In the late 1800s, farmers began forming cooperatives primarily because:
1. It enabled them to spend less on farm equipment: By coming together in cooperatives, farmers could pool their resources to collectively purchase machinery, tools, and supplies at lower costs due to bulk buying. This helped individual farmers save money and access equipment they might not have been able to afford on their own.
2. It helped them develop new farming technologies: Cooperatives provided a platform for farmers to share knowledge, techniques, and innovations. By collaborating within these groups, farmers could collectively invest in and adopt new farming technologies that would enhance productivity and efficiency on their farms.
While options A, B, and D do not directly relate to the primary reasons for farmers forming cooperatives in the late 1800s, it's important to note that cooperatives played a significant role in fostering agricultural education, employment opportunities, and technological advancements in farming practices over time.
