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
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum explains how geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East could further tighten fertilizer movement, increase fuel costs, and complicate planting decisions for U.S. farmers this spring.
March 12, 2026 03:57 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Nieffer explains the Farmer Bridge Assistance payment limits, provides clarity on new legislation, and offers advice for producers considering business structure adjustments.
March 12, 2026 03:31 PM
·
Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins discusses the potential impact of data center growth on farmland, the Landowner Fairness Act, and key priorities for Missouri farmers heading into planting season.
March 12, 2026 03:04 PM
·
Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension discusses how geopolitical tensions and the Middle East, along with export disruptions in the Chinese market, will shape cattle markets in the months ahead.
March 12, 2026 12:54 PM
·
Refining shifts could influence fuel and input costs.
March 12, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Energy shifts influence diesel and fertilizer costs.
March 12, 2026 05:00 AM
·
