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Cradle and Scythe Introduced
The cradle and scythe revolutionized the harvesting of grains. The long handle allowed workers to stand up when harvesting the grain. It also allowed them to increase the amount of grain harvested on a daily basis. -
Cotton Gin
The cotton gin was invented by Eli Whitney. It made it easier to separate the cotton fibers from their seeds. This greatly increased production time. It revolutionized the cotton industry in the United States but also led to the increase of slavery in the South. -
US Canning Industry
The first US canning factory was established in New York City in 1812. Canning provided a cheap and healthy way to provide food to soldiers during the war. It also created many middle class jobs as the canning companies expanded to meet military needs. -
Steel Plows Manufactured
John Deere manufactured the first steel plow that greatly helped the Great Plains farmers. The plows made it easier to cut through the tough prairie ground and didn't clog with the sticky soil. By 1855 John Deere was selling over 10,000 plows a year. -
Commercial Farming Began
The increased production of factory made agricultural machinery required farmers to need more cash to purchase the new equipment. This need for cash led to beginning of commercial farming in the US. -
First Grain Elevator
The first grain elevator was built in Buffalo, NY in 1842. Invented by Joseph Dart, the steam powered elevator worked seven times faster than early designs. The new elevator's production capacity lead to the growth of the American agricultural production. -
Horse powered machinery
The use of horses and oxen to pull the plows was introduced and replaced the hand powered plows. The use of horses made the plowing process more efficient and more farmers started plowing. Plowing increases the production of crops by aerating the soil. -
Grange
The Grange was an organization founded for farmers and their wives which promoted the modernization of farming practices and community life. They helped with getting state laws passed regulating rates for railroads and grain elevators. It is still in operation today. -
Ranching
Cattle ranching became dominant in areas with too little rain for crop farming. Ranchers would drive herds of cattle from Texas to the railways in Kansas. From there, the cattle were shipped eastward. -
Gas Powered Tractors
As gas powered tractors replaced horses, the size of the farms increased but the number of farms decreased. It became difficult for farmers of small farms to make a living. The tractor made it more efficient for farmers requiring less men to be hired and drastically changing the social life of rural American.
