A national organization of farmers, officially called the Patrons of Husbandry, formed in the late 1860s after the Civil War. This entity sought to advance methods of agriculture, as well as to promote the social and economic needs of producers in the United States. Its establishment reflected the growing discontent among agricultural workers facing economic hardship and isolation in the post-war era.
The significance of this organization lies in its role as an early advocacy group for farmers’ rights. It pressured state governments to regulate railroad rates and warehouse fees, which were often exploitative. Furthermore, it fostered a sense of community and provided educational opportunities for rural families, helping to alleviate the isolation inherent in agricultural life. The success of its efforts laid the groundwork for later agrarian movements and political activism.
