Tennessee Farmers Feel Pinch as Diesel Prices Top $6.50 Per Gallon

Farmers in Middle Tennessee are struggling to stay afloat due to soaring diesel prices. Willis Jepson, a farmer from Robertson County and Simpson County, Kentucky, is seeing his profits cut deep into by the high cost of fuel.

Jepson's corn crop, which he planted five months ago, is now ready for harvest. Despite having a strong crop, the financial burden of producing it is still significant. According to Jepson, 'But it is what it is.' He notes that even with a good harvest, the cost of fuel cannot be canceled out.

The national average for regular gas has risen by 16 cents from last week, while diesel in Tennessee averages over $6.50 per gallon. Jepson's farm uses up to 700-800 gallons of fuel daily during harvest season. The high price of diesel is not just limited to fuel used on the farm; it also affects transportation costs as the crop is hauled away.

Jepson suggests that growing fuel closer to home could be part of the solution to mitigate the impact of geopolitical shocks on fuel prices. He believes American farmers can play a crucial role in producing homegrown fuel for consumers.