2024 Ohio soybean harvest

The administration recently issued an executive order easing restrictions on the use of tax-exempt dyed diesel fuel for on-road agricultural transportation.

“We appreciate the administration taking action to provide farmers with additional flexibility around dyed diesel at a time when every dollar matters,” said Bill Patterson, president of Ohio Farm Bureau. “Diesel fuel is essential to keeping Ohio farms running, especially during harvest, and the rapid increase in fuel costs has added another challenge to an already difficult farm economy.” 

Ohio Farm Bureau has also joined other Ohio agricultural organizations in sending a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine, asking to temporarily suspend state restrictions and penalties on the use of red-dyed diesel for legitimate agricultural activities.

Ohio Farm Bureau also supported House Bill 519, establishing a 90-day motor fuel tax holiday starting Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. This applied to both gasoline and on-road diesel, further saving families money at the pump. 

Harvest and other time-sensitive farm operations require large amounts of fuel, and many farmers already have dyed diesel on the farm that was purchased before the recent price spikes. The temporary allowance of dyed diesel for on-road agricultural transportation would give farmers greater flexibility to manage costs and keep harvest moving. 

Read the joint letter from Ohio agricultural leaders.

“We appreciate these short-term measures to provide farmers relief, but they will not solve the deeper economic challenges facing our farm families,” Patterson emphasized. “Input costs remain high, margins remain tight and too many external factors are keeping a farmer’s bottom line out of their control. We need to keep working on long-term solutions that lower production costs, expand opportunities for homegrown biofuels and give our family farms the certainty they need to remain viable.” 

Read a Farm Bureau Intel on the impact of diesel prices during harvest.

Ohio Farm Bureau has worked closely with the American Farm Bureau in advocating for relief around fuel costs and supported its recent letter to the administration. 

This is a statement for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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