The Human Systems interdisciplinary research issue team, established in 1989, studies social, economic, and policy factors that affect trends in sustainable farming practices and technolo­ gies in Iowa. The team comprises social scientists from several disciplines as well as community leaders, conservationists, and farm­ ers. The team investigates socio-economic impacts of sustainable agriculture on the struc­ ture of Iowa agriculture, farm operators and their families, agribusinesses, farm communi­ ties, social institutions, and rural culture. Not all topic areas are investigated every year.