Farming on the Great Plains Flashcards
Why was farming on the Plains very difficult?
Lack of timer, not many trees
Lack of water, not enough to store
Hard, arid land, Craps wouldn’t grow
Extreme temperatures through the year
Natural disasters (fires and pests destroy crop and land)
How did they solve difficult farming on the plains?
‘Self-Governing’ windmills - 1854
They were used to pump water out of the group, they pumped water from 30 feet down
The bladder - 1870
This developed by the 1880s all metal pumps were being used these were really efficient. Big success.
Barbed Wire- 1874
This was used to fence of crops to protect them from livestock and other animals.
It was cheaper than wooden fences and more effective
Not widely used until 1880
The sulky plow - 1875
This was strong plough that was effective at removing the tough grass and weeds on the Great Plains.
Easy to operate and 50,000 were sold the first six years
Mechanization
There was a development of machinery to help improve farming on the Great Plains. Ploughs and see drills improved the productivity of the land which helped the US economy
New crops ‘Turkey Red’ - 1873
This was a grain crop which grew well in the tough soil on the plains.
It was a major boost to farmers who started using it after 1874.
Dry Farming
This method trapped water under the surface.
This promoted strong root growth; and also worked well with wheat. It grew in popularity but a series of droughts stopped it becoming widespread.
