Illinois Farmers Seek Relief From Soaring Diesel Costs

As Illinois farmers gear up for harvest season, agricultural groups in the state are urging relief from rising diesel fuel costs that are straining their budgets. The Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Corn Growers Association, and Illinois Soybean Association have sent letters to Governor JB Pritzker and federal lawmakers seeking solutions to ease the financial burden on farmers. They emphasize that diesel is crucial for transporting grain and other commodities, and unlike other carriers, farmers cannot pass these increased costs to buyers, leaving them to absorb the expenses during already tight profit margins.

An October 1 report from the American Farm Bureau Federation revealed that diesel prices in Illinois surged from $3.01 per gallon in September 2025 to $5.61 per gallon in September 2026. This increase translates to an additional $3.56 per acre for soybean harvest, $7.98 per acre for corn, and $2.50 per acre for winter wheat planting. The Illinois Farm Bureau is calling for quick, straightforward solutions that can be implemented by state and federal agencies to help farmers manage these rising costs.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association and Illinois Soybean Association have specifically requested temporary relief from state and federal on-road diesel taxes. They also proposed allowing farmers to use dyed diesel in trucks transporting their own crops to processors, elevators, and export terminals. Bryan Severs, ISA Chairman, noted that farmers are already facing challenging economic conditions, making every additional cost significant.