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Farmers Slam Trump Over Record Diesel Prices: ‘We Just Can’t Survive’
Newsweek • • business
Key Points:
- Diesel fuel prices have surged past $6 per gallon nationwide and approached $10 in parts of California, severely impacting farmers during peak harvest season amid global supply constraints linked to the Iran war.
- Farmers like John Boyd report that the high diesel costs, such as $7 per gallon for fueling combines, are eroding profit margins and threatening farm viability, compounding longstanding financial struggles.
- Despite President Trump’s claims of securing U.S. control over Venezuelan oil reserves and the Strait of Hormuz to lower fuel prices, diesel costs continue to rise, causing frustration and skepticism among farmers.
- The American Farm Bureau Federation forecasts $31 billion in losses for crop farmers in 2026, rising to $32 billion in 2027, as elevated production costs, including fuel and fertilizer, squeeze already tight margins.
- While some economists suggest the broader economy can absorb the impact of high fuel prices, farmers face acute challenges with increased bankruptcies and financial stress during a critical agricultural period.
