The steel-faced plow was an important invention primarily because it was better suited to the grasslands of the Midwest. Its design allowed farmers to efficiently break up the tough, dense soil that was characteristic of the region, which improved agricultural productivity. As a result, most homestead farms in the Midwest prospered during this time because they worked more efficiently. Therefore, the best response would be:
"The plow was affordable and was better suited to the grasslands of the Midwest."