The global diesel crunch is hitting farmers just as fuel demand ramps up for harvest and fall fieldwork. South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation President Scott VanderWal said the price increase is a significant shock to farm budgets. “This is our time when we have the greatest fuel use during the year, from harvesting to preparing for next year, such as strip-tilling as we do.” VanderWal said his diesel costs are roughly 70 percent higher than what was paid during spring planting. “It’s definitely a shock to everybody’s budget.” VanderWal also serves as vice president of the American Farm Bureau.
