Farmers Face Record Diesel Costs as Harvest Season Looms
U.S. farmers report doubling diesel costs, straining budgets ahead of harvest season.
POLICY WIRE — Forest City, Missouri — Rising diesel prices are placing immense pressure on U.S. farmers as they prepare for the critical harvest season, with some reporting expenses doubling compared to last year.
The surge in fuel costs comes amid a broader wave of rising agricultural expenses, including seeds, machinery, and fertilizers, compounding financial challenges for farm operators across the country.
On Sept. 4, U.S. diesel reached a record average of $5.85 per gallon, climbing further to $6.05 by the end of the week, according to AAA data. For many farmers, these costs are not just about operating equipment but also about transporting crops from fields to markets, as noted by Paul Mitchell, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Jason Kurtz, a 49-year-old corn and soybean farmer near Forest City, Missouri, said his diesel expenses have doubled this year. He estimates using 200 gallons of fuel daily during the 30-day harvest season, adding significant strain to an already tight budget following increases in other farming costs.
Kurtz, who supports President Donald Trump, is considering delaying certain tasks in hopes that fuel prices will eventually decrease. Tomorrow will be different, he said, reflecting the uncertainty many farmers face as they navigate this difficult period.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
