This document discusses issues and developments related to the effects of new information technology on agriculture, beginning with an overview of the range of information-related issues, the evolving role of information technology, and the "stakeholders" (the groups) involved in advanced information systems for rural America. An examination of information technology and its agricultural applications traces historical developments, delineates the types of information normally used by farmers and ranchers, and discusses the implications of the information revolution in agriculture. A brief chronology reviews selected events in United States history, including recent federal initiatives influencing the utilization of new information systems. Selected information systems demonstrating technological applications are described, including agricultural databases, farm management software, electronic trading systems, videotex systems, and electronic messaging networks. A comprehensive listing of operational agricultural systems in the United States is followed by a map depicting the programs' centers of operations. Activities related to a series of 97th Congress oversight initiatives are summarized, and a 28-item reference list is included. (LMM)