The Grange, formally known as the Patrons of Husbandry, was founded in 1867 as a fraternal organization for farmers, primarily in the United States. The organization emerged during a time when agricultural communities in the Great Plains and beyond faced significant economic challenges, including falling crop prices, high transportation costs, and exploitation by railroad companies and grain elevator operators.
The Grange sought to accomplish several key objectives:
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Advocacy for Farmers’ Rights: The Grange aimed to advocate for the interests of farmers, seeking to address grievances related to unfair pricing, monopolistic practices, and the need for regulatory measures on railroads and grain elevators. This was particularly relevant in the Great Plains, where farmers often felt at the mercy of larger economic forces.
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Cooperative Economics: The Grange encouraged the establishment of cooperative ventures among farmers. This included co-operative buying and selling, which helped farmers purchase supplies at lower prices and sell their products for a fairer share of the profits. By working together, farmers sought to increase their bargaining power and reduce costs.
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Education and Community Building: One of the founding principles of the Grange was to provide educational resources for farmers and their families. This included teaching agricultural techniques, fostering discussions about farming practices, and facilitating community engagement through social activities. The emphasis was on improving the quality of life and knowledge within rural communities.
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Political Action: The Grange also engaged in political action, pushing for reforms that would benefit farmers. They lobbied for regulations on railroad rates and monopolies, supported legislation for rural education, and began to form political alliances that eventually led to the rise of agrarian political movements in the late 19th century.
The Grange and its cooperative efforts were significant in the development of the agrarian community in the Great Plains and laid the groundwork for later cooperative movements and associations. While the Grange's influence waned in the early 20th century, its legacy can still be seen in various farmers’ organizations and cooperatives that continue to promote the interests of agricultural communities today.