DTN Survey Shows Concerns About Diesel
DTN Survey: Nearly 86% of Ag Producers Say High Diesel Prices Are Affecting Profitability
OMAHA (DTN) -- A recent DTN survey shows that agricultural producers are concerned about record high diesel prices affecting farm profitability. Nearly 86% of respondents said diesel prices are affecting profitability "a great deal" or "moderately."
DTN asked, "How much do current diesel prices affect your farm's profitability heading into harvest?"
The choices were:
-- A great deal. Higher diesel costs will significantly reduce my profit margin.
-- Moderately. Diesel costs will hurt profits, but I can manage the impact.
-- Slightly. Higher fuel costs are noticeable but not a major concern.
-- Not at all. Diesel prices have little effect on my operation.
P[L1] D[0x0] M[300x250] OOP[F] ADUNIT[] T[]
-- Unsure. It's too early to know the full impact.
The online poll ran from Sept. 22, 2026, to Oct. 8, 2026. Nearly 150 responses were registered for this question. Responses were recorded from 22 states and three Canadian provinces.
The leading responses were "A great deal," at 46%, and "Moderately," which had 39%. In addition, "Slightly" was at 11%, "Unsure" at 3% and "Not at all" at 1%.
Not surprisingly, Corn Belt states had a high concentration of producers concerned about high diesel fuel prices.
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska all recorded high levels of concern about fuel prices. Even in states with varying crops and different types of farms, most respondents showed higher levels of concern.
Another interesting geographic difference would be the response of the Northern Plains states.
North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana all showed higher levels of anxiety over diesel prices. Considering the region's long distance to other locations, the unease with historically high diesel costs is certainly not surprising.
DTN has covered the rising diesel prices closely over the last month. Here are some of the articles:
-- "Diesel Costs Cut into Corn, Soy Rallies," https://www.dtnpf.com/…
-- "States Allowing Dyed Diesel on Road," https://www.dtnpf.com/…
-- "Diesel Costs Eat Into Farm Safety Net," https://www.dtnpf.com/…
-- "Harvest Costs Climb With Added Fuel Surcharges, Squeezing Farmers' Margins," https://www.dtnpf.com/…
Russ Quinn can be reached at Russ.Quinn@dtn.com
Follow him on social platform X @RussQuinnDTN
(c) Copyright 2026 DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.