A study of small-scale farmers in Polk County, Oregon, examined characteristics of, and variations among, small-scale farmers and developed some guidelines for assistance programs targeted for such a group. During the months of May, June, and July of 1978 an average of 4 days a week was spent locating and interviewing 44 small farm operators in Polk County. A special effort was made to allow respondents to express themselves freely, and lengthy interviews resulted. Based on a number of variables, four types of small-scale farmers emerged: type I (part-time rural residential farmers), type II (alternative agriculturalists), type III (older farmers and retirees), and type IV (aspiring commercial farmers). Small-scale farmers were found to be self-reliant, to have a strong work ethic, to view farming as a way of life, to be committed to farming, and to possess anti-government, anti-institutional sentiment. As far as the Cooperative Extension Service is concerned, programs should be structured so that small-scale farmers themselves participate in program planning, and retain some control as the program develops. Despite prevailing anti-institutional sentiment, only 16% of the respondents expressed an unfavorble opinion of the Cooperative Extension Service, and 30% expressed a desire for more frequent contact with their extension agent. (BRR)