MCLEOD COUNTY, MN. (WZMQ) – Diesel prices surged to $6.27 a gallon as of Tuesday, 9/15/26. The highest level on record; every diesel-reliant industry, like trucks, ships, and farm equipment, becomes more expensive to operate.
Here’s a look at a Minnesota farm with an uncertain future if diesel prices continue to rise.
“I’m expecting one of my biggest crops ever here this year,” said soybean farmer Ryan Mackenthun.
As he gets his equipment ready for soybeans,
Ryan Mackenthun believes he’s one of the lucky ones.
Timely rains in McLeod County alleviated some of the drought other farmers experienced.
“In McLeod County, there was a stretch from, I’d say, like Owatonna up to Morris; we’re kind of the last stretch to go into a drought category here in Minnesota,” explained Mackenthun.
But this year, it’s more than just drought that’s worrying soybean growers. The conflict in the Middle East is definitely having a direct impact on Minnesota farmers, with diesel prices surging above $6 a gallon. That’s $2.50 more per gallon than a year ago.
This fall, Mackenthun’s combines will use 300 gallons of diesel fuel a day.
“We are roughly a thousand, $1,500 more a day for 20 to 30 days in a row is going to cost us. So we’re going to get hit here on the farm, and the consumer is going to get hit eventually too in the marketplace,” said Mackenthun.
“No amount of planning can overcome that.”
Dan Glessing is president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau.
He says the silver lining is that a recent uptick in commodity prices like corn and soybeans can help offset some of the fuel costs.
“But it’s still going to be a real number when you get that fuel bill month to month. It’s definitely going to take a lot more out of the checkbook than you were hoping for,” said Glessing.
