ABSTRACT
Dr. G. Edward Schuh pointed out that a function of the public sector in a market economy is to provide information that helps make the market more competitive. Universities also have a role in educating those who will provide state extension services in USDA and other federal agencies, in extension, and in the private sector. When crop commodities are in surplus, emphasis shifts from technologies that might increase production to tactics and policies that might increase the price per unit of the commodity. This is true for farmers, legislators, and perhaps even research administrators. The cost of production inputs must be reduced or the price of farm products must increase, or many farmers will go out of business, particularly those with capital investments financed at high interest rates. The extent to which the farmer must reduce purchases of production inputs will influence whether production remains stable or declines.
