Illinois Farmers Hit with Double Diesel Costs Amid Harvest Season
Farmers in Illinois are facing rising diesel costs during this year's harvest season. According to Leon McClerren, a farmer from Franklin County, Illinois, fuel expenses have doubled compared to last year due to higher crop yields and increased transportation needs.
McClerren averages 13 to 20 trips per day transporting corn to local grain elevators, with each trip requiring around 5 gallons of diesel. With the average price of diesel in Illinois being $6.80 per gallon, McClerren estimates that it costs him around $2,100 per day to fill up his truck.
Gregory DeYoung, an expert in supply chain management from Southern Illinois University, attributes the high diesel prices to forces beyond the region. He notes that farmers are feeling the pinch due to increased costs of fertilizers and other essential supplies, which are affected by transportation costs.