Kansas Corn Growers Ask Governor Kelly for Diesel Fuel Price Relief

Kansas Corn Growers Ask Governor Kelly for Diesel Fuel Price Relief

MANHATTAN, Kansas - Oct. 9, 2026 - In response to farmers facing high diesel prices during harvest, the Trump Administration issued an executive order temporarily opening highway use of tax-free dyed diesel, deferring the federal diesel tax on that fuel through the end of 2026. The action is intended to provide some relief for farmers facing high diesel prices during a pivotal time in agriculture.

Kansas corn growers are asking Governor Laura Kelly to take similar action at the state level. Without a corresponding state deferment, the federal deferment does not benefit Kansas farmers.

"While waiving state and federal taxes on on-road fuel would not be a magic bullet to alleviate the pain from record fuel prices, it would amount to a 51.4 cent per gallon decrease in the price of diesel when hauling crops and cattle," said Josh Roe, Kansas Corn CEO. "In today's tight and negative margin environment, every little bit helps."

Kansas corn growers are also asking:

• To consider how enforcement measures are reinstated when the state deferment of excise tax ends. Residual dye can remain in tanks after the use of dyed diesel has concluded. A truck may be stored after the fall harvest and not used again until the following summer's wheat harvest.

• To provide flexible truck weight limits. A 10% weight increase across all vehicle types would allow farmers to make fewer trips as they get their harvest to market.

This past week, the Kansas Corn Growers Association joined other Kansas agricultural groups in a request to Governor Kelly to provide relief to the state's farmers and ranchers facing record-high fuel prices. The full letter can be viewed here.

Other states acted prior to the federal announcement and several more have joined following the announcement, providing some relief to agricultural producers.

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The Kansas Corn Growers Association represents Kansas corn growers in legislative and regulatory issues. The organization, comprised of more than 900 members, has been promoting corn and its products since 1975. Visit kscorn.com to learn more.