What invention helped farmers prevent cattlemen from dying their herds through farms?

The invention of barbed wire in the 1870s significantly helped farmers protect their lands and prevent cattlemen from allowing their herds to graze on crops. By creating a physical barrier, barbed wire effectively delineated property boundaries, reducing conflicts between farmers and cattlemen. This innovation facilitated more organized agriculture and land management, ultimately transforming the dynamics of ranching and farming in the American West.