Large-scale agricultural enterprises that emerged in the American West during the late 19th century, particularly in the Great Plains, exemplify a significant shift in farming practices. These operations were characterized by their vast size, often encompassing thousands of acres, and their reliance on mechanized equipment and hired labor. They focused primarily on cultivating single cash crops, such as wheat, on an industrial scale. An example of these enterprises includes the operations in the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota, which were renowned for their extensive wheat production.
The rise of these large agricultural enterprises highlights several key aspects of American history. They demonstrate the impact of westward expansion, technological innovation, and the development of a market-driven economy on agricultural practices. These farms contributed significantly to the nation’s agricultural output and economic growth, but they also presented challenges related to labor relations, environmental sustainability, and the economic vulnerability of farmers to market fluctuations. Their emergence reflects a transformation from smaller, family-run farms to larger, more commercially oriented agricultural systems.
