How did railroad agents try and stop farmers from orgainizing?

Railroad agents employed various tactics to disrupt farmers' organizing efforts, including intimidation and manipulation. They often used economic pressure, such as raising freight rates or threatening to cut off access to transportation, to undermine farmers' ability to unite. Additionally, they spread misinformation and fostered divisions among farmers by promoting competition and distrust. These strategies aimed to maintain the railroad's dominance and prevent collective bargaining power among the agricultural community.