Journal of Dairy Science 1996 (1997)

For 1996, the Journal of Dairy Science had 283 manuscripts and 2256 pages (Tables 1 and 2). The number of pages for 1996 was down considerably from past years, mostly because of the increased page size of the Journal. However, number of manuscripts was 26 fewer than that for 1995. The total time from submission to publication during 1996 had a mean of 409 days, which was considerably longer than the 281 days for 1994 and the 345 days for 1995. The increase in time for publication probably accounts for a portion of the decline in number of manuscripts published during 1996. Because of a series of problems that arose mostly during 1995, individual issues of the Journal were printed very late at the end of 1995 and the beginning of 1996. However, I am happy to report that, by the end of 1996, tremendous progress had been made in timely publication of the Journal. The goal is to have issues of the Journal in the hands of the ADSA membership during the first half of the month of issue. A major review of the structure for Editors of the Journal was undertaken during 1995-1996. The Journal Management Committee (D. L. Zartman, Chair) worked in concert with the Editors and Technical Editors and devised a new structure that provides for an Editor-in-Chief (3-year term), who will facilitate long-range planning for, and routine oversight of, the Journal but will not be involved in the routine review of manuscripts. Scientific publication is rapidly changing, and the Editor-in-Chief should help keep the Journal current in methods of publishing. The new structure also provides for 10 Editors to distribute editorial tasks more equitably. The ADSA Board enthusiastically approved the recommendation of the Journal Management Committee regarding the new structure for Editors. Although the new structure is effective for 1997, the expanded structure for Editors was implemented September 1, 1996 for newly submitted manuscripts. The length of time that authors take to return revised manuscripts is often a major contributor to prolonged time from submission to publication. Therefore, Journal policy was changed in late 1996, so that manuscripts must be returned within 6 weeks by authors, rather than the previous requirement of 3 months. All authors are urged to revise manuscripts quickly. Although many reviewers return reviews in a timely fashion, many others return reviews very late. This seems to be a growing problem with time. All reviewers are urged to be prompt in returning reviews to Editors. The outstanding service of the headquarters staff of the Journal of Dairy Science must be recognized. Cheryl K. Nimz and Amy S. Kemp, Technical Editors, as well as Clydette L. Wantland, Editorial Assistant, steadfastly support the Editors in the production of a Journal of high quality and international reputation. Their cooperative approach to working with both authors and Editors is acknowledged with gratitude. Tremendous appreciation goes to the Associate Editors: M. R. Murphy, S. C. Nickerson, and N. F. Olson for their exceptional service to the Journal. These Associate Editors become Senior Editors for 1997 with the change in structure for Editors. The first Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Dairy Science is J. W. Fuquay, who earlier served the Journal as Editor and Associate Editor. I wish him well as he assumes this new leadership post for the Journal. Gratitude is expressed to the members of the Journal Management Committee: D. L. Zartman (Chair), D. B. Emmons, R. W. Hutkins, M. D. Stern, M. Britten, and M. E. Sanders. This committee was extremely active during 1995-1996. Thanks are extended to the members of the Editorial Board for their review of manuscripts and input to the Editors and Journal Management Committee. The following individuals have completed their terms on the Editorial Board in 1996: M. S. Allen, K. A. Beauchemin, R. S. Bush, G. C. Fahey, J. F. Frank, D. M. Galton, D. Gianola, P. J. Hansen, C. W. Heald, 1. Hoeschele, T. C. Jenkins, M. E. Johnson, J. B. Luchansky, J. P. McNamara, J. D. Quigley, P. A. Savello, D. J. Schingoethe, L. V. Swanson, P. S. Tong, and W. P. Weiss. Also, the quality review of manuscripts requires the contributions of ad hoc reviewers, and their willingness to serve in this capacity during 1996 is much appreciated: