Question

In the decades after the Civil War, how did the railroads hurt farmers financially?

Answer 1

The only way I can think of railroads 'hurting' farms, would be cities and towns being finally able to purchase more/other produce from other farms hundreds of miles away, and thus giving the consumers more alternatives. Ergo the farmers had more competition because of it, which is a good thing for consumers.

Answer 2

They disected fields, frightened the livestock , and changed property lines or cut stock off from watering holes

Answer 3

Immediately after the Civil War farm production per acre skyrocketed causing prices for farm goods to drop. Over the next ten years interest rates rose rapidly further crunching the farmer. The a railroad strike in the late 70's kept goods from making it to market.