Why did farmers in the 1880s have to buy food from mechants?

In the 1880s, many farmers faced challenges such as crop failures, fluctuating prices, and increasing debt, which made it difficult for them to produce enough food for their families. As a result, they often relied on merchants to supply their food needs. Additionally, the rise of specialized cash crops meant that farmers focused on selling specific products rather than growing a diverse range of food for personal consumption. This dependency on merchants was exacerbated by limited access to transportation and markets, making it hard for farmers to obtain food locally.