Decision cases have been used in the USA for both classroom and extension education within agriculture and natural resources. Use of cases has sometimes been limited by the extensive amount of time that may be required to assign and analyze conventional, text-based cases. Availability of video decision cases, which are visual and do not necessarily require reading, could foster the use of cases on "short notice" for diverse education audiences. Although "video-enhanced" cases exist, these rely on appreciable amounts of reading and can still be time-consuming to use. Anybody's Dream is an entirely video-formatted decision case that considers an agricultural situation and is suitable for extension, classroom, and experiential education learners. The case presents the story of a group of farmers in central Minnesota as they attempted to diversify their cropping systems by producing buckwheat (Fagopyrum sagittatum Gilib). One of the challenges these farmers faced was a need to resolve questions about how to best organize for processing, storing, and marketing their buckwheat crops. The case was developed using a "documentary" format and includes interview segments with representative farmers from the Buckwheat Growers Association. These farmers describe their perspectives on the challenges they faced in producing and marketing an alternative and uncommon crop. This article describes the Anybody's Dream video and considers how it can be used for classroom and extension learning situations. The article further offers perspectives on the process of developing a video case.

Rural land use decisions have become increasingly scrutinized as policy makers at federal, state, and local levels seek to diminish pollution of air and water. This case describes the dilemma of one farm family within the Minnesota River Basin as it encountered local resistance to a planned expansion of its confinement swine production capacity in 1995. It considers various arguments against the expansion, as well as the family's rationale for continuing to pursue it. The case provides a vehicle for discussion of a wide array of contemporary agricultural issues related to rural land use and environmental decision making. It also highlights changing perceptions of acceptable land use in rural areas as well as the continuing debate over the structure and size that agricultural enterprises should have. The case was developed primarily for adult extension audiences, but it can be adapted to the university or secondary education classroom.

Decision case education is becoming increasingly important in agriculture. However, use of decision cases within extension education has lagged behind that in resident education. One serious constraint to the use of cases in extension education is the lack of a sufficient number of cases suited to the particular needs and demands of extension. The Perkins Farm case was developed specifically for extension audiences. The case concerns the Perkins' farm management decision whether to purchase a larger row-crop planter and associated equipment to improve efficiency and save time in the field. Complications in the decision include uncertainties about the Perkins' future in farming and the implications of the larger equipment for their son, should he assume operation of the farm in the future. The case is formatted in two easily assimilated segments to make it possible for learners to discuss the case even with little opportunity to prepare prior to the session. The case also includes a two-part video that enhances the capability of learners to identify with the decision makers and their situation. The Perkins Farm case was developed to increase understanding of farming and sustainable agriculture issues with particular emphasis on profitability, quality of life, and the environment. The case also helps learners to become better informed about sustainable agriculture techniques and approaches, and improves their decision-making skills. A lesson plan for using the case with extension audiences is described.

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