Colorado Farmers Face Drought and High Input Costs
Colorado farmers and ranchers say drought and rising fertilizer and diesel prices are squeezing operations ahead of the midterm elections.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Agriculture
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Colorado farmers and ranchers report mounting pressure from drought and rising operating costs. Nate Bowers's operation is producing about 30% of its average output, while fertilizer and diesel costs have climbed to some of the highest levels he has seen.
Why it matters
Higher input costs and reduced yields strain the margins of Colorado's agricultural producers. Their concerns are being raised as voters in the state head to the midterm elections.
Nate Bowers's operation is running at about 30% of average production due to drought. Willie Altenburg paid $6.59 per gallon for diesel at a recent livestock auction, while the extent of future price movement remains unclear.
The players
Nate Bowers
A Colorado farmer whose operation has been reduced to about 30% of average production by drought and high input costs.
Willie Altenburg
A Colorado agricultural producer with 50 years in the industry who reports that cattle prices are good while input costs are extremely high.
Kellen Riedlinger
A younger Colorado farmer who has identified rising diesel prices as a major concern for his operation.
The details
Nate Bowers reports that fertilizer costs are as high as he has ever paid, and Willie Altenburg, who has worked in agriculture for 50 years, says cattle prices are good but input costs are extremely high. Younger producer Kellen Riedlinger cites rising diesel prices as a major concern.
Timeline
Article published as Colorado voters head to midterm elections on November 4, 2026.
Market Landscape
Rising diesel and fertilizer costs are compounding drought losses for Colorado producers who already operate on thin margins. The pressure is being felt most by producers without the scale to absorb higher input prices.
Higher diesel and fertilizer costs can flow through to food prices and farm-supply budgets for Colorado households and businesses. Producers facing reduced output may also face tighter cash flow in the coming months.
The takeaway
Input costs are a major driver of farm profitability, and the combined effect of drought and high fertilizer and diesel prices is squeezing Colorado producers. Monitoring diesel and fertilizer trends is a practical step for anyone tracking agricultural costs.
Further reading
Explore more reporting in the Agriculture section for context on Colorado's farm economy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH).
Live Poll
Are rising fuel and fertilizer costs getting worse in your area?
