As farmers and ranchers face record-high diesel costs, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today called on the president to take several steps to lower prices at the pump, including a temporary suspension of the federal highway diesel tax.

“Higher diesel expenses are hitting farmers at one of the most fuel-intensive times of the year – harvest,” wrote Mr. Duvall in a letter to President Trump. “Diesel is essential for the American economy and for farmers. Everything on the farm, from running tractors, combines and irrigation equipment to transporting crops, livestock and inputs requires diesel. Farmers and ranchers cannot postpone harvest or simply stop using diesel when prices rise.”

The national average on-highway diesel price has reached $6.38 per gallon, while farm diesel in the heart of the Corn Belt climbed to nearly $6 per gallon. The federal highway diesel tax is currently more than 24 cents per gallon. Farm Bureau also urged the administration to waive federal penalties for emergency use of dyed diesel on highways. At least 10 states have taken similar actions to combat fuel prices.

Read the full letter here.

Read a Farm Bureau Intel on the impact of diesel prices during harvest here.

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Key Takeaways:

• America’s farmers and ranchers rely heavily upon diesel to plant, grow and harvest their crops, and to get them to market.

• Ongoing geopolitical conflicts have created supply chain bottlenecks, which have led to record-high diesel prices in recent weeks.

• Most farmers and ranchers use off-highway diesel, also known as red-dye diesel or farm diesel. This type of diesel fuel is exempt from state and federal highway taxes.

• Several states have recently taken steps to help farmers and ranchers suffering from the burden of high diesel prices by allowing for the temporary use of farm diesel on public roadways.

Diesel is used throughout agricultural production, powering tractors, combines, irrigation equipment and the trucks that move crops, livestock and farm inputs. With diesel prices rising sharply in recent weeks, fuel costs have become an even larger concern during one of the most fuel-intensive periods of the year.

A recent Farm Bureau analysis detailed the global supply disruptions and tight fuel markets behind the increase in diesel prices. For farmers, the effects show up directly in the cost of operating equipment and indirectly through higher transportation costs.

To illustrate the direct farm-level impact, Farm Bureau modeled fuel costs across several representative row crop and specialty crop farms. For each crop, the model combines average acres per farm from the 2022 Census of Agriculture with crop-specific diesel-use estimates drawn from university Extension budgets and production studies. That estimated seasonal fuel use is then multiplied by the change in the U.S. farm diesel price, which increased from $3.01 per gallon in September 2025 to $5.61 per gallon in September 2026, a gain of $2.60 per gallon. This analysis uses the Illinois farm diesel price reported by USDA AMS. Regional differences in fuel prices may result in higher costs for producers in other parts of the country.

The results show how a diesel fuel price increase can impact farmers differently during harvest. Per our analysis, the average corn farm covers 279 acres and uses an estimated 3.07 gallons of diesel per acre (for all harvest-related activities), resulting in 857 gallons of diesel used over the fall harvest period. At the $2.60-per-gallon price increase, that adds roughly $2,227 to the farm’s diesel bill.

For cotton, the model uses 542 acres and 2.03 gallons of diesel per acre, producing an additional harvest cost of about $2,861. A model rice farm is even more fuel-intensive, with 596 acres and an estimated 5.38 gallons per acre, resulting in an eye-popping $8,337 increase in diesel costs at harvest.

The impact also differs on a per-acre basis. With a $2.60-per-gallon increase in diesel prices, Farm Bureau estimates additional diesel costs of about $3.56 per acre for soybeans, $7.98 for corn, $5.28 for cotton, and $14 for rice. For farmers planting a winter wheat crop this fall, the model projects an additional $2.50 per acre in diesel costs.

Specialty crop farmers likewise face drastic price increases during harvest. Farm Bureau projects that a $2.60-per-gallon increase in diesel prices contributes to an estimated $18.23 per acre increase in harvest diesel costs for potatoes, $18.67 for almonds, and a staggering $57.59 per acre for apple growers. These harvest cost increases for 2026 arrive in the aftermath of historically high production costs for these three crops in 2025.

These estimates are intended to show the scale of the fuel price increase under representative production assumptions. Actual farm costs will vary with acreage, production practices, irrigation, equipment efficiency, tillage systems and how much work is custom hired. Higher diesel prices can also affect farmers beyond fuel used directly on the farm. Diesel is a major input in moving agricultural commodities and production inputs, meaning higher prices can increase rail fuel surcharges, barge transportation costs and trucking expenses, adding costs throughout the agricultural supply chain.

Why Farm Diesel is Different

One important feature of the diesel market is that fuel used on farms is often taxed differently from fuel used on public roadways. The federal government imposes 24.4 cents per gallon in taxes and fees on highway diesel. As of January 2026, state diesel taxes and fees averaged another 35.5 cents per gallon, bringing the combined federal and average state burden to nearly 60 cents per gallon. State taxes vary widely, and these figures do not include county or local taxes.

Diesel intended for qualifying tax-exempt uses, including farming, is dyed red and generally sold without the federal highway excise tax collected. Farmers commonly use dyed diesel in tractors, combines, irrigation pumps and other equipment operating off public roadways. If undyed diesel is instead used for a qualifying farm purpose, producers may also be eligible to claim a credit or refund.

That tax distinction can produce meaningful savings when multiplied across thousands of gallons of fuel, but it also comes with restrictions. Dyed diesel generally cannot be used in a truck traveling on public highways simply because that truck is being used for farm business. Federal tax and penalty provisions can apply when dyed fuel is knowingly used for a taxable purpose.

States Provide More Flexibility

Several states have recently taken emergency steps to give agricultural producers greater flexibility in using dyed diesel.

Louisiana acted on Sept. 23, temporarily suspending state penalties through Oct. 22 for qualifying farm and forest-product vehicles using dyed diesel on public roads. The order also directs the Louisiana Department of Revenue to request federal penalty relief from the IRS.

Alabama followed on Sept. 24, directing state law enforcement to halt enforcement of dyed-diesel restrictions for agricultural and timber operations for 120 days while also seeking federal relief.

Texas took similar action on Sept. 28, suspending state restrictions and associated penalties on the use of dyed diesel on Texas roads. The state also temporarily increased allowable weights for certain fuel, agricultural and timber loads.

Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ohio and South Dakota have taken similar actions so far with many states considering action. However, while states can change their own enforcement practices or penalties, federal fuel tax requirements remain under federal jurisdiction.

Flexibility During Harvest

For farmers and ranchers, diesel is essential input that cannot be skipped when crops are ready to harvest, livestock need to be moved, or products need to reach their intended market. Farm Bureau analysis shows that a $2.60-per-gallon increase can translate into thousands of dollars in additional harvest fuel costs alone depending on the crop and production system.

With those costs rising, policymakers are looking for ways to provide immediate relief by reducing the tax burden on diesel and giving states greater flexibility to respond to local conditions. Temporary dyed diesel exemptions are one tool, but broader flexibility around state and federal fuel taxes could provide more direct relief to farmers and ranchers during periods of unusually high fuel costs.

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The American Farm Bureau Federation announced the opening of general registration today for the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention. The convention will be held Jan. 8-13, 2027, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The theme of the 108th consecutive American Farm Bureau Convention is “Driven to Lead. Fueled by Community.” The event will empower attendees with fresh ideas, new connections and inspiration to lead with purpose and strengthen their communities.

“The 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention will fuel attendees across agriculture and the Farm Bureau family as they lead, connect and make a difference in their communities,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “I look forward to welcoming farmers and ranchers to Charlotte in January as we kick off another year of feeding and fueling America.”

Duvall will give his annual address to Farm Bureau members during the convention’s opening general session on Sunday morning, Jan. 10.

The convention will feature a full lineup of engaging workshops across four tracks: public policy, rural development, member engagement and consumer engagement. Topics will include the economic outlook for agriculture, hot public policy issues, ag workforce solutions, the midterm elections, consumer perceptions, tools to support farmer mental health, and artificial intelligence on the farm.

The trade show will feature a dynamic array of exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in agricultural technology, tools and services.

Several optional farm- and ag-related day tours will give attendees an opportunity to explore the Tar Heel State. Stops include a grain company, an orchard, vineyards, dairy farms, greenhouses and an equestrian center. Attendees can also sign up to visit the historic Biltmore Estate, the Billy Graham Library, a research laboratory and race shops that prep cars for NASCAR events.

View the high-level American Farm Bureau Convention agenda to learn more. Members may register for the convention and tours through their state Farm Bureau. Registration is also available through AFBF. The official event hashtag is #AFBF27 and the event website is Convention.FB.Org.

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The 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention is a feature-packed event. Chad Smith has the details.

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Members of the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement that it will continue and expand the Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program in fiscal year 2027.

This investment will utilize $650 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and $350 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program to provide additional opportunities for producers to adopt voluntary, incentive-based conservation practices to strengthen their operations. FACA is also encouraged by the Department’s initiative to expand locally led input in selecting additional eligible conservation practices and expanding technical assistance options for producers to utilize.

As USDA begins the second year of the pilot, FACA looks forward to working with the Department to ensureFACA’s Regenerative Agriculture Guiding Principles are reflected throughout the program.

About FACA

FACA brings together organizations representing farmers, ranchers, forest owners, agribusinesses, and environmental leaders committed to advancing voluntary, inventive-based, and producer-led solutions that strengthen U.S. agriculture and forestry while supporting economic growth and environmental stewardship.

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By Nicole Burbage

For Alisen Anderson, leadership in agriculture is not about being the person at the front of the room. It is about saying yes to opportunities, building relationships, and making sure the people who come behind her have an opportunity to climb higher. That philosophy has shaped her journey through agriculture and the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program.

Alisen and her husband, Jared, own and operate Ogeechee Ranch in Fairland, Oklahoma, where they steward 1,500 acres and approximately 500 head of commercial Angus cattle. They also operate Anders Farms, farming between 700 and 900 acres annually of corn, wheat and soybeans. Alongside their farm and ranch, Alisen works as a subagent for Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance. Alisen and Jared have three children.

Her path to where she is today has taken several turns. After earning a master’s degree in agricultural education from Iowa State University, Alisen spent approximately 11 years teaching at North Eastern Oklahoma A&M College. Then came another opportunity: serving on the AFBF YF&R Committee from 2022 to 2024, where she served as leadership conference subcommittee chair. Afterward, she accepted a position for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Federation, working as a field representative and eventually becoming involved in legislative policy. That experience opened her eyes to how deeply policy affects farmers and ranchers and how important it is for agricultural voices to be present when those policies are being shaped.

Say Yes

If Alisen could give one piece of advice to someone considering becoming involved in Farm Bureau, it would be simple: say yes. “Say yes to any of the opportunities that you're given,” she said. “You never know how that could affect your life in a positive manner.”

Her own career is proof. Saying yes to Farm Bureau opportunities introduced Alisen to experiences, relationships and leadership opportunities that ultimately helped shape the path she is on today. But for her, saying yes does not mean taking on everything. It means recognizing opportunities where you can give 100% and then fully committing. Her time on the national committee became one of those opportunities.

More Than a Committee

Ask Alisen about her experience on the national YF&R Committee, and she doesn't begin with meetings or projects. She talks about people. Years after her committee term ended, her fellow members remain some of her closest friends. They celebrate one another's successes, support each other through difficult seasons and continue to stay connected as their families and agricultural operations evolve. “They're like brothers and sisters to me,” she said.

The committee also worked to strengthen relationships between the national committee and Farm Bureau members in each state. Being a part of this process taught Alisen just how powerful the Farm Bureau network can be.

Agriculture can be isolating. Farmers and ranchers are spread across the country, but they share a common responsibility to advocate for their industry, educate others and support one another. That is where leadership comes in.

Be the Ladder

One piece of advice Alisen received during her Farm Bureau journey has stayed with her: give people opportunities you didn't have. “I always try to say, I'm a ladder and you just climb up on my shoulders,” she explained. That image has become a defining part of how Alisen views leadership.

Leadership isn't about keeping opportunities for yourself. It is about creating more opportunities for the people who come next. “We need to better this industry and we need to educate folks about how we are able to feed this world,” she said. That philosophy now extends beyond Farm Bureau.

Alisen's background in plant and soil science has made her a resource for Oklahoma legislators navigating complicated agricultural and environmental issues. Even after leaving Farm Bureau's lobbying role, legislators continue to reach out to her for help understanding issues involving agriculture, soil and water.

She has found that she doesn't necessarily need to be the person sitting in the legislative seat to make an impact. Sometimes her greatest influence comes from helping the person in that seat understand agriculture well enough to make an informed decision. “People don't know what they don't know,” she said. Her role is to help them learn.

Knowing What Matters Most

Perhaps the greatest lesson Alisen took from her Farm Bureau experience was a clearer understanding of what matters most. Her career has given her opportunities to travel and speak with and address thousands of people. Those experiences were meaningful, but they also gave her perspective.

After spending so much time away from home, she realized her greatest priorities were much closer. Today, Alisen still wants to use her experience and knowledge to serve agriculture. However, she now serves by staying connected to her farm, her family and her community while being just a phone call away from legislators in need.

Building What Comes Next

For Alisen, the future of agriculture ultimately comes down to the next generation. Those currently involved in agriculture have a responsibility to leave the industry stronger than they found it. That means supporting one another, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for others to grow.

“When people are able to climb on your shoulders, let them,” she said. It is a philosophy that captures Alisen's YF&R journey. She said yes to opportunities that shaped her career. She built relationships that have lasted well beyond her committee term. She grew as a leader and found new ways to influence agricultural policy and now she is using those experiences to help others climb higher.

The legacy of an AFBF YF&R Committee member doesn't end when the committee term does. Sometimes, it looks like a career shaped by an unexpected opportunity. Sometimes, it looks like lifelong friendships. Sometimes, it looks like helping a policymaker understand agriculture, and sometimes, it simply looks like holding out your shoulders and saying to the next person: Climb up. There's room for you here.

Nicole Burbage serves on AFBF’s YF&R Committee, along with her husband, Shiloah. Together they raise cattle and goats in South Carolina. Nicole also works off the farm as a licensed real estate professional and appraiser.

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The White House plan to import more beef doesn’t appear to be lowering prices a great deal. Chad Smith has the details.

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Iowa Farm Bureau’s Real Farmers. Real Food. Real Meat. initiative brings authentic stories of environmental stewardship, animal care and nutritional benefits of meat and dairy products to Iowans.

Launched in 2019, the initiative has several consumer touchpoints. On the Real Farmers. Real Food. Real Meat. microsite consumers can learn more about Iowa farmers’ commitment to sustainability, animal care and providing nutritious food for families. Visitors to the site can also sign up for The Iowa Dish, a newsletter that features the Iowa farmers who work each day to provide safe, nutritious foods; quick bites on food safety, nutrition and foodie trends; and in-season recipes.

Partnership with Fareway Expands Campaign Reach

One of Iowa Farm Bureau’s strongest allies in the initiative is Fareway Meat & Grocery, an Iowa-based grocery store with outlets throughout the Midwest. For the past four years, Iowa Farm Bureau and Fareway have partnered for Meat the Need, which in 2025 included a donation of 23 pallets totaling 25,000 pounds of meat — the equivalent of 100,000 servings of nutritious protein for Iowans in need — to the Iowa Food Bank Association.

In late spring, Iowa Farm Bureau and Fareway cohost an educational contest called Sizzlin’ Summer Giveaway. By completing a short online quiz that highlighted the value of animal protein as well as farmers’ commitment to animal care and environmental sustainability, participants could win one $200 Fareway meat card from each of Fareway’s 119 Iowa locations. Fareway also awarded one grand prize winner a Pit Boss 2 Burning Griddle, a Fareway meat bundle and barbecue-related swag such as tumblers, folding chairs, grill accessories and more.

Fun, Food and Learning at the Iowa State Fair

Iowa Farm Bureau also showcases Real Farmers. Real Food. Real Meat. at the Iowa State Fair through signage, interactive games and meat-focused activities. One such activity was the “Pulling for Iowa Farmers” pull-tab cards featuring meat products from commodity partners selling food at the fair. Fairgoers first played an educational game highlighting how farmers raise real meat then received a pull-tab card. If all three tabs revealed the same food — a pork chop, turkey leg or hamburger — they won that item.

In addition, on Farm Bureau Day, Iowa Farm Bureau hosted a statewide cookout contest in which more than 50 backyard chefs competed for nearly $4,700 in cash prizes and the Cookout Contest Grand Champion title. The contest featured categories for pork, beef, lamb and chicken and included a division for youth aged 13-17.

County Farm Bureaus Tap Into Real Farmers. Real Food. Real Meat. Resources

More than three-quarters of county Farm Bureaus in Iowa are also making the most of Real Farmers. Real Food. Real Meat.’s resources, like campaign and print advertising templates, messaging, radio scripts, and logos to wrap grain trucks.

For example, Floyd County Farm Bureau put banners around their county fairgrounds with positive livestock messaging and a QR code that led to the Real Farmers. Real Food. Real Meat. microsite. Greene County uses a RFRFRM-branded picnic table wrap with messages about the nutritional value of meat at various community events.

State Awards of Excellence

Iowa Farm Bureau’s Real Farmers. Real Food. Real Meat. was recognized with a 2026 Award of Excellence in the Engagement and Outreach category. The award was presented at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention in January in Anaheim.

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Diesel prices continue climbing, leaving farmers wondering how long this will continue. Chad Smith looks for the answers.

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American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today called on President Trump to roll back plans to import an additional 300,000 metric tons of beef into the United States. An American Farm Bureau Federation analysis shows increasing imports has had little impact on ground beef prices at the grocery store. Meanwhile, cattle prices have weakened, with ranchers experiencing losses up to $300 to $400 per head.

“America’s farmers and ranchers are renewing their call to the president to reverse course on his plan to import foreign-raised beef. While we appreciate Mr. Trump’s goal of reducing grocery costs for America’s families, increasing beef imports has not brought prices down.

“Farm Bureau economists tracked 41 locations since Labor Day and found that, on average, prices have fallen only 16 cents per pound. Most prices were unchanged. Families are still facing historically high prices and the threat of a 60% increase in imports over 90 days caused a sharp drop in the prices paid to ranchers for their cattle.

“To put it simply, the plan undercut a fragile recovery in the cattle industry while failing to benefit consumers. We urge the president to stop importing additional beef and focus on long-term solutions that support rebuilding the U.S. herd, which benefits both farmers and consumers who want home-grown beef.”

Read the Farm Bureau Intel on beef prices here.

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