Alabama Farmers Struggle with Rising Gas Prices

0:00On this March 13th and Birmingham, here's what is making headlines. Gas prices in Alabama are climbing fast, now averaging $3.28 per gallon. That's up three cents from Thursday, nearly 30 cents higher than last week, and 56 cents more than a month ago. Tensions in Iran are driving the spike, and it's hitting local farmers right as spring planting ramps up. At Durban Farms in Chilton County, peach trees are already blooming ahead of harvest. Senator Colby Jones says the rising costs go beyond fuel, jacking up prices for fertilizer and even plastic buckets for strawberries. They face similar jumps before, like during the Russia Ukraine issues. Farmers are getting creative to save money. Instead of spreading out tasks to keep workers busy, they're combining jobs, sending just one tractor for what used to take several. It forces tough calls on what's essential and what's not. Being a small, local operation is a big plus. Even like massive producers in Florida and Georgia hauling truckloads across states,

1:02they avoid extra hits of $50 to $100 per load. That keeps the pain manageable. Jones stays upbeat heading into their peak market season. Tourism looks strong, even during spring break, with steady crowds expected all summer. He hopes fuel prices ease soon to lighten the load. This episode is proudly sponsored by our partner. Next steeper, reset faster, come for you can hear, S-O-L-I-SOLIPILO.com.