Iowa Farmers Suffer Under Crushing Diesel Prices

Iowa farmers are facing significant challenges as the harvest season begins, thanks to skyrocketing diesel prices. The average price of diesel has risen to $6.27 per gallon, up from last week's price and a staggering $2.77 more than last year.

The high cost of fuel is causing economic and mental stress for farmers like Steve Kuiper, the President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association. In a letter to lawmakers, Kuiper wrote that the price of diesel is affecting every combine, tractor, and semi used during the harvest season.

Kuiper's fields are already too wet, making it difficult to operate his equipment. He estimates that some days he spends an extra $1,000 on fuel, a burden he fears will worsen as the harvest season progresses.