Rising diesel prices are hitting American farmers hard, and the pain is now a topic on national TV. Aaron Lehman, president of the Iowa Farmers Union, weighed in on Bloomberg TV's "Balance of Power" about how the surge is affecting people who work the land. AAA data shown in the segment put the national average for diesel at $6.31 per gallon as of October 22, 2026, up $2.55, or about 68%, since late February. That matters most at harvest time, when combines, tractors and trucks all run on diesel.

The segment also tied the fuel squeeze to midterm politics, pointing to President Trump's visit to Iowa and extra worries about tariffs. AAA figures reported earlier this fall show diesel averaged about $3.76 per gallon before the U.S. and Israel launched their war against Iran in late February, and prices have climbed sharply since. Iowa farm groups and lawmakers have already pushed for relief, including calls to lower the cost of this key farm input. The big question is whether help arrives in time, and how farm country will weigh fuel costs and tariffs when it votes.