Agricultural extension sometimes fails to relate itself to the total socio-economic picture of the community as it establishes policies and programs for the future; this research attempts to explain some concerns of farmers related to this problem, particularly the hiring of regional specialists. Data were gathered by a questionnaire given to over 400 farm owners who were members of the Genesee County (New York) Cooperative Extension Association, Agricultural Division, in 1968. Among revelations of the questionnaire were: (1) the majority of clientele felt that staff members providing leadership for agricultural program should be specialists; (2) a significant number felt that agent visits lacked uniformity and that specialization favored some producers; (3) the lower gross sales clientele were more likely to feel alienated by present programing efforts; (4) the higher gross sales clientele were more likely to be participating in and using area extension programs and staff resources; and (5) the majority of all clientele felt that farmers, local businessmen, industry, and public leaders needed to be aware of and understand developments that could affect each other's actions and decisions. The document includes a bibliography of related literature, numerous tables, and a sample questionnaire. (nl)