What economic entities did the National Grange identify as enemies of farmers in their Declaration of Purposes?

The National Grange, formally known as the Patrons of Husbandry, was a significant agricultural organization that aimed to address the challenges faced by farmers in the late 19th century. In their Declaration of Purposes, the Grange identified middlemen and monopolists as key adversaries of farmers.

This identification stems from the Grange's concerns about the economic practices that marginalized farmers and negatively impacted their ability to earn a living. Middlemen, such as brokers and agents, often took a substantial cut of the profits from the sale of agricultural products, leaving farmers with minimal returns. Monopolists, on the other hand, controlled large segments of the agricultural market, which resulted in a lack of fair competition and contributed to the exploitation of farmers.

By recognizing these entities as enemies, the National Grange sought to advocate for cooperative business practices among farmers, promote fair pricing, and reduce dependence on intermediaries who profited at the expense of agricultural producers. This focus on middlemen and monopolists was foundational for the Grange's broader efforts to empower farmers economically and politically during a period marked by significant agrarian distress.