Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency as surging diesel costs threaten farmers during the state’s peak harvest season.

Landry issued an executive order temporarily allowing certain highway vehicles to use dyed diesel, a fuel normally reserved for off-road equipment. The step is intended to provide immediate relief as diesel prices climb to record levels and agricultural producers face sharply higher fuel bills at one of the busiest times of the year.

Dyed diesel is generally used in vehicles and machinery that do not operate on public highways, including tractors and other farm equipment. Because it is not subject to the same federal and state fuel taxes as on-road diesel, it is typically sold at a lower price. Under the emergency order, qualifying vehicles will temporarily be permitted to use the fuel on Louisiana highways under the specific conditions set out in the order.

The action comes as farmers across the state push through harvest, when tractors, trucks, and other diesel-powered equipment can burn large volumes of fuel over long days in the field. Elevated diesel prices have added significant operating pressure at a moment when producers can least afford delays or extra costs. Landry’s declaration is designed to lower those expenses and give agricultural operators greater flexibility while the price spike continues.

The temporary fuel provision offers eligible farmers and other qualifying users an additional option for obtaining diesel as the state responds to the surge, helping keep harvest operations moving during a critical period for Louisiana agriculture.