AgEnergy Newswire

Rising energy costs hit farmers, ranchers hard

"The costs for fuel and other energy-related expenses are offsetting good grain and cattle prices for farmers and ranchers, particularly those who live long distances from nearby towns, according to Boyd Waara, vice president of First National Bank of Philip, and John Johnson, president of First Western Bank in Sturgis.

Waara said the high grain prices may be temporarily masking higher fuel costs. The full pain of the high fuel costs likely will be felt later when grain prices drop, he said."

Tips to save diesel fuel

As fuel costs continue to rise, farmers hitting the fields with seeding equipment like air drills can realize significant cost savings through fuel efficiency, said Tyler Lane, Montana State University Extension agent in Toole County.

Ag Chairs Get Farm Bill Help

It took a meeting with house speaker Nancy Pelosi to jump start the stalled farm bill effort. But despite a deal to raise new money for the bill, many issues remain unsettled.

Pelosi and senate democratic leader Harry Reid directed their sides to get the farm bill done, arranging an infusion of some 10-billion in new money that the tax writing chairs will come up with.