The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) appreciates Gov. Tim Walz’s Oct. 1, 2026, executive order that will provide immediate relief to Minnesota’s agricultural, timber and fuel-transport industries, as the war in Iran drives diesel prices to record highs and raises costs across the state.

Executive Order 26-11 authorizes vehicles transporting agricultural and forest products to exceed regular weight limits by up to 10 percent on state and local highways. By allowing producers and haulers to move more products per trip, the order helps farmers conserve fuel and reduce costs during the critical harvest season.

In September 2026, amid high fuel costs for soybean farmers during harvest, MSGA joined the agricultural community in urging the governor to approve an exemption, citing unforeseen increases in diesel costs, despite Minnesota’s biodiesel law, which helps keeps diesel prices down.  

“Given the high prices we’re enduring this harvest, we are grateful to the governor for this executive order and providing relief to our members,” MSGA President Ryan Mackethun said. “Actions like these show that the relationships we’ve built across state government help provide meaningful benefits to soybean farmers. The reduction in fuel use will bring meaningful relief to farmers.”

The weight-limit relief applies to vehicles transporting soybeans, corn, wheat, potatoes, carrots, sugar beets and forest products from harvest sites to the first unloading point on state and local highways but does not apply on interstate highways. The order also provides temporary hours-of-service relief for motor carriers and drivers transporting fuel products, including biodiesel, diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, ethanol, as part of emergency relief efforts. It does not waive requirements governing driver qualifications, commercial driver’s licenses, drug and alcohol testing, or equipment necessary for safe vehicle operation.

“We are standing with the farmers, loggers, truckers and families who feed our communities, power our economy, and keep Minnesota moving,” Gov. Walz said.

Diesel prices have surged above $6.50 per gallon nationally, according to AAA, adding pressure on farmers during a harvest season already plagued by uncertainty. Minnesota farmers report that approximately 90 percent of the fuel used on their farms goes toward planting, caring for, and harvesting crops. Soybean and corn production require roughly eight gallons of fuel per acre and two to three gallons per acre used during harvest alone.

The executive order is effective immediately and remains in effect until rescinded or Oct. 30, 2026, whichever occurs first. The state continues to evaluate and pursue additional options to support Minnesota’s farmers, loggers, truckers and fuel haulers.

“Advocacy efforts like these show that the relationships we’ve built across state government make an impact and help provide meaningful benefits to Minnesota soybean farmers,” Mackenthun said. “We’re continue to work to deliver for Minnesota agriculture, and today’s announcement is another reason why it’s important to join MSGA. ”

Click here to become a member of MSGA.