Farmers react on Indiana Gov. Mike Braun waving regulations for "dyed diesel" use
BREMEN, Ind. -- As Indiana farmers prepare for the fall harvest, Governor Mike Braun is waiving regulations for them to use "dyed diesel" for their trucks and tractors.
As diesel fuel prices continue to soar, sitting at $6.84 per gallon according to AAA, local farmers are feeling the hurt.
With Governor Braun announcing the exemption on Wednesday, this will now save farmers like Charlie Houin several dollars a gallon.
“With the current diesel fuel prices being $6, that will save us $2 plus,” Houin said. “That will add up big time – it's like having a third of your cost of harvest disappear on you.”
According to the Indiana State Department, family farms currently make up for around 94% of farms in Indiana.
For Charlie Houin and Houin Grain Farms, the cost of diesel fuel was simply becoming too much.
“Each of our tractors at least hold 200 gallons of fuel anyway you cut it, each of them,” Houin said. “Every time we fill up for harvest – you can imagine what that bill looks like at the end of the week.”
But now, with the Governor Braun’s latest Executive order, Houin says farmers like himself feel seen.
“We are being seen right now,” Houin said. “It’s nice to be recognized in what you do and your importance in the state economy. Agriculture is a viable option, and it is a real economic driver.”