The networks with higher percentages of dairy farmers tended to have a higher percentage of active members, in part because active membership percentages are boosted by members with similar interests. Two of the larger networks reported the lowest percentage of active members, while the smaller networks reported higher percentages of active members. Maintaining a high interest level is difficult with a large group, and smaller groups may be more successful at fostering a sense of community. Twelve networks are coordinated by agency personnel. Eleven networks have farmer coordinators.
Coordinators keep members informed and organized.
Along with other members, coordinators work on challenging network members and stimulating discussion with new ideas. Most groups have a single coordinator, but some are coordinated by two or more people from different agencies or by a farm couple. Coordinators publicize events through mailings and advertising in newspapers, magazines, specialty newsletters, and on radio. Two groups publish their own newsletter. Farmer-coordinated networks tended to have fewer members and lower event attendance.