World War I had a positive impact on American farmers in the short term as it led to increased demand for their products from Europe, which had been devastated by the war. This demand caused a surge in agricultural prices, leading to increased profits for American farmers.
During the war, the United States government also implemented policies to support American farmers, such as the Food and Fuel Control Act of 1917, which established the United States Food Administration to regulate the production and distribution of food during the war. This act encouraged farmers to increase production and conserve resources, and also provided subsidies to support farmers' incomes.
However, after the war, the demand for American agricultural products decreased as European countries focused on rebuilding their own agricultural sectors. This led to a surplus of agricultural products in the United States, causing a drop in prices and a decrease in farmers' incomes. Additionally, many farmers had taken out loans to increase their production during the war, and struggled to repay them after the war ended.
In response to these challenges, American farmers organized and began to advocate for policies to support their industry, such as price supports and subsidies. The agricultural sector also saw significant technological advancements in the post-war years, with the development of new machinery and techniques for planting and harvesting crops, which helped to increase efficiency and productivity.