Excerpts from the report: The Farmer Cooperative Service made this study in response to the growing interest of regional farm supply cooperatives in improving service to farmer members. Management's increased acceptance of research has emphasized the need for finding out how these associations organize and conduct their research programs. This study is designed to: 1. Ascertain important developments in the business research programs of regional farm supply cooperatives. 2. Outline the business research needs of regional farm supply organizations. 3. Appraise their existing research practices. 4. Consider essentials in establishing effective research programs and give suggestions for improving the research function. This is a study of the business research practices of 12 regional farm supply cooperatives located in the East and Midwest.