NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Severe winter weather sharply tightened U.S. energy supplies, driving a record drawdown in natural gas storage and lifting heating and power costs across much of the country.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, working natural gas stocks fell 360 billion cubic feet for the week ending January 30 — the largest withdrawal ever recorded. The pull was nearly 90 percent larger than the five-year average for the same week and pushed inventories to slightly below normal seasonal levels.
Winter Storm Fern stretched from New Mexico to New England, boosting heating demand while freezing wellheads and pipelines along the Gulf Coast. Residential and commercial consumption surged nearly 29 percent above normal, while production dropped due to freeze-offs and shut-ins. The combination tightened supplies quickly.
Prices reacted immediately. The Henry Hub benchmark climbed to $9.03 per MMBtu, more than doubling week to week and running over $5 higher than a year ago.
Higher natural gas prices ripple through agriculture, affecting grain drying, irrigation energy costs, and nitrogen fertilizer production.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Cold-driven spikes in gas prices can quickly raise fertilizer and energy costs.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Heavy rains are wreaking havoc on Argentina’s farmland, leaving nearly 4 million acres at risk and delaying corn and soybean plantings in one of the world’s top grain export regions.
November 20, 2025 01:21 PM
·
Ethanol exports are expanding on strong demand from Canada and Europe, while DDGS shipments remain broad-based and supportive for feed markets.
November 20, 2025 11:12 AM
·
Elizabeth Strom of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined RFD-TV to provide the latest perspective on post-harvest business planning and cropland markets in the Midwest.
November 19, 2025 04:19 PM
·
Mary-Thomas Hart, with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, discusses the latest WOTUS developments and their implications for agriculture.
November 19, 2025 03:05 PM
·
Only properly documented, unexhausted fertilizer applied by prior owners may qualify for Section 180 expensing; broader nutrient-based claims carry significant legal and tax risk.
November 19, 2025 12:52 PM
·
A massive rail merger could significantly impact North American agriculture and trade flows.
November 19, 2025 12:46 PM
·
Urea and phosphate see the biggest price relief from tariff exemptions, but nitrogen markets remain tight, and spring demand will still dictate pricing momentum.
November 19, 2025 12:31 PM
·
Hunter Biram, an extension economist with the University of Arkansas, is tracking Mississippi River water levels as grain shippers shift their focus to transportation following the wrap-up of fall harvest.
November 18, 2025 01:24 PM
·
With feed supplies running tight, producers can tap into some creative options, according to University of Pennsylvania Veterinarian and Professor Dr. Joe Bender.
November 18, 2025 01:13 PM
·
