Wisconsin Farmers Reel from Record Diesel Prices as Harvest Season Begins
Wisconsin farmers are facing a perfect storm of rising diesel prices and financial strain during this year's harvest season. Joel Greeno, owner of 160 acres in Kendall, Wisconsin, has taken on significant credit card debt to afford equipment and fuel for his organic corn, hay, and small grains farm.
The price of diesel has doubled in the last year due to the war in Iran and Ukraine, reaching over $6.50 per gallon according to AAA. Greeno estimates that rising fuel costs will cut into already narrow margins for farmers, leaving many on the brink of financial collapse.
Randy Romanski, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, has seen an increase in farmers seeking financial consulting and transition planning due to rising fuel prices and tariffs. Greeno himself has considered selling his farm but is hesitant due to concerns about land fragmentation.