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longer be so readily available to temperatures and lower rainfall, rail transportation specialists
be railed to the Northwest and initial crop reports suggested to ensure we can provide what
Mid-Central states. The same that less propane than last our customers need, when they
goes for exports out of the Mid- year would be needed for crop need it,” says IPGA CEO Deb
Atlantic. The gas that had been drying. Grooms.
surplus and readily available will Then Iowa experienced a Overall, as of mid-summer,
be used for exports,” Alexander derecho – a powerful complex the grain drying season was
says. of storms that produce straight- shaping up to be business
“The slowdown in line winds – that impacted as usual and nothing like
production, especially in the about 33 percent of the corn the headache-laden harvest
gas-rich Marcellus shale region, crop, according to Gov. Kim of 2019, according to data
has exacerbated the issue in Reynolds. compiled by PERC.
the Northeast. Supply will truly For New Century FS, an “Current trends show a drier
be a local issue this winter. The agricultural cooperative that season and more irrigation
experts are saying that there operates in the hardest-hit areas needed ahead of the 2020
may not be the extra gas in of Iowa, that means a slower harvest season, making it less
other PADDs to help out PADDs crop drying season and perhaps likely that significant grain
with supply issues,” she says. fewer supply constraints than drying will occur as heating
last year during the upcoming needs increase, as was the case
Crop Reports heating season, says Jay in 2019,” says Mike Newland,
As with industry Christie, energy sales manager PERC’s director of agriculture
organizations throughout the at the company. business development.
“Our demand will be cut at
country, the Iowa Propane Gas least in half – probably more – SOURCE:www.lpgasmagazine.
Association (IPGA) has been for crop drying,” he says. com, James Guyette, September
hosting frequent conference Despite the likelihood that 28,2020
calls and other confabs with crop drying demand will be
propane stakeholders and down, IPGA has been preparing
relevant government officials. for possible supply issues. For more information
The approach of harvest season “Since last fall and winter,
was a key topic of conversation. the propane industry has been CLICK HERE
With the corn crop maturing working with wholesalers and
at a faster rate due to higher pipelines as well as truck and
September/October 2020 Propane Magazine 11
