Higher diesel prices may prompt farmers to rethink where they deliver grain, even when a buyer farther away offers a higher price. The Soy Transportation Coalition offers an online calculator to help producers compare delivery options by weighing grain prices against transportation costs. The tool works for soybeans, corn, wheat, and other commodities. In one example, the group compared two soybean markets: one 10 miles from the farm offering $12 per bushel, and another 50 miles away offering $12.15. With diesel at $3.75 per gallon, the distant location provided $24.60 more profit per load, according to the calculator. But when diesel rose to $6.30 per gallon, the closer location became $9 more profitable per load. The coalition notes that farmers may haul 130 to 200 loads or more during harvest, making small per-load differences add up. Farmers can compare their own options using the calculator at soytransportation.org/calculator.
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