Diesel prices in Minnesota remain above $6 a gallon and have increased this week, adding to farmers’ expenses during the fall harvest. Prices have climbed nearly $3 a gallon since this time last year.
Some state lawmakers are calling on Governor Tim Walz to allow farmers to use tax-exempt red dye diesel on public roads. Walz has issued an executive order raising weight limits for farmers and truckers to help reduce trips and fuel costs.
Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing says he would prefer to see prices fall naturally.
“I’d love to see some market situations that would allow that fuel prices to come down and then we wouldn’t have to be in this situation,” Glessing said. “That is not where we are right now and really it’s going to be a major hit on the bottom line for a lot of farmers when we’re just starting to see good prices.”
Glessing also says using red dye diesel could create challenges when a temporary exemption ends, particularly for farmers who use the same trucks for different purposes throughout the year.
