A sample of 731 farmers was surveyed to identify perceptions regarding selected soil and water conservation practices. The sample was stratified and proportioned by conservation district to have a representative group of respondents across Iowa. Items on the mailed questionnaire were designed to assess perceptions regarding issues in soil and water conservation, educational techniques and program usefulness, and usefulness of information sources. The descriptive statistical procedures subprogram of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to analyze data from 432 usable responses. Four conclusions were reached: groundwater and water quality issues were of greater concern than soil conservation issues; field demonstrations and county meetings were useful techniques when presenting information about conservation issues; government agencies, extension, and state university specialists were seen as the most useful sources of information; and improved communications and education were needed to ensure proper management of chemicals used in agriculture. These recommendations were formulated: targeted and unbiased education regarding conservation and environmental issues should be incorporated into farm programs; agricultural educators should use field demonstration research plots and group learning techniques; and farmers, researchers, industry representatives, and county education resources should collaborate in the conservation education process. (Contains 10 references.) (YLB)