What type of work did men do on the farm in the late 1800s ?

History · College · Tue Nov 03 2020

Answered on

In the late 1800s, men on farms were primarily responsible for a range of tasks related to agricultural labor and managing the farm. These tasks included:

  1. Plowing and Planting: Men would plow fields using animal-drawn plows, preparing the soil for planting crops. They'd also be involved in planting seeds and cultivating the land.
  2. Harvesting: During harvest time men would be heavily involved in reaping crops such as wheat, corn and other grains using scythes or other manual tools. They'd gather and store the harvested crops.
  3. Livestock Care: Men were often responsible for the care of larger livestock, such as horses, cattle and pigs. This involved feeding, grooming, milking,and general animal husbandry.
  4. Maintenance of Machinery and Equipment: As agricultural technology advanced, men took on the responsibility of maintaining and repairing farm equipment like plows, threshers and other tools.
  5. Fencing and Construction: Building and maintaining fences, barns and other farm structures were typically tasks handled by men on the farm.
  6. Hauling and Transportation: They were often involved in transporting goods, crops and materials using wagons or other means of transportation.
  7. General Farm Management: Overall, men were involved in the day-to-day management of the farm, making decisions about planting, harvesting and other agricultural activities.

While these were typical roles for men on farms in the late 1800s, it's important to note that the specific tasks could vary based on the size of the farm, geographical location and individual circumstances. Additionally, women and children also played significant roles in agricultural work during this time, often assisting with planting, harvesting, tending to smaller animals and various other tasks on the farm.