La Niña is Here: Farmers Urged to Prepare Propane Supplies Ahead of Winter

Mike Newland with the Propane Education & Research Council shares how producers can prepare for winter weather and the benefits of propane.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — La Niña has arrived, which could mean cooler temperatures and more precipitation on your farm this winter. Still, some analysts, like University of Washington Atmospheric Sciences Professor Cliff Mass, say it is expected to be relatively weak this go around.

“It’s very clear right now, we are in a La Niña winter,” Mass said. “We will begin at a La Niña winter, and right now the forecasts are that we will phase into neutral conditions by the end of the winter. So, you know, sometime after the new year it will switch to neutral.”

According to Mass, the silver lining is that drought should not be an issue this season. While moisture also will likely not be a big concern this year, he warned we could see some interesting storms as a result.

“These kinds of years tend to be wetter than normal — gets to be a little bit cooler than normal — the snowpack tends to be good,” he said. “So, it’s a favorable pattern for moisture.”

With winter weather just around the corner, many operations will soon be turning to propane as a reliable on-farm energy solution. Farmers are being urged to prepare now ahead of the cold season.

Mike Newland with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to share more on how producers can prepare and the benefits propane provides.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Newland discussed the main advantages of propane when reliability is critical during extreme cold, offered recommendations for winter preparation, and highlighted the economic and operational benefits of using propane on the farm. He also shared a call to action for producers, encouraging them to make early arrangements to ensure their energy needs are covered before temperatures drop.

Related Stories
ASFMRA CEO Amanda De Jong discusses farmland investment, data centers, technology and land ownership transitions at the organization’s annual conference in Phoenix.
Farmers are borrowing more to cover operating expenses while facing higher interest rates.
The country music legend celebrated her 80th birthday with a concert benefiting her Let ‘Em Run Foundation.
Golden Hour Ranch | Utah

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers and agricultural organizations will need to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to advance their priorities.
Nutrien eKonomics explains how farmers can rebuild low soil potassium, maintain levels above the critical value, and plan fertilizer applications.
The planned facility is expected to process roughly 400 cattle daily and bring new jobs to the region.
Rising milk production and lower prices are putting additional financial pressure on dairy farmers.
North American lumber prices fell 7% entering November as housing activity and seasonal demand weighed on the market. Timber values remain highly regional, with Southern pulpwood especially weak.
Producers could see additional disaster assistance considered before year-end, but the final amount and legislative path remain unsettled.
Laramie Sandquist says Nationwide’s program will equip and train 67 more fire departments in 2027, continuing its focus on preparing local first responders and educating agricultural communities about grain bin safety.
Jessie Coffey with the Nebraska Department of Education says the initiative connects Nebraskans with the farmers and producers behind their meals through recipe development and ag education.
In the new episode of Dirt Diaries, Robyn Ottolini’s story shows the importance of embracing individuality, staying connected to your roots, and finding creative ways to build a career on your own terms.
CoBank Lead Grains and Oilseeds Economist Tanner Ehmke says domestic demand for corn and soybeans remains encouraging, while wheat export demand bears watching.
UNL’s Dr. Brian Vander Ley recommends evaluating cow body condition, closely monitoring calves for respiratory disease, treating health problems early, and maintaining biosecurity when introducing or moving animals.
Growing Mexican interest in U.S. genetics and feed technology could support additional agricultural export opportunities.