Matt Bell, a 52-year-old farmer in central North Carolina, has spent over 34 years cultivating crops but is now grappling with rising costs for fuel, fertilizer, and equipment. A Trump supporter, Bell describes his current situation as being in "survival mode," having made significant changes to his farming operation, such as shifting some of his farmland and producing his own fertilizer. His children have also started a storefront offering pumpkin picking and hay rides to diversify income. Despite these efforts, Bell says he has cut all possible expenses and is now at a point where he feels "there's nothing left to cut." Bell attributes the sharp increase in diesel fuel costs—now about double what they were last year—to a combination of global conflicts, including the war in Iran, the conflict between Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, and the war in Ukraine. Nationally, diesel prices are averaging around $6.40 per gallon, while in North Carolina, they have hit a record high of $6.19 per gallon. The volatility is so extreme that Bell said the price quoted by his distributor in the morning is often outdated by the afternoon. His combine now uses about $600 worth of diesel fuel per day, and he has already exceeded his annual fuel budget of $35,000 by August, with total costs expected to reach $50,000 to $60,000 this year. In addition to fuel costs, Bell says tariffs imposed by former President Trump have increased the cost of essential farming inputs, including fertilizer, chemicals, seeds, and parts. While farmers initially welcomed Trump’s announcement that China would buy 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually through 2028, the 10% retaliatory tariff on U.S. soybeans remains in place. The American Soybean Association has urged Trump to push for the removal of this tariff during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Bell initially supported Trump’s policies but now believes the administration has made miscalculations in the war, saying he feels "misled" and that the administration’s agricultural policies have not met his expectations. Bell acknowledges that some farmers have been forced out of business due to high costs and admits he could be next. While he says money isn’t his main concern, he emphasizes the pride he takes in farming and the difficulty of continuing under current conditions. When asked what he would do if he weren’t a farmer, he hesitated, saying, "I don't know. It's all I've ever done." As the election approaches, Bell said he will vote for candidates who have "common sense" and listen to Americans' concerns, possibly splitting his ticket despite being a Republican.