The Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll is an annual survey of Iowa farmers. The survey project collects and disseminates information on issues of importance to farmers and agricultural stakeholders across Iowa and the Midwest. Except for 2019, the Farm Poll has been conducted every year since its establishment in 1982, and is the longest-running survey of its kind in the nation. The project is supported by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station.

The 2021 Farm Poll questionnaires were mailed in February to a statewide panel of 1,781 farmers. Completed surveys were received from 1,095 farmers, resulting in a response rate of 61.5%.

This year’s survey contained questions about community vitality, the impacts of COVID-19, renewable energy, carbon markets, perspectives on the Iowa Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, and use of various media for information and entertainment.