I'll try, in this paper, to provide some information for the "prudent" planner to consider as he plans farming operations for the 1980's. First a look at farm planning prices, then a few observations on ag profitability and possible changes in ag structure during the coming decade.

This report presents statistical reference series for the study and projection of Minnesota's economic outlook in the 1980's, with special emphasis on four major sectors--agriculture and agribusiness, manufacturing and services, mining and tourism, and government spending.

Case studies of four products - chlordane, aciflourfen, fluoridamidmefluidide, and Heliothis NPV -- will be used to examine some of the impacts of regulation on pesticide innovation. Regulatory effects will be illustrated by reviewing the R&D history of particular products.