Final answer:
The refrigerator rail car enabled long-distance transportation of perishables, significantly affecting farming by allowing produce to reach broader markets and helping farmers maximize profits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The invention of the refrigerator rail car had a transformative impact on farming by facilitating long-distance transportation of perishables. This innovation allowed farmers to ship produce and other food products great distances without the risk of spoilage. As a result, farm commodities like meats, dairy products, and a variety of fruits and vegetables could be transported to markets that were previously inaccessible due to the perishable nature of these goods.
Additionally, the refrigerated rail car played a part in shifting agricultural practices from subsistence farming towards commercial farming. Farmers could now plant large fields of a single crop and maximize profits through improved efficiency. The ability to transport perishable goods over long distances also led to a growth in the variety of food available to consumers and a more reliable supply of fresh produce throughout the year.