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Record high diesel prices could change 2027 crop year plans

A north-central Ohio farmer says record-high fuel costs will likely have an impact on his plans for the 2027 crop year.

Owen Niese says he’s carefully evaluating every decision.

“We’re going to be making some different decisions on how much and where to spread fertilizer,” he says. “It’s also how much tillage do we do and what’s necessary?”

He tells Brownfield the state’s recent diesel tax suspension will help, but it won’t make much of an impact.

“We thought we had high diesel prices in the spring, but it’s nothing compared to where it is now,” he says. “You buy one day and by the end of the week, it’s up 50 cents. Diesel is definitely making a bigger impact now than I’ve ever seen.”

Niese says he’s concerned fuel costs will remain one of his biggest expenses for next year.

AUDIO: Owen Niese