There is growing interest in the problem of low-income farmers on under-productive farms. This interest has been heightened by the need for full production in connection with the defense effort. This paper presents a research analysis of the problem that this poses as exemplified by the situation of small farmers in the Southern Piedmont of North Carolina. It describes a representative small farm in such terms as capital investment and organization; outlines what such a farm would require to make it as efficient as possible under the limits defined; and outlines a programmatic approach that would make it feasible to bring about the needed changes.