Southwest Iowa farmer Duane Aistrope says locking in fuel early spared his operation from recent price spikes. He told Brownfield he booked all spring fuel and arranged booked half fall fuel in January, a decision he called "one of the best moves I’ve ever done." Aistrope added that buying now would be much more expensive given current market levels.
Aistrope says he watches price trends year-round and relies on his supplier’s market service to time purchases. "I keep a pretty close eye on the market. My fuel supplier also does an excellent job," he told reporters, explaining that those two practices together shaped his decision to pre-buy substantial volumes.
He used the January window to cover planting-season needs and to cover a portion of the fall workload, reducing near-term exposure to volatile pump prices. Aistrope said his remaining concern is fuel for the 2027 growing season and that he plans to keep monitoring market signals for another favorable booking chance before harvest.
Fuel booking strategy
Producers who pre-buy fuel can convert price volatility into a budgeting line item and protect margins on a per-acre basis, Aistrope said, noting the peace of mind that comes with having loads scheduled and priced. AAA currently reports the national average diesel price at $5.46 per gallon, a level that makes forward contracting attractive for many operations weighing cash flow and input risk.
Aistrope emphasized that timing and a trusted supplier were both critical to his approach: early contracts removed the need to chase prices during busy planting weeks when operational demands are highest. He said he evaluates market windows, weather forecasts and cash-flow timing before committing to additional purchases.
Planning for 2027
While satisfied with his January purchases, Aistrope said he is already watching markets for a chance to cover more of his fall and 2027 needs. He hopes to "catch a window before fall rolls around" to book additional volumes, balancing the farm’s fuel requirements with available working capital.
Aistrope’s experience underscores a practical option for Midwest producers: use forward bookings to lock in fuel for critical fieldwork and reduce exposure to price swings, and coordinate purchases with suppliers who provide market monitoring and delivery flexibility. He says he will continue watching prices and supplier signals as he plans fuel needs for 2027 and beyond, and that securing more fuel before fall remains a near-term objective.
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