As Iowa farmers get ready to harvest, gas and diesel prices are continuing to rise, according to data from AAA. Iowa diesel rose 10 cents from this time last week, reaching $6.26 a gallon as of September 24. That is 81 cents higher than just one month ago. Just a few days ago, on September 21, AAA reported diesel to cost an average of $6.31 per gallon, the highest it has ever recorded.

Harvest is the most fuel-hungry stretch of the farm year, and heavy September rain has left some Iowa growers weeks behind. Unfortunately, relief may not come quickly. Kansas State University agricultural economist Gregg Ibendahl said diesel prices could stay around $6 to $7 a gallon into 2027 or longer.

Gas is climbing too. Regular unleaded averaged $4.33 a gallon as of September 24, up about 25 cents from a month ago and $1.42 higher than a year ago, when it averaged just $2.91 per gallon. With little relief in sight, many Iowa drivers are shopping around for the cheapest pump in town.