Mukwonago farmer says he's spent an extra $20K on diesel as prices hit all-time high
CBS 58 MUKWONAGO, Wis. (CBS 58) -- In southeastern Wisconsin, diesel prices are at an all-time high — many pumps surging past $6 per gallon.
If there’s a person whose livelihood depends on the price at the pump, it’s a farmer.
“Yeah, the diesel is a major issue for us,” said Rob Schuett, owner of Schuett Farm. “Farmers are pretty resilient people and able to work around things.”
Schuett uses hundreds of gallons of diesel every single week on his Mukwonago farm.
“You need the fuel to do the planting and to do the harvest. There’s no alternative," said Schuett.
These days, each trip around the farm creates a deeper hole in his wallet.
“It’s tough. The price of the commodities has come up a little bit over the last few months, but not near to compensate for the fuel because as fuel goes up, fertilizer goes up at the same time,” said Schuett.
“Diesel prices well over two-and-a-half dollars per gallon more than they were to start the year,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
For Schuett, that’s an extra $20,000 he’s spent on fuel.
“That starts to add up real quick when you’re looking at $6-plus per acre,” said Schuett.
As diesel prices continue to rise, Schuett says several farmers are hosting other programs such as harvest fests to help bring in some extra dollars.
“Pumpkin season coming up, I mean that’s why we do that stuff,” said Schuett. “You gotta be diversified to stay in the game.”
As the Iran war continues, diesel prices are also impacted by the Ukraine-Russia war, as well.
“On a normal day, Russia produces a significant volume of diesel,” said DeHaan.
As for farmers, Schuett says he’s just hoping the price comes down soon.
“I thought a little while $4 a gallon was too high. I’d be happy to have $4 a gallon right now,” said Schuett.
