US Farmers Face $1.4 Billion Diesel Shock

A new study by Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee has found that U.S. farmers spent an additional $1.4 billion on diesel fuel during the 2025-2026 planting season compared to the previous year.

The analysis, released on July 24, 2026, focused on corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and rice, using federal fuel data and USDA planting estimates.

Diesel expenses associated with planting increased by 63% year over year, representing one of the sharpest cost increases faced by American crop producers.

The Midwest absorbed the largest share of the additional fuel burden, with Illinois recording the highest increase in planting diesel costs at $163.2 million, followed by Iowa with $151.1 million and Minnesota with $101.7 million.