US farmers face record diesel prices ahead of harvest, costs double

US farmers are experiencing record-high diesel prices, with some reporting costs doubling year-over-year, directly impacting harvest operations for corn and soybeans. This surge, combined with existing elevated fertilizer and seed costs, is pressuring agricultural finances and has prompted some farmers to delay fieldwork. The situation signals potential upward pressure on food prices, though the broader impact depends on the duration of high prices and the extent to which costs are passed to consumers.