The invention of barbed wire in 1874 had a profound impact on western farming. By dividing land and creating smaller, fenced-off areas, barbed wire made it possible for farmers to control their livestock more effectively and to prevent them from straying. This allowed for more efficient grazing practices and reduced the labor required for herding. Additionally, barbed wire provided ranchers with a way to protect their property from trespassers and rustlers. As a result of these advantages, barbed wire quickly became a standard feature on western farms and ranches. The patent for barbed wire was held by Joseph Glidden, an Illinois farmer who became a millionaire as a result of its widespread adoption.