Needs or problems were seen first-hand, as were results of change efforts. Agents could respond to farmer questions and have their performance judged as acceptable if they worked only with those who sought Extension expertise. Competition for resources was weak or nonexistent. Today's agent exists in an entirely different environment. The relative economic importance of agriculture has declined as has Extension's unquestioned right to resources.
Many agencies now compete for the same tax dollars.
Expectations for agents have also changed. It's no longer adequate to spend the majority of time reacting to farmer requests. Instead, agents must take a proactive stance. They must identify problems, set specific goals for change, and provide evidence of that change. Agents must justify the need for programs by clearly defining who and how many may potentially benefit from them.