Diesel Prices Soar Past Record High, Devastating Farmers and Watermen

The price of diesel fuel has hit a record high, surpassing $6 per gallon for the first time ever. This surge in prices is particularly devastating for farmers and watermen on Delmarva, who rely heavily on diesel to do their jobs.

Dorchester County farmer Wendell Meekins, who has been farming for 30 years, likened diesel fuel to 'lifeblood.' He explained that every step of harvesting corn requires diesel, from the combine to the grain cart pulled by a tractor trailer truck.

The jump in diesel prices comes on top of a low grain yield this summer due to dry weather. Meekins said his farm is now spending more than $2,000 per day on fuel, adding up to over $12,000 per week just for harvesting.

Waterman Jay Bradshaw also feels the pinch, with diesel prices having nearly doubled in recent months. He said that at the start of the summer, he was paying around $3.35 per gallon to fill up his boat, but now it's $6.50.