IABRN — Time and time again we are reminded of how challenging this growing season has been.
Mother Nature has not been kind this fall either, providing excessive rain and snowfall.
Farmers will need to dry down high moisture crops in the midst of propane shortages.
Here’s what it’s being done to “resolve” the issue at hand:
Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) yesterday signed a proclamation, suspending Hours of Service regulations for commercial motor vehicles transporting propane in the state. The measure looks to increase the amount of propane coming into the state, which is needed to dry harvested crops, as well as heat rural homes.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig thanked Governor Reynolds for issuing this proclamation, which “helps address propane challenges affecting our farmers in rural communities during an already challenging harvest season.”
“An unusually late harvest coupled with wet weather conditions has left farmers with higher-than-normal moisture levels in their corn. The early onset of cold weather means the corn is not drying in the field, which is increasing the need for propane to run grain dryers,” Secretary Naig said.
An Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) press release indicates propane is available in the Midwest. However, transportation and pipeline capacity limitations are creating logistical challenges.
Industry officials state there is propane available in the Midwest. However, transportation and pipeline capacity limitations are creating logistical challenges.
This article originally appeared on the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network
