STATEHOUSE (Oct. 5, 2026) – State Reps. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) and Tim Yocum (R-Clinton) welcomed Gov. Mike Braun's announcement this week suspending special fuel restrictions for off road diesel after they joined fellow lawmakers urging the governor to provide relief for Hoosier farmers during harvest season.
In a letter sent to the governor, Heaton, Yocum and colleagues noted Indiana is seeing its highest ever recorded price for diesel fuel at almost seven dollars a gallon, with some areas of the state topping the seven-dollar mark. Heaton said farmers are disproportionately impacted by these rising costs with standard agricultural operations during the harvest process using thousands of gallons of diesel.
"Agriculture is a major part of Indiana's economy, and high fuel costs put additional pressure on the farmers who keep that vital industry running," Heaton said. "Lowering operating costs during harvest season means farmers can save money and continue the important work of feeding our state and nation."
Yocum said the governor suspended Indiana's gas usage tax starting in April to address rising costs and reduce the strain on millions of Hoosiers, expanding the relief in May to include the gas excise tax. Those efforts led to Indiana having the lowest gas prices in the nation. Diesel prices, however, have remained high which is placing a significant burden on farmers during harvest season.
To mitigate the pressures put on farmers, Yocum and Heaton, along with 50 other legislators, called for Gov. Braun to allow farmers to use off road diesel fuel instead of highway diesel fuel in semi-trucks until January 1, 2027, after harvest is completed. The governor's recent declaration provides diesel tax relief for farmers and continues the suspension of gas use and excise taxes for all Hoosiers until Nov. 4, 2026.
"Allowing farmers to utilize off road diesel for farm-related hauling is a common-sense way to help reduce costs during one of their busiest times of year," Yocum said. "I'm glad we were able to raise this issue with the governor and see action taken so quickly."
Heaton and Yocum continue to call for federal action and warn Hoosier farmers along the border of Indiana to avoid hauling crops across state lines in vehicles using off road diesel. While Indiana farmers can now legally use off road diesel for hauling on roads inside state lines, crossing into neighboring states exposes them to federal penalties.
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State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes all of Owen County, and portions of Clay, Monroe and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Yocum (R-Clinton) represents House District 42, which includes
all of Parke and Vermillion counties, and portions of Clay, Fountain and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
