U.S. farmers are facing higher harvest costs as diesel prices reach record levels during the peak crop harvesting period. The nationwide average reached US$6.31 per gallon on Wednesday, while prices in parts of California are approaching or exceeding US$10 per gallon.
The increase comes as growers operate combines, tractors and other machinery to harvest crops including corn and soybeans.
Virginia grains and cattle farmer John Boyd said he is harvesting corn valued at US$5 per bushel while paying US$7 per gallon for diesel. His combine holds 140 gallons, putting the cost of a full tank at just under US$1,000.
“We have to harvest,” farmer Jason Kurtz told Fortune. “We have to run the machines. We have to use the diesel, so it cuts into our bottom line.”
Fuel costs were already increasing before the latest diesel price rise. According to a July report by Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee, farmers spent US$1.4 billion more on diesel during the 2026 planting season than a year earlier, representing a 63 per cent increase.
Higher fuel expenses are adding to increases in fertilizer, equipment and other farm inputs. The American Farm Bureau Federation projects losses of US$31 billion across major U.S. row crops in 2026, increasing to US$32 billion in 2027.
Farm Bureau analysis indicates that fuel expenses are projected to reach a record US$22 billion in 2026, up 29 per cent from 2025.
Frontpage photo:
© Mitja Mladkovic | Dreamstime
Source: newsweek.com
Publication date:
Thu 17 Sep 2026
