This volume investigates the complex mechanisms, logistical challenges, and economic structures governing the marketing of agricultural products in the United States during the late 1980s. The United States Department of Agriculture provides a comprehensive overview of the supply chain, from farm-gate production to consumer distribution. The text serves as a reference for understanding the regulatory environment, market trends, and technological advancements that defined the agricultural sector at the time.

Experts and agricultural historians view this yearbook as a foundational document for understanding the state of American agricultural policy and infrastructure in the late 20th century. Readers frequently note the technical density of the prose, which is intended for professionals, policymakers, and students of agricultural economics.