Final answer:
The Star Farmer of America Award was sponsored by the Grange during its first two decades. Founded in 1867, the Grange played a crucial role in supporting agricultural reforms and advocating for farmers' economic interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
For the first 20 years after inception, the Star Farmer of America Award was sponsored by the Grange, an early farmer reform group. The Grange, officially known as the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, was founded by Oliver Hudson Kelly in 1867. Notably, it was during a period of significant agricultural development and reform, characterized by efforts such as the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act of 1936, which came as a response to the Supreme Court striking down the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA).
The Grangers were involved in creating farm cooperatives, advocating for better shipping rates for farmers, and establishing better pricing for essential farming inputs. Their impact on agriculture extended into various areas including economic and political, which lead to the forming of policies that supported farmers' interests. The Star Farmer of America Award, therefore, would have reflected these values by honoring exceptional individuals in the farming community.