The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the most significant trends likely to affect agricultural resource conservation activities, to discuss their significance to policy development and program management and implementation, and to make policy and program recommendations. In November 1986, 25 representatives from academia, farming ranching, commodity groups, agricultural organizations, and agribusiness met with Soil Conservation Service (SCS) personnel to discuss and respond to the issues raised in a draft version of this paper. Their reactions and recommendations have been incorporated into the paper. Four broad concerns are identified: the changing structure of agriculture, the changing structure of rural communities, changing agricultural policies, and technological changes, as well as others changes in the agricultural environment (such as financial changes). Discussion within concerns touches on changes in farm ownership, increased off-farm employment, emerging conservation coalitions, changing patterns of communication, new legislative initiatives, biotechnology, information and equipment technologies, international factors, etc. Implications conclude each large section. Issues raised in this paper will set the stage for providing modifications, changes, and additions to the program initiatives of the SCS National Conservation Program that has provided priorities for United States Department of Agriculture activities since 1982. (JMM)