FORECASTING THE STRUCTURE OF MINNESOTA AGRICULTURE AND THE CHANGES NEEDED WITHIN THE MINNESOTA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE BY THE YEAR 2000 - A DELPHI STUDY. (VOLUMES I AND II)

This study assumes that the structure of Minnesota agriculture will change. The extent of change needs to be understood by decision-makers so they can make decisions that will ensure the capability of the Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service to meet the information needs of Minnesota agriculture by the year 2000 and beyond.;The data were analyzed and reported in several ways in the study. Of significance is the compilation of change statements by issues that: (1) have a high probability of occurring; (2) are a high priority to Minnesota agriculture and the Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service; and (3) will have a high impact upon productivity, the use of capital and/or upon the environment. The data were also reported as to their implications to the structure of Minnesota agriculture and to the Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service.;The study concludes with a list of sixty-six structural changes in Minnesota agriculture as having a high probability of occurring by the year 2000. A list of forty-five changes were concluded as being necessary within the Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service for it to effectively meet the information needs of Minnesota agriculture by the year 2000. This study primarily identified issues that need to be placed on decision-making agendas of the future. A significant finding of this study was the similarity of findings to the findings of other studies on these same issues using different research techniques.;A modified Delphi technique, asking additional questions in each succeeding round, was used to develop a scenario on the structure of Minnesota agriculture by the year 2000. Based on the development of a perception of the future structure of agriculture, panelists were asked to forecast the changes needed within the Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service for it to remain a principal source of information to Minnesota agriculture until the year 2000 and beyond.