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.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News 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:

RFD-TV Farm Legal and Taxation expert, Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, joined us Monday to break down the changes and explain what producers should know.
North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) President Mark Watne joined us Monday to share his perspective on the America First Trade Promotion Program and potential implications for producers.
Dividing up a family farming operation can be challenging, especially for children who may not want to become farmers themselves.
A booming butterfat market is good for some dairy products but threatens efficiency and margins for cheesemakers unless protein levels catch up
Duane Simpson, CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), joined us in Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the USDA’s plan and potential impact on producers.