Diesel Prices Hit Record Highs, Adding to US Farmers' Financial Burden

Fuel prices for American farmers are at record highs as they prepare to harvest two of the nation's largest commodities, soybeans and corn. Diesel fuel costs have soared since the U.S. launched its war against Iran in late February, with prices increasing by 60% compared to the national average of $3.76 per gallon before the conflict.

The spike in diesel prices has added to an already tough year for farmers, who are also facing higher costs for fertilizer, seeds, and equipment. According to AAA, the average price of diesel fuel hit a record high of $5.85 per gallon on September 4 and further increased to $6.05 per gallon by Friday.

Farmers like Jason Kurtz, who harvests corn near Forest City, Missouri, are feeling the pinch. 'Those prices hurt,' said Paul Mitchell, a professor of agricultural and applied economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Kurtz is paying twice as much for diesel this year and expects to run his combine for 30 days, using 200 gallons of fuel per day.