers, study participants, and end-users. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) conducted first-of-its kind national studies on cattle and swine producers’ use of antimicrobials. The use of antimicrobials in animal agriculture is considered a critical and controversial issue pertaining to antimicrobial resistance. In recognition of the anticipated wide-ranging interests in these studies, APHIS sought to understand stakeholders’ perceptions and experiences of the federal government research process and products with aim of improving their science communication and relations. This study reports on findings from in-depth interviews with 14 stakeholders involved in the antimicrobial use studies to make recommendations for improving communication and relations between the agency and its stakeholders. From this research, we draw implications that are transferrable to numerous types of government science communication efforts within agricultural sectors.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 198 Document Number: D09637
Notes:
Eugene A. Kroupa Collection, Thesis for Doctor of Philosophy degree, Cooperative Extension-Administration, University of Wisconsin, Madison. 152 pages.
Abuhassan, M.A. (author), Cheah, P.F. (author), Choo, T.W. (author), Kamaruddin, M. (author), Pharo, H.J. (author), Sopian, M.J. (author), and Ruminant Development Project, Department of Veterinary Services, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1990-05
Published:
UK
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 91 Document Number: C06560
Current Contents Agr/Bio, The emphasis on cow records in Malaysian dairy extension programmes reflects the importance of herd fertility in the economics of dairying. Manual record keeping has not been able to make an impact on management due to difficulties experienced in quality control of the data and in analyzing the data to produce useful information for farm managers. Computerized recording systems have been in use in Malaysia since 1985, both on government farms and in the smallholder dairy sector. The aim of both is firstly to improve farm efficiency by the provision of information to managers and extension workers and secondly to provide information for departmental planning purposes. The systems used in Malaysia are outlined, and the results over the first three years of operation are summarized. (author)
