Energy
The group is working to ensure growers outside Title I programs receive assistance with high diesel costs.
Lenders report tighter profits and growing financial pressure on farmers.
Consumer prices rose 0.4 percent in October, with food prices up 0.5 percent and energy costs increasing 0.7 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index.
USDA’s Grain Transportation Report says the average Class I railroad fuel surcharge climbed to 76 cents per mile in November, up 231 percent from April.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension grain marketing economist Mark Welch says several major demand categories continue to provide support.
Through September, U.S. ethanol exports reached 1.83 billion gallons, 14 percent above the same period in 2025. U.S. ethanol imports were zero in September.
Farmers are shifting toward sunflower production as concerns over drought and operating costs increase.
Dow Jones Energy says USDA projects those expenses will rise 15.3 percent from last year.
Even with a recent decline in diesel prices, Louisiana growers could face much higher fuel bills next year.
Agricultural leaders say the remaining weeks of Congress could determine whether a new Farm Bill moves forward.
Stronger ethanol production and rising exports are providing continued support for U.S. corn demand.
Dow Jones Energy says 2026 diesel price spikes are driven primarily by limited refining capacity and limited middle-distillate availability.
Federal efforts to strengthen domestic mineral production are helping revive mines across the western U.S.
The September increase comes as federal officials move forward with an $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief effort, although payment formulas and eligibility details remain pending.
California estimates show the cost of turning seawater into freshwater could exceed what farmers earn from irrigation.
Farmers in the Pacific Northwest face longer delivery times and greater price risks.
