Missouri Farm Economy Tests Its Unique Strength Amid Record Diesel Prices

Missouri's farm economy is facing a challenge due to record diesel prices. The state produces significant amounts of cattle, corn, and soybeans, which has traditionally provided a buffer against bad years in any single sector.

However, the current fuel crisis is affecting all sectors equally, leaving farmers struggling to absorb the costs.

According to University of Missouri agricultural economist Ben Brown, the danger isn't that diesel prices are high, but rather that they're landing on corn, soybeans, and cattle at a time when one sector needs to be strong enough to offset the others.