What is "patrons of husbandry"

Patron \Pa"tron\, n. [F., fr. L. patronus, fr. pater a father. See Paternal, and cf. Patroon, Padrone, Pattern.]

1. One who protects, supports, or countenances; a defender. ``Patron of my life and liberty.''
   --Shak. ``The patron of true holiness.''
   --Spenser.

2. (Rom. Antiq.)

   1. A master who had freed his slave, but still retained some paternal rights over him.

   2. A man of distinction under whose protection another person placed himself.

   3. An advocate or pleader.

      Let him who works the client wrong Beware the patron's ire.
      --Macaulay.

3. One who encourages or helps a person, a cause, or a work; a furtherer; a promoter; as, a patron of art.

4. (Eccl. Law) One who has gift and disposition of a benefice. [Eng.]

5. A guardian saint. -- called also patron saint.

6. (Naut.) See Padrone, 2.

   Patrons of Husbandry, the grangers. See Granger, 2.