Rising energy and fuel costs are placing increasing strain on rural American communities, even as the broader U.S. economy shows signs of resilience in early 2026. CoBank said a strong first quarter, marked by steady job growth, solid consumer spending, and continued investment, has done little to shield rural areas from the outsized impact of surging gasoline and diesel prices.

NAFB News Service

Rising energy and fuel costs are placing increasing strain on rural American communities, even as the broader U.S. economy shows signs of resilience in early 2026. CoBank said a strong first quarter, marked by steady job growth, solid consumer spending, and continued investment, has done little to shield rural areas from the outsized impact of surging gasoline and diesel prices.
NAFB News Service

Sarah Heinrich is both a rancher and a broadcaster for The Ag News Leader, KFGO & the Growing Harvest Ag Network. She’s the former KX-TV, Bismarck, Ag Director and the niece of another legendary North Dakota Ag Director, Al Gustin. She leads the KFGO 790-AM team as Farm & Ranch Director. Also part of the team is Farm and Ranch Reporter Sam Halstengard.

Sarah Heinrich is both a rancher and a broadcaster for The Ag News Leader, KFGO &amp; the Growing Harvest Ag Network. She&rsquo;s the former KX-TV, Bismarck, Ag Director and the niece of another legendary North Dakota Ag Director, Al Gustin. She leads the KFGO 790-AM team as Farm &amp; Ranch Director. Also part of the team is Farm and Ranch Reporter Sam Halstengard.

Growing Harvest Ag Network

KFGO & Growing Harvest Ag Network's Sarah Heinrich & Rusty Halverson bring you the latest in agriculture news and information from the Upper Midwest. Subscribe on Apple, Stitcher and wherever you get your podcasts as well!

KFGO &amp; Growing Harvest Ag Network's Sarah Heinrich &amp; Rusty Halverson bring you the latest in agriculture news and information from the Upper Midwest. Subscribe on Apple, Stitcher and wherever you get your podcasts as well!