Diesel Prices Squeeze Nebraska Rancher's Cattle Operation

Nebraska rancher Jaclyn Wilson is facing significant challenges in her cattle operation due to soaring diesel prices. The rising costs are affecting every aspect of her business, from input costs for equipment and transportation to shipping beef for her direct-to-consumer business. 'We're looking at it not only for input costs for our operation because anything that comes in for miles or hours, those costs are rising too,' Wilson said.

The increased fuel prices have forced Wilson to cut back on equipment usage by shutting off tractors between loads and using more ATVs instead of diesel trucks. She has also had to spend more time finding corn stalks for grazing due to the ongoing drought, which is expected to worsen this winter.

Wilson's operation is not alone in facing these challenges. Many ranchers in the Nebraska Sandhills are likely to have to feed their cattle this winter instead of letting them graze, adding to the financial burden.