American farmers are facing an estimated 2.4-billion-dollar increase in diesel expenses during the 2025-2026 planting and harvest season. That's according to an October analysis by the congressional Joint Economic Committee. The report estimates diesel spending has increased 68 percent across five major crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and rice. Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota face the largest estimated dollar increases.

<p>By: NATHAN STUEDLE</p><p>American farmers are facing an estimated 2.4-billion-dollar increase in diesel expenses during the 2025-2026 planting and harvest season. That's according to an October analysis by the congressional Joint Economic Committee. The report estimates diesel spending has increased 68 percent across five major crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and rice. Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota face the largest estimated dollar increases.</p>

Higher diesel costs add $2.4 Billion to farmers' bills