Record-keeping and management systems analysis were rated highest for both current and future importance. In fact, the top five topics in current importance were also the top five topics in future importance. This demonstrates the need for programming in farm business analysis and planning. The beginning farmers rated technology transfer and new innovations in agriculture as having some importance to them in the future. Likewise, they felt that soil and water conservation and environmental concerns were important current and future topics.
Extension has an opportunity to provide educational activities involving both groups in one setting.
Beginning farmers rely upon agricultural consultants, farm organizations, and agribusiness firms for information. Extension, traditionally, has collaborated with these providers and should continue to do so since beginning farmers are being reached by these providers. Radio and informational services were highly rated as future educational media useful to beginning farmers. Beginning farmers preferred a variety of instructional methods used by educational providers. They also prefer single- issue meetings, and not traveling more than one hour to receive educational information.