Pillen issues executive orders aimed at easing costs for Nebraska ag producers
By Theodore Ball, On Air Host/Multimedia Reporter/Producer Nebraska Public Media
Sept. 24, 2026, 6:01 p.m. ·
Gov. Jim Pillen issued two executive orders Thursday aimed at providing relief to Nebraska farmers and ranchers heading into harvest season.
The first order waives the state diesel tax for agricultural producers for 90 days. Producers can buy regular diesel, keep their receipts and apply for a refund of the tax. That includes diesel used in pickups hauling for agriculture.
The second order allows trucks hauling grain, livestock and other agricultural products to operate at 20,000 pounds per axle, letting them fill trailers without worrying about weight limits.
"Is it a game changer? No, but it makes a difference and it will help everybody in agriculture," Pillen said.
Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton said the relief comes as farmers face rising costs.
"Right now our row crop farmers are dealing with historic, challenging profitability, let's say, because of rising input costs. So anything we can do to lower the price of diesel and to allow them to haul a little bit more will be very, very helpful," Vinton said.
Vinton added that ranchers are still hauling in record amounts of feed after this year's wildfires.
Doug Bartek, who farms northeast of Wahoo, said producers are getting hit on several fronts, including diesel and fertilizer prices.
"We're at a time where things are just very, very uncertain in the farmer economy, be it diesel prices, our fertilizer prices. It just seems like all the way around, we're kind of getting hit really hard," Bartek said.
He added, "Is that the silver bullet? No, but any little bit will help."
Col. Bryan Waugh of the Nebraska State Patrol said troopers will monitor the heavier loads.
"Our troopers will be available to make sure that those that are taking advantage of this opportunity will do so safely," Waugh said. "But it's a very great opportunity for those folks that need the relief to do so."
Pillen also read a letter he's sending to President Donald Trump asking him to pause diesel exports for 90 days. In the letter, Pillen says diesel is averaging a record $6.21 a gallon in Nebraska and blames the spike on Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Pillen said the state is prepared to extend the orders another 90 days if needed.