Survey of 1,000 Farmers Finds Diesel Costs Straining California Agriculture
Published Friday, October 16, 2026
A new California Farm Bureau survey of more than 1,000 farmers and ranchers found diesel costs are placing significant financial strain on agricultural operations across the state, increasing production costs and adding pressure to already narrow margins.
Findings include:
- More than half of respondents say lower diesel prices would help keep their operation financially viable.
- Three out of four respondents report increased financial stress from diesel prices.
- 40% of respondents are reducing field work because of diesel costs.
- Farmers responding to the survey say diesel savings would be reinvested into workers, operations and farm infrastructure.
Diesel is essential to modern agriculture, powering tractors, harvesters, trucks and other equipment used every day on farms and ranches. As fuel costs rise, producers say they are being forced to make difficult decisions about where to cut expenses, with some delaying investments and scaling back operations.
"Farmers and ranchers are sending a clear message: Diesel prices matter," California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass said. "Diesel powers the equipment that plants, irrigates, harvests and transports our food. These survey results show the financial pressure fuel costs are placing on family farms across California. Farmers won’t survive if something doesn’t change."
When asked, farmers mentioned the different concerns they have about rising diesel prices:
“We have to sell property because we can no longer afford to pay for fuel for the equipment. With all the rising costs, we are months away from foreclosure.” - Karen S.
“We are on razor-thin margins, and income is seasonal. Spiking of big inputs like diesel causes uncertainty, delays plans and makes you think of where you can cut to offset the diesel price.” - Bryan A.
“Increased diesel costs have eliminated any potential profit from our 2026 crop.” - Adam E.
As farmers and ranchers face rising costs for other essential inputs, reducing diesel expenses could provide critical flexibility in already tight operating budgets. Respondents indicated savings would be reinvested directly into their businesses through employee wages, equipment upgrades, infrastructure improvements and other operational needs that help farms remain productive and competitive.
The survey is part of California Farm Bureau's ongoing efforts to highlight the economic challenges facing family farms and ranches and ensure policymakers understand the real-world impacts of rising costs on food production in California.
Take the survey here.
Staff contact: Steven Fenaroli, sfenaroli@cfbf.com.
.svg.png?cacheid=0.9616018850896426)
