Record diesel prices hit farmers during corn and soybean harvests

The useful part

farmers harvesting corn and soybeans faced record diesel prices above $6 a gallon in September, raising operating costs during a critical season. Diesel prices rose about 60% since late February as the U.S.-Iran war disrupted fuel flows, adding pressure after higher fertilizer and seed costs. Some farmers said they may delay nonessential work and hope fuel prices ease, while economists warned cash-strapped farms face difficult spending decisions.

How it works

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• "Farms that are cash strapped, they're the ones that are most having to figure out what to cut to make this work," Mitchell said.
• "There are a lot of farms facing that." Kurtz, who voted for President Donald Trump, said he planned to hold off on some farm work until later, when he was hopeful diesel prices would fall.
• farmers need it to power combines, tractors and other equipment to harvest two of the nation's largest commodities: soybeans and corn.

What to take from it

4, soaring to an average of $5.85 a gallon for the first time as the six-month war with Iran disrupted the world's flow of fuel. It has gone even higher since then, going for an average price of $6.05 a gallon on Sept. We have to use the diesel, so it cuts into our bottom line." the rise in prices is not slowing down- national average price of gasoline continues to rise alongside diesel, which continues to climb further into record territory.

Example or evidence

• The spike adds to an already tough year for these farmers, who also faced higher costs for fertilizer, seeds and equipment.
• "Those prices hurt," said Paul Mitchell, a professor of agricultural and applied economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• "We have to harvest," he said in an interview at his farm about 90 miles outside Kansas City on Sept.
• Patrick De Haan (@GasBuddyGuy) September 11, 2026 Kurtz, 49, said his finances were "already tight" this year after he also had to pay more for fertilizer and chemicals.

Details worth keeping

Diesel prices hit record highs at a bad time for farmers. The price of diesel is hitting record highs just when many U.S. He also needed diesel for a tractor and trucks.

Related coverage

• Washingtontimes: The price of diesel is hitting record highs just when many U.S. farmers need it to power combines, tractors and other equipment to harvest two of the nation's largest commodities, soybeans and corn.
• Insurancejournal: The price of diesel is hitting record highs just when many U.S.
• Brownfieldagnews: Some farmers say record diesel costs are putting added pressure on the financial viability of their operations.