Diesel Prices Surge to Record High, Worrying Minnesota Farmers

Record-high diesel prices are causing headaches for farmers across Minnesota, especially in McLeod County. As of September 15th, the price of diesel fuel has reached $6.27 a gallon, with many industries reliant on diesel, such as trucking and shipping, feeling the pinch.

Ryan Mackenthun, a soybean farmer from McLeod County, is one of those affected. Despite having had timely rains to alleviate drought conditions in his area, he's still concerned about the impact of rising fuel costs on his business.

Mackenthun estimates that his combines will use 300 gallons of diesel fuel per day this fall, and with prices up $2.50 from last year, he'll be facing an extra $1,500 to $2,000 in costs each day for several weeks. 'We are roughly a thousand dollars more a day for 20 to 30 days in a row is going to cost us,' he said.

Dan Glessing, president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, notes that while recent increases in commodity prices like corn and soybeans may help offset some fuel costs, they won't be enough to completely mitigate the impact. 'It's still going to be a real number when you get that fuel bill month to month,' he said.