NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Energy expenses are increasingly shaping hiring and growth decisions for small businesses — especially those serving farm and rural economies — according to a new survey from the National Federation of Independent Business.
About 80 percent of small business owners report that energy costs significantly affect operations. Electricity remains the most common source, and also the most problematic, with owners saying rising bills are forcing difficult tradeoffs. The most frequent responses have been accepting lower profits, raising prices, limiting expansion, and hiring capacity.
Heating and cooling costs ranked as the top expense, followed by equipment operation and vehicle fuel — all critical inputs for grain elevators, repair shops, feed suppliers, and rural service providers. Only a small share of businesses avoided increases, mostly by reducing usage or improving efficiency.
Reliability is another concern. Two-thirds of businesses experienced a power outage in the past year, most of which were tied to equipment failure rather than storms, creating operational risks for temperature-controlled storage and processing facilities.
Fuel costs also influence fleet decisions. Many businesses now adjust delivery routes, reduce trips, or maintain vehicles more aggressively to manage expenses.
Ethanol and corn groups are not hiding their disappointment over new reports that the bill to allow year-round E15 sales failed as Congress forges ahead on government funding, with another shutdown looming.
January 22, 2026 11:24 AM
·
Oil-led rallies can move soybean prices quickly, but sustained gains will require continued strength in soybean oil and broader biofuel demand signals.
January 22, 2026 10:39 AM
·
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
·
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
·
Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
January 19, 2026 03:00 PM
·
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
January 19, 2026 01:00 PM
·
