The Aporia
Matt Bell, a 52-year-old farmer from Kings Mountain, North Carolina, who has farmed over 1,000 acres of soybeans, corn, wheat, and raised beef cattle for more than half his life, voted for President Trump but is struggling to keep his farm operational due to rising costs. Bell grows crops and raises livestock on his land but the high prices of fuel, fertilizer, and equipment are making it increasingly difficult to sustain his business. He has made significant changes like shifting acreage use and producing his own fertilizer but still faces financial stress. Bell's children have opened a storefront for pumpkin picking and hayrides in fall to supplement income, yet he expresses worry about staying in the farming industry. "I can't stay in business," Bell told CBS News, highlighting the severe impact of economic challenges on farmers who supported Trump politically.
"I can't stay in business" amid rising costs