As the structure of agriculture moves toward more tightly-aligned coordinated systems of production and marketing, producers are seeking information on selection of an appropriate system. They are asking the following questions: How well do the objectives of the system match up with my own? Is there good information flow in the system? What are the costs of joining? What attributes in my business am I weak on that can be enhanced by the system? Can I gain access to new technology? Can I secure financing and risk management assistance? Are specific management practices required, and what will it cost to implement them? Will I need to make a significant change in my genetics to fit the system's market specifications and will the new genetics fit my environment? Will I have an opportunity to intensify my management and focus on those aspects of my enterprise in which I am especially skilled? As animal agriculture becomes more consumer-driven, producers will be challenged to enhance product value while simultaneously controlling costs, as well as assuring animal well-being, integrity of the environment and food safety. Joining an appropriate coordinated system will better enable many modest-sized producers to meet these challenges and remain viable. It will be important for extension to play a role in their decision-making process.