Two evaluation projects conducted for the Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service are examined from a user-focused perspective: (1) a needs assessment of large scale commercial farmers for program development by the Office of Special Programs; and (2) a review of the extension programs in Nicollet County. Each incorporated the focus group method as part of the project design. The studies are different in scope, design and the extent to which user-focused evaluation principles were considered. The first study used focus group interviews following a large scale quantitative survey in a county region of the state. The second study was designed to look at one county and the focus group procedure was the major information gathering technique. The "Personal Factor" continues to appear to be a most critical factor in utilization. When stakeholders need and want information for a specific purpose, the chances of future use are greatly enhanced. Limited county level studies may tend to result in greater immediate utilization than do the state wide or regional studies due to the more situationally specific nature and the fact that a particular environment is targeted. Investments of time and resources tend to correlate with utilization. The use of qualitative procedures appears to depend on situational factors. (PN)