152 BACKGROUND AND MEANS OF SERVICE 



farmer was to give way in large measure under the pres- 

 sure of economic necessity, to collective organized action 

 in matters of common concern. 



THE OPPORTUNITY 



Into this general situation in agriculture near the be- 

 ginning of the second decade of the new century there came 

 the county agent. Never was there greater need or a 

 greater opportunity for service to farmers. The problems 

 of production were becoming acute. There was great need 

 for the further application of science to practice. Agri- 

 cultural experiment and research institutions had accu- 

 mulated much valuable information which, though available 

 in bulletins, needed wider dissemination, demonstration and 

 application. Instruction and demonstration of the prin- 

 ciples of good organization as applied to marketing, and 

 assistance in setting up marketing units was needed. 



Community consciousness was beginning to stir in the 

 minds of farmers; social and community problems were 

 crying for attention. The need of educational leadership 

 was never greater. Farmers had always been individual- 

 ists. They were beginning to realize the necessity of com- 

 mon action, but needed to be shown how to accomplish it. 



In short, the field was ripe for leadership such as a 

 virile public service agency might furnish. If county 

 agents could help to meet adequately any of these major 

 needs, if they could be the means of assisting to work out 

 the solution of any of these pressing problems, the success 

 of the movement would be assured. 



