Diesel Prices Dip for Farmers at Harvest

Farm delivery diesel prices fell for the first time this harvest season, though they remain well above February levels.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Agriculture

Diesel Prices Dip for Farmers at Harvest

Live Poll

Are diesel prices in your area lower than they were a month ago?

Diesel prices for farm deliveries declined during the week of the harvest season, with Michigan farmer Jim Isley quoted $4.71 per gallon for off-road diesel, down from $5.17 at his previous purchase. The national average for diesel was $6.10 per gallon on Thursday, down 17 cents from last month.

Why it matters

Fuel costs are a major expense for farm operations during harvest, and Isley says they are hurting his finances. Lower delivery prices offer some relief, but farm-level costs remain elevated compared with earlier in the year.

Off-road diesel was quoted at $4.71 per gallon, down from $5.17 at Isley's previous purchase, while Crystal Flash dyed diesel stands at $4.88 per gallon, more than 60 percent above February levels. Whether the decline holds through the rest of the season is not yet known.

The details

Jim Isley, who farms in Lenawee County, Michigan, just north of Toledo, buys fuel in 1,000-gallon batches to reduce costs and uses roughly two gallons of fuel per acre. This week marked the first decline in delivery diesel prices during the harvest season.

February 2026: Baseline period used for comparison of dyed diesel prices.
October 2026: Comparison point for the national average diesel price decline.
Thursday, November 12, 2026: National average diesel price reported at $6.10 per gallon.
Week of November 13, 2026: First weekly delivery price decline of the harvest season reported.

Market Landscape

The national average diesel price, tracked weekly by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, fell 17 cents from last month to $6.10 per gallon. Farm delivery prices are following a similar but separate path, with the first weekly decline of the harvest season reported this week.

Farmers buying diesel by the batch may see lower delivery quotes than before, which can ease operating budgets during harvest. Retail diesel remains well above February levels, so fuel costs will still weigh on farm expenses.

The takeaway

Farm fuel buyers who purchase in bulk can compare delivery quotes against the national average to judge whether a lower price is a real improvement. Tracking weekly price reports helps time larger purchases during volatile periods.