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
Dr. Jeffrey Gold with the University of Nebraska joined us to explain public health in rural communities and highlight resources residents can access to stay healthy
Sponsored
Matt Dolch with Syngenta discusses rootworm pressure, the latest trait technologies, and how corn growers can plan for 2027.
ASFMRA’s Howard Halderman gives an update on Corn Belt farmland values, buyer activity, and what to expect for the rest of 2026 as geopolitical tensions and bridge payments move
Farmers this year will finally be able to update their base acres with the USDA, something that experts warn must be done with complete accuracy.
“Cow goggles” are helping farmers experience cattle vision in real time, offering new tools to reduce stress, improve movement, and enhance livestock management.
Fewer interruptions could translate to improved efficiency—and fewer costly delays when timing matters most.

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:

FarmHER Moriah Hunter joined us Tuesday on Market Day Report to share what it was like having the FarmHER crew visit her hay and beef operation, Hunter Creek Farms, in La Grange, Ky.
FarmHER TV Host Kirbe Schnoor joins the Market Day Report to chat about more all-new episodes on the way!
Right-to-Farm Law Inapplicable when Farming Operation Not in Compliance with State Law – All of It
Let’s meet FarmHER Katie Hitchcock, a Salinas Valley, Calif.-based sweet baby broccoli producer. She stars in an episode of the FarmHER, which returns to RFD-TV this September.
Agricultural law and taxation expert Roger McEowen discusses issues facing farmers and ranchers, like self-defense, Good Samaritan laws, preparing for the exit, and cleaning out fencerows.
Premieres Tue, 9/3/24 – 9 PM ET | 8 PM CT | 7 PM MT | 6 PM PT