In the 19th century why did large numbers of Americans who migrated to the great plains become involved in ecomomic activities related to agriculture?

In 1862, the Homestead Act was passed in the United States. The Act gave settlers parts of the flat and fertile Great Plains land. Many people moved to the Great Plains as a result and began to farm the land. While the climate was often dry and crops often failed, the building of irrigation systems to carry water to dry places allowed the Great Plains to become a very productive crop growing area. , the Homestead Act was passed in the United States. The Act gave settlers parts of the flat and fertile Great Plains land. Many people moved to the Great Plains as a result and began to farm the land. While the climate was often dry and crops often failed, the building of irrigation systems to carry water to dry places allowed the Great Plains to become a very productive crop growing area. In 1862, the Homestead Act was passed in the United States. The Act gave settlers parts of the flat and fertile Great Plains land. Many people moved to the Great Plains as a result and began to farm the land. While the climate was often dry and crops often failed, the building of irrigation systems to carry water to dry places allowed the Great Plains to become a very productive crop growing area.