Oregon farmers fear rising diesel prices could cost them generations of work

EASTERN OREGON (KTVZ) The farming families of Gilliam County are used to hardship, but this year’s fuel and shipping costs are testing even the most seasoned growers. Fifth-generation farmers say they’re doing everything they can to keep their operations alive — and their way of life intact.

For Erin Heidemann and her husband, Deacon, who are raising eight boys on their family farm, the financial pressure has become personal.

“For me, it’s a real strain. It’s huge,” she said. “I worry, honestly, that I’m going to lose this before my boys take over.”

Across Oregon, farmers like Heidemann are cutting back wherever they can. Kirk Melville from Enterprise says even basic maintenance has to wait as fuel prices climb. Diesel costs have doubled, adding $15,000 to a recent purchase of 10,000 gallons.

Producers can’t raise prices to cover those expenses — global markets decide what they earn. And beyond fuel, shipping costs to export their products from the Port of Portland are piling up.

Melville fears what’s ahead if fertilizer and freight prices remain high.

“If we continue on into fall planting with high fertilizer and fuel costs, it’s going to be really difficult,” he said. “There’s going to be a lot of farmers that will not be able to recover.”