State and federal diesel waivers offer temporary relief for Missouri farmers

Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO Bradley Schad highlights recent efforts to ease high diesel costs for farmers through state and federal waivers on dyed diesel. President Trump’s executive order temporarily relaxes federal restrictions on highway use of dyed diesel and may defer the federal diesel tax until the end of the year. This complements Missouri’s decision to suspend state restrictions and penalties on dyed diesel for highway-registered agricultural vehicles.

Schad emphasizes that while these measures provide timely relief, they are not a complete solution. He cautions that overuse of these waivers could lead to higher costs for road maintenance and increased prices for red dye, which is intended for non-road use. Several states, including Alabama, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and others, have also waived penalties for using dyed diesel, while some, like Ohio, have suspended fuel taxes instead.

Schad notes that other states are still determining how to implement these relief measures. He underscores the need for more fuel choices at the pump, including expanded access to ethanol and other alternative fuels, to address the ongoing challenge of high diesel costs.