Iran war LIVE Updates: Trump says Iran ‘probably’ behind Saudi oil pipeline attack; vessel in Strait of Hormuz hit

The price of diesel in the United States has surged to record levels, causing significant strain for U.S. farmers who rely on it to operate their essential farm equipment during a challenging harvest season. Diesel prices reached an all-time high of $5.85 per gallon on September 4, and as of the latest update, averaged $6.05 per gallon, according to AAA.

This price increase, which is 60% higher than before the Iran war began in late February, has exacerbated the financial difficulties faced by farmers who are already contending with rising costs for fertilizer, seeds, and equipment.

Paul Mitchell, a professor of agricultural and applied economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, emphasized the severe impact of these escalating diesel prices on the farming community. He pointed out that the cost not only affects the harvesting process but also the transportation of grains and silage from farms to markets.

Jason Kurtz, a corn and soybean farmer near Forest City, Missouri, personally experienced the financial ramifications of the higher diesel costs. Kurtz, who has to run a combine that consumes approximately 200 gallons of diesel fuel daily for 30 days, found himself paying twice as much for diesel this year, which has already put his finances under significant pressure due to increased expenses for fertilizer and chemicals.

Despite his financial constraints, Kurtz, a Trump supporter, has indicated that he would postpone some farm activities if diesel prices were to continue on their current upward trajectory.