[note 1] Carter was knowledgeable in scientific and technological subjects, and he set out to expand the family's peanut-growing business.[45] Transitioning from the Navy to an agri-businessman was difficult as his first-year harvest failed due to a drought, and Carter had to open several bank lines of credit to keep the farm afloat.[46] Meanwhile, he took classes and read up on agriculture while Rosalynn learned accounting to manage the business's books.[47] Though they barely broke even the first year, the Carters grew the business and became quite successful.[44][48]

Early political career (1963–1971)
Georgia state senator (1963–1967)
As racial tension inflamed in Plains by the 1954 Supreme Court of the United States ruling in Brown v. Board of Education,[49] Carter favored racial tolerance and integration, but often kept those feelings to himself to avoid making enemies. By 1961, he began to speak more prominently of integration as a member of the Baptist Church and chairman of the Sumter County school board.[50][51] In 1962, Carter announced his campaign for an open Georgia State Senate seat fifteen days before the election.[52] Rosalynn, who had an instinct for politics and organization, was instrumental to his campaign. 