Diesel prices increase as harvest begins
Farm and road diesel prices continue to rise, along with other input costs, causing financial concerns for many grain farmers facing tough market prices. Aaron and Charleen Bowne discuss rising farm costs as harvest approaches on their operation near White, South Dakota.
"Inputs are the thing that’s kicking the chair out from under us right now," said Aaron Bowne, a crop and livestock producer from White, South Dakota.
With diesel prices peaking at all-time highs in September 2026, farmers in the midst of harvest or harvest preparations are feeling the squeeze. High prices for diesel and other input costs are squeezing farmers who are already facing tight margins.
The national average diesel price has never been higher, reaching a record high of $6.52 per gallon on September 22, 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The average price on September 30 was $6.41 per gallon.
"A lot of people around here have semis, I mean they load it on a semi and that’s where it goes to the elevator or the ethanol plant," Aaron said. "Well, when you’re 10, 15, 30 miles away, it takes a lot of money to make round trips all day long."
Farm diesel prices are also rising, though the price is lower due to the removal of taxes. On September 4, Farm Bureau reported national farm diesel prices at $5.45 per gallon, up from $3.02 last year.