Agents need greater access to training that will enable them to help producers and businesses evaluate costs and benefits of new equipment. Programs and information available in other states must be accessed by Montana Extension. Extension should be the educational arm of Vision 2005. Extension should provide expertise on equipment, techniques and technology evaluation. Business planning programs should be developed by Extension to help clientele better market their products and to support entrepreneurs who want more business training.
Extension needs to re-align with existing organizations to ensure that programs are complementary.
Extension needs to be a catalyst for the development of cooperatives and should assist producers and entrepreneurs in developing their value-added strategies. Extension should be a leader in research and development of Montana-produced food products. All program areas should emphasize efforts that ensure Montana producers are maximizing the prices they receive for their commodities. Resources A coordinator is needed to oversee the technology clearinghouse. Rather than possessing specific technology expertise, this person must be able to use experts to screen and evaluate information and evaluate mechanisms to disseminate pertinent information.