The 1997 Farmland Ownership and Tenure study focuses on aspects of farmland ownership and tenancy in Iowa and compares 1997 data with trends from similar studies conducted in 1982 and 1992. Agricultural landholding types considered in the study include sole ownership, joint tenancy(husband and wife only), co-ownership(other joint ownership and tenants in common), partnership (including general, limited and limited liability partnership), trusts, estates,corporations, and limited liability companies. Demographics of landowners are included in the study and encompass age, gender, education, occupation, marital status, and residency. Acquisition, anticipated transfer, and management of farmland were also analyzed. A major area of emphasis concerned tenancy trends: landowner and tenant decision making, and the demographics of owners leasing or renting farmland.;Farmland participation in federal government conservation programs is commented on, but not looked at in great detail. Also, other limited interests in farmland assigned to governmental and private organizations are introduced. Each of these topics, as well as preliminary questions concerning related farmland ownership issues were the focus of the 1997 farmland ownership and tenancy study. Data were analyzed, general conclusions drawn, and possible policy implications discussed relating to farmland ownership and tenancy within the state of Iowa.