Ag Alert October 21, 2026

Diesel Continued from Page 3

clear message: Diesel prices matter,” Cal- ifornia Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass said. “Diesel powers the equip- ment that plants, irrigates, harvests and transports our food. These survey results show the financial pressure fuel costs are placing on family farms across Califor- nia. Farmers won’t survive if something doesn’t change.” The survey comes as farmers continue to face higher expenses for other essential inputs, including water, fertilizer and labor. For some produc-

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ers, rising fuel costs have already led to fewer field opera- tions. More than 40% of respondents said they had reduced field work because of diesel prices, while nearly 31% reported

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cutting operating hours. One producer said fuel expenses were forcing reductions in irrigation and water conservation measures, highlighting how higher costs can affect decisions beyond equipment use. Farmers are also putting off investments and maintenance. Nearly 39% of respon- dents said they had delayed equipment maintenance, and nearly 36% had deferred equipment purchases. Another 24% re- ported reducing hiring. “We have to sell property because we can no longer afford to pay for fuel for the equipment,” one respondent said. “With all the rising costs, we are months away from foreclosure.” The survey also asked farmers how much they could save if diesel prices were 73 cents per gallon lower, based on their fuel use during September and October. Responses varied according to fuel con- sumption, with some operations report- ing potential savings of hundreds or thou- sands of dollars per week. More than 40% of respondents said between 76% and 100% of the diesel they purchased was used on the farm, under- scoring the importance of fuel to agricul- tural operations. Farm Bureau asked respondents what they would do with savings from being able to use red-dyed diesel on public roads. The most common response, selected by near- ly 58%, was that the savings would help keep their farms financially viable. Nearly half said they would use the savings to offset rising input costs, while 36.5% would pay down operating debt and 36.6% would invest in equipment repairs and maintenance. About 50% said they would complete additional field work. Others would use the savings to improve roads, fences or other infrastructure; improve irrigation or wa- ter delivery; or hire employees or increase work hours. Farm Bureau said the survey, which can be completed at www.surveymonkey. com/r/VZX7G77, is intended to provide policymakers with information about the effects of diesel prices on California farms and ranches.

California Farm Bureau proudly endorses Nationwide ® for insurance and financial services

Farm Bureau thanks the following Nationwide appointed agents * for their support

Not all listed agents may offer both insurance and financial services

* Agents: Want to show your support of Farm Bureau? Call CAFB at 916-561-5570 to learn how to participate in future ads.

12 Ag Alert October 21, 2026