The purpose of this study was to determine the relevant educational program needs of the existing farming systems in Iowa, identify ways of improving them, and provide information as to farmers' perceptions about conducting farming systems research on integrated crop and livestock enterprises;The population for the study consisted of 1878 farm operators in Boone and Story Counties of Iowa. A four-part questionnaire including a section on demographic data collection was developed for the study;The findings revealed that farm operators agreed with most of the farming systems research and development concepts. Most important were the need for collaboration between the farmers and the researchers, the need to involve farmers in policy issues, the need for conducting research on farmers' fields, and the need that research information be made available to farmers to help them in their day-to-day decision making. Farm operators in the study objected to the idea of subsidy, but encouraged the maintenance of small-scale farmers. The major constraints identified were pricing of agricultural products and the effect of the size of operation negates maximization of profit;Significant differences at 0.01 and 0.05 existed among factors when respondents were grouped by age, years of formal education, income, and years in operation. Significant differences existed among operators in the use of information sources. Older, but less educated, farm operators tended to use radio, television, and newspapers as sources of information. Younger, but highly educated, farm operators tended to use printed materials--bulletins, newsletters, etc;It was recommended that the findings of this study be incorporated by educators and policy makers in their program planning and in their decision making to promote efficient and sustainable agricultural systems. It was also recommended that improved cooperation exist among farmers, educators, and government agencies to maintain a viable and stable agricultural economy.