What does this research mean for the field?

Agricultural Extension programs must shift resources away from commercial agriculture to compete for public funding and adapt to new entrants in the farm information market. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To explore the resource allocation needs of Extension in advocating for farmers in public policy.

May 28, 2026

Mature Relationship Requires Shifting Resources

Key Points

To explore the resource allocation needs of Extension in advocating for farmers in public policy.
Analysis of information product distribution by Extension
Assessment of resource shifts away from commercial agriculture
Farmers depend on Extension for advocacy in public policy
Resource allocation must shift to ensure competitive public funding
Emerging entrants in the farm information market require Extension to adapt

Abstract

Extension must continue to "wholesale" its information products as new entrants in the farm information market become active. Unfortunately, farmers often look to Extension to be advocates for them in the public policy process. A mature relationship implies a major shift of resources away from commercial agriculture to be able to compete in the political marketplace for continued public dollars.

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