The comments which follow relating to the role of agriculture in Minnesota's economic development are organized into four sections. First a brief look is taken at historical changes in production agriculture in Minnesota. Second some crude comparisons are made of growth over time in agriculture and in other major economic sectors. Third a brief assessment is made of current employment and income in Minnesota's agriculture and related industries. Finally, a list is presented of several future issues which appear important for Minnesota's agriculture with particular reference to its natural resource base.