Daily Record Diesel Prices Put New Pressure on Iowa Farmers as Harvest Begins

The ongoing war in Iran has pushed diesel prices above $6 a gallon as farmers enter one of the busiest times of the year

DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa farmers are entering harvest with diesel prices at record levels, adding another cost to the work of harvesting crops, hauling grain and transporting livestock.

In Iowa, the average price of diesel reached $6.15 per gallon for the week of September 14, while the national diesel average surpassed the previous record as renewed hostilities involving Iran escalated. Since the start of the war, the global market has lost approximately 1.6 billion barrels of crude oil, with energy executives saying the disruptions have contributed to crude reaching record numbers.

For farmers, the timing is particularly significant. Harvesting requires fuel for combines, tractors and trucks, leaving farmers with limited ability to reduce their diesel use without affecting essential work. According to resources at Iowa State University, prices have doubled since 2024, costing farmers thousands of dollars each day. 

Dan Keitzer, vice president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, said many farmers delayed purchasing fuel in hopes prices would fall, raising concerns about whether fuel will be readily available when farmers need it.

“Hardly any farmers have fuel on hand for this fall. Everybody's kind of waiting for the same thing. In my mind I'm worried… are we going to be wanting diesel and it's not going to be available for a couple of days?” Keitzer said.

Keitzer said the diesel he is purchasing costs more than twice what he paid a year ago.

Up until the most recent passage of the war powers resolution, Iowa House members Rep. Nunn and Rep. Miller-Meeks voted against ending combat operations in the Iran war. In March, April, May, June, and July, both representatives voted in support of extending the conflict.

The higher fuel costs come as Iowans continue to identify the cost of living as a major concern. A new Navigator Research survey found that 48% of Iowans named inflation and the cost of living as a top priority for Congress, while 69% said they viewed the economy negatively. A viewpoint confirmed by the Federal Reserve's recent decision to increase interest rates by a quarter percent. The survey also found that 16% of Iowans identified the war with Iran as contributing to increased costs.

For farmers operating near the break-even point, higher diesel prices can add significant costs at a time when fuel is necessary to complete the harvest.