BATON ROUGE, La. (RFD-TV) — Farmers could face significantly higher fuel expenses next planting season, with rice and sugarcane operations expected to see some of the biggest increases.
Mike Deliberto, an LSU agricultural economist, says fuel-intensive crops could cost more to produce if diesel prices remain high.
“Let’s assume that fuel prices were to stay at the $5.34 mark for next year. That means that the fuel expenditure for a corn farm would go from $47 to $92; for cotton farms, $63 to $122 an acre; for soybeans, $32 to $62 an acre; for rice, $124 an acre to $240 an acre; and for sugar cane, about $98 per total farm acre to $191.”
USDA announced plans last month to provide $8 billion in one-time diesel harvest relief payments, although the timing of those payments remains unknown.
Researchers found operating profit margins averaged about 20% regardless of acreage.
November 03, 2026 01:09 PM
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USDA confirmed its Export Sales database shows no 2025/26 or 2026/27 corn originally reported to unknown destinations that was later switched to China, eliminating one possible explanation for the discrepancy.
November 03, 2026 10:30 AM
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The Forest Service shares how trees are grown at Idaho’s Lucky Peak Nursery.
November 03, 2026 09:00 AM
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Corn growers are calling for immediate changes to USDA’s reporting process.
November 02, 2026 07:00 PM
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Excess fall moisture has slowed harvest and contributed to crown rot in Iowa fields.
November 02, 2026 06:30 PM
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The Mosaic Company field solutions agronomist Tryston Beyrer recommends comprehensive soil testing, balanced nutrient management, and strategic fertilizer spending to protect soil productivity while making the most of every input dollar.
November 02, 2026 04:28 PM
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