North Carolina Farmer Faces Rising Costs Amid Iran War and Tariffs
Matt Bell, a 52‑year‑old farmer in North Carolina, describes how the Iran war and President Trump’s tariffs have driven up fuel, fertilizer, and equipment costs, threatening his farm’s viability. He once supported Trump’s policies but now feels misled, warning that farmers are in survival mode and…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Matt Bell, 52, has tended the same 1,000 acres in central North Carolina for more than three decades. He grows soybeans, corn and wheat, and raises beef cattle. Yet last year, the cost of diesel, fertilizer and farm equipment doubled, forcing Bell to cut back on everything from crop acreage to the lifespan of his machinery.
Fuel Prices Soar as the Iran Conflict Tightens the Strait of Hormuz
Bell’s diesel bill has surged to roughly $6.40 a gallon nationwide, nearly twice the price a year ago. In North Carolina, the average hit $6.19 per gallon, the highest recorded in the state. The price volatility is so extreme that Bell says the quote he receives from his distributor in the morning is only valid until the afternoon, when it climbs again.
He estimates that his combine consumes about $600 worth of diesel per day, more than double last year’s cost. The war in the Middle East has tightened the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments, and the ongoing conflict between Yemen’s Iran‑backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia has further strained fuel supplies in the Red Sea.
Tariffs Add to the Burden on Every Input
President Trump’s broad tariff agenda has amplified costs across the board. Bell notes that “everything we touch—fuel, fertilizer, chemicals, seed, parts—has gone up.” The 10% tariff imposed on U.S. soybeans by China, a retaliatory move following U.S. fentanyl‑related tariffs, has left the market in limbo. While China has bought more U.S. soybeans in 2026 than in 2025, the tariff keeps prices from rising, squeezing farmers’ margins.
Bell recalls Trump’s 2024 announcement that China would purchase 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually through 2028. The promise seemed to lift spirits, but the continued tariff has stalled the expected benefits for growers.
From Supporter to Skeptic: Bell’s Changing View of Trump’s Policies
Initially, Bell supported Trump’s stance on the Iran war, believing that higher short‑term prices would deter Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons. Over time, he feels the administration miscalculated the conflict’s economic fallout. “We were sold a bill of goods that agriculture would be on the forefront,” he says. “That hasn’t happened.”
Bell also criticizes the limited relief offered by the farmer bailout program, describing it as “not a lot of money.” He expresses frustration that the promised policy support for farmers and ranchers has fallen short, leaving many in a survival mode.
Adapting to a New Reality
To stay afloat, Bell has made several operational changes. He has shifted some of his acreage, stretched the lifespan of his equipment, and even produced his own fertilizer. His children have opened a pumpkin‑pick and hayride storefront to diversify income.
Despite these efforts, Bell says he has cut everything he could. “We’re just getting to the point where there’s nothing left to cut,” he says. “You cannot run without fuel. You cannot run without fertilizer.” He estimates his annual fuel budget will rise to $50,000–$60,000 from the previous $35,000.
Looking Ahead: A Split‑Ticket Vote and a Call for Change
Bell plans to vote for candidates who he believes have “common sense” and who listen to American concerns. While he remains a Republican, he hints at a split‑ticket approach in the upcoming November election.
He warns that if the costs continue to climb, he may be forced to shut down his farm. “Money’s not the problem,” he says. “I could care less about the money. But I can’t stay in business under these conditions. Something has to give.”
Bell’s story underscores a broader crisis facing U.S. farmers, many of whom are considering exiting the industry because of the relentless rise in operating costs.
Key facts
- Fuel costs have doubled due to the Iran conflict and supply chain disruptions.
- China’s 10% tariff on U.S. soybeans keeps prices low for buyers but hurts farmers’ margins.
- Farmers have cut costs across the board but still face unsustainable expenses.
- Matt Bell, once a Trump supporter, now feels misled by the administration’s policies.
- Many farmers are considering exiting the industry if costs do not recede.
Why it matters
The article highlights how geopolitical tensions and trade policies can directly threaten the sustainability of American agriculture, a vital sector for food security and rural economies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the impact of the Iran war on U.S. farmers?
The war has tightened global oil supplies, driving up diesel prices, which directly increase farm operating costs.
How have Chinese tariffs affected U.S. soybean farmers?
The 10% tariff keeps U.S. soybean prices low for Chinese buyers, limiting farmers’ ability to raise prices and maintain profitability.
What can farmers do to mitigate rising costs?
Strategies include diversifying income streams, producing own inputs like fertilizer, and adjusting acreage to reduce fuel consumption.
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “Farmer who voted for Trump talks about impact of high costs of Iran war, tariffs: "We're all just in survival mode"”
