Diesel Prices Spark 'National Farm Crisis' for US Farmers

John Boyd Jr., president of the National Black Farmers Association and a fourth-generation farmer in southwest Virginia, is struggling to cope with record diesel prices. With the national average for diesel at over $6.51 per gallon, Boyd says he's paying nearly double what he was last year.

The high fuel costs are adding to other financial pressures facing farmers, including the threat of farm foreclosures. Over 400 Black farmers are at risk of losing their farms due to financial difficulties.

Boyd attributes the surge in diesel prices to global events, including the US and Israel's attack on Iran. This has disrupted oil shipments through the Middle East, leading to higher crude prices and reduced diesel supplies.

In an interview with NPR, Boyd described his situation as a 'national farm crisis' for farmers. He said that he is having to 'rob Peter to pay Paul,' shifting money from other expenses to cover the soaring cost of fuel.