This report outlines the role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conservation programs from their beginning in the early 1930's to the 98th Congress in 1984. To indicate the dimensions of present-day soil and water conservation problems, the report summarizes USDA inventory data on the status, condition, and trends of our soil and water resources. Major USDA conservation programs that address these problems today are described. The 1981 Agriculture and Food Act contains several provisions affecting resource conservation; this report summarizes those provisions. In 1982 USDA developed a National Conservation Program based on extensive inventories, analyses, and public participation. That program currently guides USDA conservation efforts on the Nation's nonfederal lands. State and local government and the private sector play an increasing role in the planning of conservation programs and the installation of conservation measures. One difficult issue facing the Nation in developing a consistent and coherent agricultural policy is the sometimes conflicting objectives of commodity and conservation programs. This report provides background information to further dialogue and action on this issue.