Question

Which factors contributed to the end of open-range cattle ranching in the mid-1880s?
A.lack of workers
B.increase in beef prices and development of railroads
C.drop in beef prices and the invention of barbed wire
D.extreme weather

Answer 1

Drop in beef prices and the invention of barbed wire

Answer 2

The correct option is "C".

During the mid-1880s open-range cattle came to an end. The 'open range' or unfenced land which had been free for anyone to use, started to be fenced with barbed wire by the ranchers. Besides, during the 1886 spring, there was a fall in beef prices due to the extreme weather conditions that damaged half the cattle. A terrible hot summer followed by a winter storm in which the temperature dropped to -43°C killed thousands of cattle on the plains.