The term refers to the advancements in agricultural technology during the 19th century, specifically relating to a pioneer in steel plow design. An example includes the mass production of a durable implement capable of tilling the tough prairie soils of the Midwest.
Its significance lies in facilitating westward expansion and transforming American agriculture. This innovation enabled farmers to cultivate larger tracts of land more efficiently, contributing to increased crop yields and economic growth. The availability of this technology played a vital role in the agricultural revolution and the rise of commercial farming.