A stratified random sample of 307 young farm operators from the five farming areas of Iowa were interviewed to: (1) ascertain factors influencing the establishment of young farm operators, (2) estimate the number of young farm operators becoming established each year, (3) determine their agricultural education needs, (4) examine differences among the farming areas, and (5) determine the background and personal characteristics of young farm operators. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 were included in the sample population. Some findings were: (1) The population of young farmers in Iowa was estimated to be 13,630, (2) Their mean age was 26.2 years, (3) Three-fourths were high school graduates, (4) 88.7 percent participated in high school vocational agriculture programs, (5) Young farmers held an average ot two occupations prior to farming, and (6) Participation in educational programs varied by farming area. Implications for education were derived in areas of educational needs, content of educational programs, methods in instructional programs, education for off-farm income and recommendations for young farmer education. This report is a consolidation of a doctoral theses submitted to the Iowa State University of Science and Technology. (DM)