WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — USDA is providing billions of dollars in fuel relief to farmers as diesel prices remain well above year-ago levels.
The department is spending $8 billion on its Harvest Fuel Relief program. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says USDA will make one-time payments to farmers for losses from this crop year.
Details for Title I commodities will be released next month, with payment methodology for other eligible crops coming at a later date. Eligible producers are encouraged to visit their account at Login.gov.
The relief comes as diesel prices hold at $6.32 per gallon. That is down from $6.50 a month ago, but up significantly from the $3.62 average seen a year ago.
At the same time, farmers are preparing to bring in a record corn crop, which could help meet recent demand for U.S. ethanol.
Ethanol production reached a four-week high this month, rising around 1% for the week ending October 9, according to economists with the Renewable Fuels Association. Output remained above the five-year average.
Ethanol exports moved in the opposite direction, falling more than 27% to a six-week low.
