The Minnesota Corn Growers Association is encouraging farmers to plan ahead for their propane needs this harvest season. Last winter farmers saw record high propane prices due to a number of market factors, including a pipeline shutdown. Association President Ryan Buck says to try to avoid that problem from reoccurring this year they’re encouraging farmers to line up propane before harvest. They are also trying to speed up the permitting process, allowing farmers to store propane.
Buck says they’re hoping for a good growing season and normal crop maturation to help alleviate the amount of grain drying producers have to do in the fall, which should ease propane bottlenecks.
Buck says because of the increased demand for propane, especially in export markets, the days of farmers being able to buy propane as needed during the harvest are over.