Abstract This study examines the publication patterns of agricultural research scientists of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Data collected were from database of the institute's publications and randomly selected peer reviewed journals, proceedings, seminars, theses, workshops and conferences of the Agricultural Library, Samaru. A total of 438 materials were sampled from the library database, 420 journals, 300 proceedings, 200 seminars, 650 project theses, 100 workshops and 120 conferences and analysed. The result showed a great distinction within and between subjects, status and publication productivity. The study also revealed that grants from government and private bodies' remain the major sustaining factor for information publication. It was recommended that grants be maintained to sustain the institute to facilitate publicity of research results that arc beneficial for agricultural development.