FARMING

MOST LIVED ON FARMS

• The Homestead Act was put into play during the Civil War
• 85% of Michigan settlers relied on farming.
• Only about .7% of farmers rely on farming now
• Farmers increased food production due to demand for agriculture
• After the homestead act, Michigan was given 3 acres to the settlers for farming

FEW GOOD ROADS

• MI only had 200 miles of road as late as 1890
• More roads could not be supported because the state government could not provide for the roads financially.
• In 1893 citizens were allowed to vote on taxing the citizens or hiring professionals to fix the roads
• Farmers usually took care of the roads but there ability to do so was limited due to not having proper equipment

FARMING BECOMES A BUISINESS

• The farmers had to produce enough food to support the soldiers at war and their own families
• The increase of the need for crops also resulted in a increase in profit for farmers.
• Profits were so large due to the increase in prices because of the war
• Profit increase meant better equipment and new inventions