The Extension Connection: How Farmers and Ag Professionals really want to receive crop management information
Agronomy & Pest Management
David Nicolai
Regional Extension Educator-Crops
University of Minnesota
Farmington
Abstract
Extension Educators and State Extension Specialists have delivered educational and technical information to crop producers and ag professionals utilizing a wide variety of methods for several decades. While some methods may have been more effective in knowledge gain and behavioral changes others may have not been as effective. To better understand how current Minnesota farmers and ag professionals desire to receive crop production information for crop management decisions the Minnesota Soybean Producer Needs Assessment was developed and conducted by the University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension, in partnership with the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (MSR&PC). The survey was distributed online via the electronic University of Minnesota newsletter “Minnesota Crop News” from April through October 2025 and aimed to identify key information sources, barriers to educational engagement, and opportunities to improve Extension programming and communication strategies across the state’s soybean sector. A total of 105 responses were received, comprising 54 soybean producers and 51 agricultural professionals representing more than 30 Minnesota counties. Respondents provided information on internet access, preferred learning methods, and Extension engagement. Most participants reported reliable broadband access (89%) and frequent use of smartphones and laptops (over 85%) for professional purposes. Both producers and professionals reported moderate engagement with artificial intelligence (AI)-generated agronomic content, though only a small percentage indicated regular use for sourcing original research information. Findings revealed strong interest in digital delivery formats, with the majority of respondents preferring online materials, webinars, and digital newsletters as their primary means of accessing soybean research. However, 65% of producers still preferred in-person events as a source of information if available compared to 38% of ag professionals. The most frequently mentioned barriers to participating in educational events were scheduling conflicts, time constraints, and limited awareness of available programs. Distance and cost were rarely cited by producers to influence participation, except if the drive time to an in-person programs exceeded eighty miles. The survey findings illustrated that a dynamic information environment in which producers integrate multiple trusted sources for agronomic decision-making was desirable.
Authors: David Nicolai
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David Nicolai Regional Extension Educator-Crops, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, 55024