Despite their growing importance, we know very little about non-operating landowners and more importantly, even less about how best to reach, engage and motivate them. Limited research indicates that there may be a linkage between rented land and lack of conservation practices on the land, which results in detrimental environmental impacts. Even more troubling, some of the areas with the highest rates of rental land align with those experiencing high rates of nutrient losses. But the potential for positive change is great!  In response to this data gap, American Farmland Trust partnered with Utah State University to conduct a survey of non-operator landowners. The AFT survey was developed in 2013-2014 by the Non-Operating Landowner National Survey Work Group. This group consists of researchers, practitioners and policy makers involved in working with and/or researching non-operating landowners. This document tracks our methodology used in the design and administration of the survey.