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U.S. farmers are facing an estimated $2.4 billion increase in diesel expenses during the 2025-2026 planting and harvesting season. That’s according to an October analysis by Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee. The study projects a 68 percent year-over-year increase in diesel spending across five major crops: corn, soybeans, spring wheat, cotton, and rice.
Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota face the largest estimated dollar increases, while Florida, Oklahoma, and New Mexico have the biggest percentage increases.
The committee also estimates refilling a typical 750-gallon farm fuel tank now costs nearly $2,000 more nationally. Meanwhile, the Trump administration announced $8 billion in diesel assistance for farmers won’t be distributed before the November 3 midterm elections, according to Reuters.
USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce told Reuters payments will likely arrive near the end of the year, although the exact timing remains uncertain. The aid is intended to help farmers manage sharply higher fuel costs.
NAFB news service
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